Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Wall Street Journal reports that the European Union and Russia have reached agreement on the terms for Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). The article notes that Russia must still conclude agreements with any WTO members that demand them, and has to negotiate deals with other big trading partners such as China and Japan. In addition, the article reports that the U.S. has said that it is still a long way from reaching a WTO accession deal with Russia. (WSJ dated 05/24/04, www.wsj.com)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
1. EU and Russia Reach Agreement on Terms for Russia's WTO Entry
2. U.S. and Uruguay Begin Bilateral Investment Treaty Negotiations
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced that on May 12, 2004, the U.S. and Uruguay initiated negotiations of a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) as part of the U.S.-Uruguay Joint Commission on Trade and Investment. The U.S. has BITs in force with more than three dozen countries, but has not negotiated a new BIT in five years. (USTR press release 2004-39, dated 05/12/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/05/04-39.pdf)
3. U.S. and Panama Sign New Reciprocal Accord on Inspecting Ships
The Washington File reports that on May 12, 2004 the U.S. and Panama were to sign a new reciprocal agreement that addresses checking ships for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). According to the article, the agreement adds Panama to more than 10 other countries participating in the Proliferation and Security Initiative, aimed at controlling WMD on the high seas. (Washington File Pub 05/11/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/is/Archive/2004/May/11-922646.html)