14 December 2008
Yesterday the Rada approved the last package of laws needed to put Ukrainian legislation in line with WTO requirements. Nick Piazza: Ukraine has entered the home stretch, and now needs only to reach a bilateral trade agreement with Kyrgyzstan and prepare its Working Party Report. Though Kyrgyzstan has reportedly gone out of its way to stall talks with Ukraine, it is unlikely they will stand in the way of Ukraine’s ascension. With the Working Party Report, the key will be reaching an agreement on the timeframe for reducing protectionist tariffs in the agriculture sector. The next working party meeting is scheduled for the end of the month, and if negotiations go well Ukraine stands an chance of being invited to join the WTO in February when the body is scheduled to hold its General Council Meeting and become a full member this summer.