Russia, Kazakhstan could join WTO in 2007

ALMATY, December 1 - Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref said he believes Russia and Kazakhstan could both join the World Trade Organization in 2007.

"The ideal forecast for both Russia's and Kazakhstan's accession to the WTO is 2007," Gref told students and teachers at the Kazakh National Pedagogical University in Almaty on Friday.

Gref conceded that this forecast my be "a bit optimistic" for Kazakhstan since Russia has already completed its bilateral talks on WTO accession, while Kazakhstan still must conclude bilateral talks with seven countries, including the United States and the European Union. Therefore, he said, it will be normal if Kazakhstan joins the WTO in 2008.

Gref was also given an honorary Doctorate in Economics at the university.