Gov’t announces trade deal with Russia that includes telecom

WASHINGTON-The United States and Russia signed a landmark trade deal, likely paving the way for the large Eastern European nation’s entry into the World Trade Organization next year and improved export-investment opportunities for U.S. wireless and tech companies.
“This is a strong and far-reaching commercial agreement that meets the high standards of President Bush’s market-opening trade agenda and moves Russia closer to full integration into the global, rules-based trading system,” said Susan Schwab, the U.S. trade representative.
The bilateral trade agreement, among other things, sets out an understanding on procedures for importing technology products with encryption such as mobile phones, operating systems, and other products, said USTR. The trade agency also said the U.S.-Russia trade agreement establishes a blueprint for protecting intellectual property rights. Piracy is a major problem in Russia.
Russia, according to USTR, has also undertaken steps to liberalize access to its telecom and satellite markets.