VOICED: Rusia ingresa a la OMC

Russia officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) as its 156th member after nearly two decades of negotiations. The main condition for Russia's entry was to reduce import tariffs, which are expected to drop from 9.5% to 6% by 2015. This move was seen as a significant step towards modernizing Russia's economy. However, the decision faced opposition, particularly from Russian communists, who feared that lower tariffs would lead to increased competition from foreign products, potentially harming the domestic industry rooted in the Soviet era.

What significant step did Russia take to modernize its economy?

• Signed a free trade agreement with the USA

• Joined the European Union

• Joined the World Trade Organization

• Adopted the Euro as currency

What was the primary condition for Russia's entry into the WTO?

• Signing a peace treaty

• Adopting a new currency

• Reducing import tariffs

• Increasing export tariffs

By what year were Russia's import tariffs expected to decrease to 6%?

• 2020

• 2025

• 2015

• 2010

Which country was the last major power to join the WTO before Russia?

• South Africa

• China

• Brazil

• India

What concern did Russian critics have about reducing import tariffs?

• It would lead to inflation

• It would harm Soviet-era industries

• It would increase unemployment

• It would decrease foreign investment