12/14/2012
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk today hailed the signing by President Obama of H.R. 6156, the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act of 2012, which authorizes the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia and Moldova. This step will allow the United States to apply the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement to Russia, offering new, job-supporting trade opportunities for U.S. businesses and workers and allowing the United States to address trade disputes with Russia in the WTO system, if necessary.
“The United States strongly supported Russia’s accession to the WTO, because it is in the interest of our exporters and the Americans they employ to bring Russia more fully into the global trading system,” said Ambassador Kirk. “With the signing of this legislation, American businesses and workers are closer to enjoying the full economic benefits of Russia’s WTO commitments.”
Ambassador Kirk, Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank, members of Congress, and others joined the President at a signing ceremony at the White House today.
