Russian President Putin Signs WTO Accession Protocol

After 18 years, Russia is poised to become the 156th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). President Putin of Russia signed the accession agreement to join the WTO yesterday after receiving approval from Russia's legislative bodies earlier this month.  Russia's membership will take effect in 30 days.  Russia's economy is the 9th largest economy in the world and the largest currently outside the WTO.

(cgb)