Customs Union members team up to protect domestic manufacturers in WTO

       The Customs Union member states are working out joint measures to support domestic manufacturers in conditions of the World Trade Organization, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Guryanov told media.
       In addition, the three countries are discussing programs for the joint support of exporters. They are willing to tune the banking system and the tax system to favor domestic manufacturers. “It will give us an additional chance,” stated the Deputy Foreign Minister.
      Support and subsidizing programs are another way to aid domestic manufacturers. They remain in place but they will be limited by the arrangements of the three countries that disallow abuse of industrial and agricultural subsidies. The WTO has the same requirements, clarified Alexander Guryanov. 
       “The Belarusian economy is ready to work according to the WTO rules. But everything depends on how actively and efficiently we implement new forms of work, on how we are going to open to new markets, raise labor productivity and work in conditions of high competition. And of course, our main task remains the same, regardless of the WTO entry, which is successful work in conditions of tight competition. This task is the prior one for our producers.
The market today does not operate differently. Even if we protect our market using tariff or non-tariff measures, this won’t last long. The whole world is going the way of trade liberalization”.