The Coalition is currently engaged in an education effort in the United States to inform members of Congress and the general public about the importance of the Russian market to U.S. firms.
Once a commercially meaningful agreement is reached on Russia's WTO accession, the Coalition will work to ensure that Congress moves swiftly to graduate Russia from the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions and extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Russia. U.S. companies can only take advantage of the tremendous benefits that come as a result of Russia's WTO membership if Congress passes PNTR for Russia.
USRBC members are benefiting from tremendous growth in the Russian market, which is the 10th largest in the world. Russia is also the 12th largest retail market in the world, and its IT sector is the fastest growing in the world.
It is the largest U.S. export market for poultry and U.S. cars are the top selling models in the Russian market. Real disposable incomes in Russia have posted strong gains in recent years, and Russia's middle class represents nearly 25 percent of the population.
"Across sectors, U.S. businesses see great opportunity in Russia, and Russia's WTO accession will strengthen bilateral commercial relations," said Lawson.
U.S. Russia Business Council
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