2 february, 2010 15:18  
 
 

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on customs regulation issues

 
 
 

“The importance of this problem is evident. It became even more evident after we created in 2009, in a record short time, the Customs Union with our main trade and economic partners, Belarus and Kazakhstan.”

Vladimir Putin At a meeting on customs regulation issues

Prime Minister Putin's introductory remarks:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

We have gathered here to discuss customs regulation issues.

The importance of this problem is evident. It became even more evident after we created in 2009, in a record short time, the Customs Union with our main trade and economic partners, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

We have had common customs tariffs and a non-tariff regulation system since January 2010. In July we must make the next major step of putting into effect the common Customs Code.

These accomplishments certainly require a more consistent approach to the development of relations with our partners. Our government agencies must be able to coordinate their positions to make timely decisions.

We must seek due order on the external borders of the Customs Union. We will not allow any kind of gray zones for unscrupulous moneymakers to take advantage of. At the same time, honest businessmen must see all the advantages of integration and the Customs Union.

This is even more critical given that we set ourselves a very important goal -establishing a common economic space, which we plan to go into effect on January 1, 2012. This suggests an even closer integration. I think comment is needless.

A territory with a population of 170 million people could easily become an attraction for capital and high technology, which we have discussed so much recently.

Naturally, we must move cautiously, step by step, adjusting our respective national legislations to the tasks we address.

This is what we are going to discuss today.