Russia considers the CIS a priority in foreign economic activities, Vice-Premier Igor Shuvalov said at the International Economic Forum of the CIS on Friday.
He said that integration in the CIS has different tempos. It is time for a critical approach to what was done and talk on formation of a more efficient cooperation system, Shuvalov believes.
Signing of free trade zone agreement between Ukraine and the CIS may threaten the Customs Union and lead to additional barriers between Ukraine and the Customs Union, the vice-premier said.
Russia is negotiating a free trade zone with Ukraine. A deal may be signed within the framework of the CIS.
Experts say that the customs and price protection in Ukraine, free trade between the Ukraine and EU and the Ukraine’s membership in the WTO may be a threat to receiving goods within the Customs Union. A common duty fee for Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus exceeds the fee Ukraine negotiated with the WTO two-fold.
Shuvalov said that Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus will reduce the duty fee. This will give way to more competitiveness.
