The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council have voiced their support for U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and his team of negotiators for concluding negotiations on Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
“We appreciate Ambassador Kirk and his team of negotiators for their tireless and determined work in settling the issues that have blocked Russia’s accession to the WTO," said the groups. "We recognize that the conclusion of Russia’s membership involved tough negotiations over the past 18 years, including negotiations about poultry issues. The agreement that was reached will continue to allow Russia to remain one of the top export markets for U.S. poultry products.”
For U.S. companies to benefit from Russia’s accession, it will be necessary for Congress to lift the Jackson-Vanik amendment with respect to Russia and authorize the president to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations to Russia, according to the associations. “We will continue to work with the USTR, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congress to help ensure the negotiated access for our products to Russia,” they said.
