The World around Us. Любинская Н.А. - 20 стр.

E. Writing
Think about the words you will need for a mini-composition “How to solve the
problem of gambling in Russia.” Write 10 simple sentences based on the plan:
1. Introduction
2. The main part
3. Conclusion

                           Unit 6. Time to Trade
Lead in
1. What is WTO?
2. Has Russia joined this organization?
3. What does membership of WTO give countries?
4. Why are many countries willing to enter?

                                  Time to Trade
The European Union and America say Russia is a market economy. Yet mem-
bership of the World Trade Organization is still some way off
       It was a big psychological boost to those in Russia who want their country
to be treated as a normal part of the world trade system, rather than as a peculiar
post-communist place with special rules at home and abroad. Last week Amer-
ica announced that it now considers Russia to be nothing less than a market
economy. Not long before, the European Union had taken a similar step, saying
it would change Russia’s status by the end of the year. The moves end a period
of foot dragging that was urged in part by protectionist forces in the West.
       On the whole, the endorsements are deserved. Russia’s may not be the
very model of a modern market economy. It is governed by forces that might
politely be described as unusual – including highly politicized subsidies for en-
ergy, transport and credit, a welter of organized crime and arbitrary bureaucratic
interference. Still, the laws of supply and demand certainly matter a lot more
than they once did. Some bits of the economy, such as a growing software in-
dustry, are world-class, although admittedly they are still small.
       The practical effect of the new status is limited, however. It may give
Russia some protection against anti-dumping measures taken by rich countries.
The real prize is membership of the World Trade Organization, the body that
governs global trade. That would put Russia firmly inside a rules-based system,
giving it at least some protection against other countries’ protection. At home, it
would also be a useful rod to beat back a capricious but overweening bureauc-
racy.
       Another round of formal negotiations over accession to the WTO starts in
Geneva next week. Russia has made a lot of progress in recent months, chiefly
on passing laws that fit WTO standards, and in bilateral talks on particular is-
sues, such as access for manufactured imports. How ever, the hardest part of the
negotiations still lies ahead – in effect, most things involving the bureaucracy,
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