Russia ready to expand Customs Union, create free trade zones, including in Europe

"Together with our partners from Belarus and Kazakhstan we are ready for expanding the Customs Union. We are also ready for creating free trade zones, including in the format ‘free trade plus', with individual nations and with regional associations. Including in Europe," Dmitry Medvedev said.

The Prime Minister remarked that as from 2015 when the Eurasian Economic Union comes to be the freedom of movement of commodities, services, capital, and workforce in the Customs Union of the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan will be secured. From the business point of view the Union will offer an economic space where it will be possible to greatly reduce costs thanks to universal rules and standards, remarked Dmitry Medvedev.

"Certainly, a lot has yet to be done and the Eurasian Economic Union should fully reveal its integration potential," said the Prime Minister. He was convinced that the Russian trade representatives should put more efforts into promoting these long-term prospects, BelTA reports.

Dmitry Medvedev also reminded that Russia had taken over the presidency in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Russian Prime Minister instructed the relevant agencies to prepare a profound economic agenda within the framework of the organization and suggest it to partners.