Kazakh official: Kazakhstan on WTO threshold

Two issues connected with tariff harmonisation remained on the table for negotiators, Zhaksylykov said. "We have reached understanding with the negotiating countries as to how these issues should be resolved and we believe all chances are there to complete the talks and join the WTO this year," he said, adding that accession to the WTO required finalising bilateral talks in the four categories of goods, services, agriculture and systemic issues. Speaking of the outlook for Kazakhstan as a WTO member, Zhaksylykov said membership would simplify access for Kazakh goods to WTO markets, Kazinform cites Itar-Tass. "We shall enjoy most-favoured nation status, that is the principle of non-discrimination will be applied to our country, including terms of our goods transit" through WTO states, Zhaksylykov said.