Azerbaijan could become WTO member in 2012

Azerbaijan could become a member of the World Trade Organization next year. Of the non-EU former Soviet Union republics, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia are already members of the WTO. It is also widely expected that Russia will become join the organization this year. Currently, Azerbaijan is actively involved in the negotiations with WTO authorities. As Azeri Deputy FM Mahmud Mamedkuliev stated that the world financial crisis had accelerated the urgency and the process of entering the organization for his country. According to him, membership of the WTO would provide better opportunities for the country's great potential.