The leader of the Russian delegation outlined Russia's belief in the growing importance of UN economic institutions, particularly UNCTAD, in view of the fragility of the post-crisis global economy and remaining uncertainty at the Doha Round trade talks. Mr.Likhachev stressed the relevance and importance of UNCTAD’s mandate as the UN focal point for trade and development, and interrelated issues.

Further to the recent visit of Dr. Supachai to the Saint Petersburg economic forum,  Russia is ready to strengthen its support and to invest in UNCTAD’s activities, particularly in monitoring and proposing solutions for a real and efficient reduction of all types of trade barriers both at regional and global levels, the Russian delegate said.
 
Russia is also interested in collaboration with UNCTAD in promoting the regional integration within the EurAsEC Customs Union and Common Economic Space.  Russia is planning to utilize at  the level of Customs Union, UNCTAD’s long experience in facilitation of trade and customs procedures, SME development, trade policy analysis and other relevant areas.