Mikhail Fradkov told a meeting of businessmen and officials: "The development of technical regulations, a very specific issue at a first glance, is vital for producers and customers, since their interests are entwined within it."
He said the business-friendly Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs had requested the issue be discussed today and added that the government would do so at a March 30 meeting.
The current law on technical regulations, which has been in force since July 1, 2003, represents the base legislation for manufacturers and outlines a seven-year (2003-2010) transition period during which Russia should develop clear technical requirements for the manufacturing, storage, transportation, sale, installation and use of products.
The main goal of the law is to eliminate barriers to trade and encourage free movement of goods ahead of Russia's mooted accession to the World Trade Organization, which it is seeking to join this year. It also covers the implementation of rules necessary for further cooperation with the European Union.
Fradkov said today's discussions with businessmen was an attempt to identify what was hindering the implementation of the law ahead of the government session, as there had been no significant progress on the issue, which is extremely important in terms of the competitiveness of Russia's output and services on domestic and international markets.
