OREANDA-NEWS. September 20, 2011. Azerbaijan expects appointment of dates of the next meeting within multilateral negotiations on membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Deputy foreign minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev informs that we expect to hold the meeting before the end of the year, but its terms have not been appointed yet by the WTO Secretariat.

"One should understand that we are not the only country with whom the WTO negotiates," Mammadguliyev indicates.

Earlier the IX round of talks was scheduled for November or December 2011.

"Terms of bilateral negotiations with WTO members depend on terms of multilateral negotiations," Mammadguliyev emphasized.

Within the preparation for WTO membership Azerbaijan raises now new challenges before the local producers and exporters.

"Today, 98% of world trade is carried out under WTO rules, and Azerbaijan’s membership in the Organization will be the largest step in the realization of export potential. In particular, in case of discrimination the country can apply to structures dealing with analysis of such disputes, and where small countries have repeatedly won the large states. However, export potential should be created for its realization. We must have high quality products, as the WTO does not negate the issues of standards and quality - it abolishes discrimination and technical obstacles. If goods do not meet the quality requirements, the WTO can not help," Mammadguliyev said.

Azerbaijan has observer status in the WTO.