Simultaneously, the WTO rules will protect the rights of Russian carriers on the foreign market, said director of the ministry's trade negotiations board Maxim Medvedkov.
"We give only what is sealed by the current legislation in our obligations and in return gain access to the foreign markets," he said.
Transboundary truckage will be regulated by bilateral agreements. Truckage in the Russian territory by foreign companies will be done only if they are established in this territory and their trucks are registered, he said.
As regards maintenance and repair, foreign companies will be able like now to service foreign trucks. Foreign companies may engage in the keeping and handling of cargoes only if they set up a legal entity in the Russian territory.
As to railage, Medvedkov said that here, too, Russia assumes no additional obligations and things will not change in this sector after entry into the WTO.
In the field of air transportation, Russia will retain priority rights for domestic air carriers, Medvedkov said.
Opening of the Russian air space for foreign airlines is not in discussion at the WTO entry talks.
"We are not ready for open competition, which we find gainless", Medvedkov said. It will create problems for both Russian air carriers and the Russian aviation industry, he said.
Talks are now underway on Russia's joining the World Trade Organization. Presidential aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky said Russia hoped to be its full-fledged member in 2007.
