WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Russia's WTO accession opens new opportunities for expansion of U.S.-Russia cooperation, Russian Minister of Agriculture Yelena Skrynnik said on Dec. 12.

"Certainly, the fact that Russia will soon join the WTO opens up new opportunities for investment and trade," she stated in a written address welcoming participants of the Agribusiness Forum in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. The event was organized by U.S. Russia Business Council (USRBC).

In her address, Skrynnik noted that the U.S. is one of the leading agriculture partners of Russia. Specific business proposals from America bringing much-needed investment, modern, "green" and efficient technologies to the agriculture sector in Russia will be put on "fast-track" and receive support from the government, she said.

"A practical outcome of this partnership is exemplified by the arrival of leading American manufacturers such as PepsiCo, John Deere and Cargill to the Russian agriculture market. The fact that these companies seek to expand their business in Russia serves as evidence that the industry's investment climate is becoming more attractive," said Skrynnik.