Ukraine becomes WTO's 152nd member

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Ukraine today become newest member of the World Trade Organisation, raising strength of the global trade body to 152 members, WTO said.

''I am very pleased to welcome Ukraine as a new member.....

this new membership will strengthen the multilateral trading system,'' said Director General Pascal Lamy.

Ukraine, which started its accession negotiations in 1993, ratified its accession package on 16 April, paving the way for its joining the multilateral trade body.

Under WTO rules, a country becomes a member 30 days after national ratification.

Ukraine, Europe's second largest country by area, is a land of agriculture and heavy industry with a population of 46.6 million people. Its main trading partners are the European Commission, Russia, Turkey, Belarus and the United States.

UNI SAA AK NS2034