MOSCOW, May 29 (RAPSI) - Russia's Industry and Trade Ministry has submitted a draft law on standardization to the government, Minister Denis Manturov said at a Federation Council meeting.

Modernizing our system of national standards is an important step in adapting the Russian industry to the World Trade Organization requirements, he said.

"The law will facilitate the enforcement of international standards," the minister said. Therefore, appraisal results confirming Russian products' compliance with international standards will be recognized worldwide, and Russian producers will become more competitive in the global markets. "This will enhance the effect of Russia's accession to the WTO," he concluded.

The Industry and Trade Ministry has almost finished drafting a resolution preventing the government from procuring foreign products if similar Russian products are available in the market, he said. Products subjects to such restrictions will be put on a government-approved list.

This move is aimed at supporting Russian producers, however it will not be in conflict with WTO requirements, Manturov said.