Olya Lutchyn, Director for WTO and Multilateral Affairs and U.S. Lead for Uzbekistan’s WTO Accession, recently had the opportunity to travel to Uzbekistan with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and colleagues to discuss the nation's ambition to join and contribute to reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). The trip also focused on the criminalization of domestic violence and significant labor reforms in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry.
During her visit, Lutchyn observed Uzbekistan’s strong desire for domestic changes benefiting its people and the nation's request for continued U.S. support in its WTO accession process. She confirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to WTO accession, bolstered by a recent Presidential Decree from June 2024. Despite the political support, she noted the need for better public awareness about the benefits of joining the WTO.
“It was also clear that while political support for such reforms exists, promoting and explaining the benefits of joining the WTO to the average citizen could still be improved,” she voiced.
Lutchyn visited several key institutions, including the new Office of the Special Representative of the President on WTO issues, the Uzbek Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine, the Agency for Technical Regulation, and the State Customs Committee. She was impressed by the integration of new technologies and the level of automation in trade-related procedures, such as electronic payment systems and online monitoring.
For instance, the Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine demonstrated an online system for land monitoring, soil inspections, and automated permits and certificates. Uzbekistan’s use of electronic phytosanitary certificates for trade with over 100 countries was particularly noteworthy.
At the Agency for Technical Regulation, Lutchyn saw a national lab equipped with modern technology, although it appeared underutilized. The State Customs Committee showcased its reforms in customs procedures, highlighting how automation has reduced corruption and increased revenue.
Lutchyn also visited the Promeat Group Corp meat processing plant, Eko Agro Product cold storage in Tashkent, and the largest poultry producer, Navobod Naslli Parranda (NNP) in Samarkand. Poultry producers expressed interest in agricultural subsidies discussions in Geneva, noting differences in inspection and regulatory compliance compared to the United States.
Despite the packed itinerary, Lutchyn regretted not meeting representatives of the Committee on Veterinary and Livestock Development and the Committee on Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health to discuss certification requirements. Nevertheless, she was impressed by Uzbekistan’s hospitality, pride, and enthusiasm for their work, as well as their efforts to empower women through childcare facilities and workforce training.
"Throughout my trip, I was impressed by the Uzbeks’ hospitality, pride, and enthusiasm for their work. It was inspiring to hear about Saida Mirziyoyeva’s strong desire to empower women," Lutchyn remarked.
Lutchyn’s visit to Uzbekistan exceeded her expectations. She expressed hope that Uzbekistan will continue its momentum and develop a WTO-consistent legal framework, ultimately joining the multilateral trade organization in the future.
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