Uzbekistan has reached a milestone on its path to joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) by concluding negotiations with the United States, securing Washington’s backing for its membership bid. This achievement, confirmed by the President's Special Representative for WTO Affairs, Azizbek Urunov, marks the U.S. as the 21st nation to endorse Uzbekistan’s accession to the global trade body.
The negotiation process with the U.S. spanned over 14 months, featuring intensive discussions aimed at establishing a supportive framework for Uzbekistan’s WTO integration. Urunov described the negotiation journey as "full of adventures" and acknowledged the challenges encountered along the way.
“It was a journey full of adventures. The negotiations [were] difficult, but productive. The experience of a lifetime,” he said, expressing gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Urunov also extended appreciation to Uzbekistan's diplomatic representatives in Washington, including Ambassador Furqat Sidikov and Trade Counselor Okil Ubaydullaev, for their critical roles in fostering bilateral understanding.
Earlier, Uzbekistan's entry into the WTO was expected to boost the nation’s economic growth by 17% over the next five to seven years. During a roundtable discussion on Uzbekistan’s WTO membership at the World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Washington, Urunov highlighted that the advantages of joining the organization would include increased foreign trade, an improved business environment, and greater investment attraction.
Uzbekistan's @wto accession expected to boost economic growth by 17%, says special representative
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) November 3, 2024
Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO is anticipated to elevate economic growth by 17% within five to seven years, driven by government efforts to enhance the business climate, attract… pic.twitter.com/A3RxDq491i
Uzbekistan has been actively working towards WTO membership, prioritizing reforms aligned with the organization’s standards. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued directives in April 2023 to expedite the membership process, stressing its importance for enhancing the country's export potential, particularly in finished goods. Uzbekistan’s progress in WTO negotiations has been notable, having finalized discussions with 18 countries by September, including the recent signing of market access protocols with Brazil and Sri Lanka.
At the 78th UN General Assembly in September, Mirziyoyev reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to early WTO accession, which he called essential for the nation’s economic modernization. The WTO’s Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala pledged support to accelerate the membership process, reflecting a collaborative approach.
Uzbekistan aims to secure WTO membership by the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev confirmed this objective in May, indicating Uzbekistan’s readiness to meet WTO requirements through a phased approach. First Deputy Head of the Tax Committee Mubin Mirzayev announced that the country would receive a transition period after joining, allowing gradual alignment of customs duties and regulatory standards with other WTO members.
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