President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to discuss the ongoing efforts towards Uzbekistan’s WTO membership. The meeting focused on key aspects of strengthening practical cooperation, particularly regarding the country's WTO accession process.

Discussions centered around the successful pace of negotiations between Uzbekistan and WTO member countries. Special attention was given to the harmonization of Uzbekistan’s national legislation with WTO norms, including the ongoing cancellation of export subsidies. The leadership emphasized the significant steps taken to align with international trade standards, which are vital for the country’s smooth integration into the global trade system.

Another major focus of the meeting was the improvement of qualifications for Uzbek specialists in international trade regulation. Both sides highlighted the importance of enhancing local expertise to ensure the successful navigation of international trade rules once membership is achieved.

The meeting also stressed the completion of negotiations and the strong support for Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to become a WTO member in the near future.

The Road to WTO Membership: Why It Matters for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s pursuit of WTO membership has been a long journey, with the working group on accession first established in 1998. After a period of limited progress, the country resumed the process in 2020, with key meetings held in subsequent years to address necessary reforms.

Membership in the WTO holds great promise for Uzbekistan. According to experts, joining the WTO will significantly enhance the country's competitiveness on the global market. It will provide access to a broader range of international trade opportunities, particularly for Uzbek manufacturers who will gain easier access to global markets. Furthermore, it will lead to improvements in the business environment, boosting economic growth and market reforms.

Umida Haqnazar, an expert in WTO issues, emphasized that membership would help modernize Uzbekistan’s trade and regulatory infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to expand and compete internationally. It would also contribute to reducing corruption by eliminating preferential treatment for specific enterprises.

As part of its accession process, Uzbekistan is working to harmonize its domestic laws with WTO agreements, including five key pieces of legislation. In May 2024, the country’s reform efforts were positively recognized during the eighth meeting of the WTO working group in Geneva, further reinforcing Uzbekistan’s commitment to the global trading system.

Future Outlook and WTO Support

WTO Director General Okonjo-Iweala reiterated the organization’s full support for Uzbekistan’s efforts, expressing confidence that the country will join in the near future. She emphasized that membership would open up vast opportunities for Uzbekistan, providing access to 98% of global trade and enhancing the country’s economic growth prospects.

In addition, a proposal was discussed to establish a WTO-supported competence center for trade policy in Uzbekistan, which would help build local expertise and further integrate the country into the global economic community.

Looking ahead, the 9th meeting of Uzbekistan’s WTO working group is scheduled for December 5-6, 2024, in Geneva, marking another milestone in the country’s pursuit of full WTO membership.

The successful completion of these negotiations is expected to strengthen Uzbekistan's trade relations, enhance its competitive edge, and align its trade policies with international standards. 

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.