Uzbekistan is making progress toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking a historic milestone in the country's 31-year accession process. This was highlighted during the second day of the WTO General Council meeting on February 19, 2025.
Azizbek Urunov, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative on WTO issues, shared key takeaways from the meeting on LinkedIn, emphasizing the country’s growing support within the organization.
As part of Agenda Item 11, WTO Director-General presented an update on the accession process, reflecting on the outcomes of 2024. Following an eight-year gap, two nations—Timor-Leste and Comoros—successfully joined the WTO during the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. Currently, 22 other countries are in the process of seeking membership.
Given the latest developments, the WTO leadership has identified Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ethiopia as priority candidates for accession at the next Ministerial Conference (MC14), set to take place from March 26–29, 2026, in Cameroon. A total of 26 WTO members took part in the discussions on Uzbekistan’s progress, with 16 of them expressing clear and strong support for the country’s accession.
Uzbekistan received backing from key economies, including Argentina, Brazil, Botswana, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Among CIS countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan also reaffirmed their support for Uzbekistan’s bid.
With President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to its people, overcoming challenges, and aligning its economic policies with international standards. The country aims to enhance global trade integration while strengthening partnerships with WTO members.
“The determination is here—2026 is not far,” Urunov stated, signaling Uzbekistan’s readiness to complete the accession process and secure WTO membership at MC14.
Uzbekistan’s WTO Accession: A Long-Awaited Milestone
Uzbekistan’s journey toward World Trade Organization (WTO) membership began in 1998 with the establishment of a dedicated Working Group. After years of limited progress, the accession process was officially revived in July 2020, leading to a series of key discussions in June 2022, March 2023, and November 2023.
A major diplomatic breakthrough came in September 2023 when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the UN General Assembly. The WTO chief acknowledged Uzbekistan’s progress and expressed confidence in its accession prospects.
By early 2024, the Uzbek government had already aligned five national laws with WTO regulations, reinforcing its commitment to meeting international trade standards.
Saida Mirziyoyeva: Steering Uzbekistan’s Path to WTO
Saida Mirziyoyeva, the first assistant to the president of Uzbekistan, has been one of the driving forces behind the country's efforts to join the WTO. Passionate about economic reforms, she has actively highlighted Uzbekistan's progress, celebrating key milestones in 2024, such as crucial WTO Working Group meetings and successful negotiations with 15 countries that resulted in 23 signed agreements.
Beyond policy, Mirziyoyeva has championed transparency and fair competition, pushing forward 20 legislative changes to align with WTO standards. She has engaged directly in high-level talks with WTO officials, advocating for reforms that address state-trading enterprises and export restrictions.
The Impact of WTO Membership on Uzbekistan’s Economy
WTO membership is expected to bring substantial benefits to Uzbekistan. According to Urunov, joining the organization will level the playing field for local businesses, fostering a more competitive economic environment. Competition, he emphasized, is a key driver of growth, as demonstrated by rapidly developing economies.
Additionally, WTO accession will enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to foreign investors, ensuring long-term economic stability. By adhering to global trade rules, the country will be better positioned to engage with international markets and integrate into global supply chains.
With full membership targeted for 2026, President Mirziyoyev sees WTO accession as a strategic step toward securing Uzbekistan’s long-term economic future and strengthening its role in the global trade system.
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