Uzbekistan has taken another step toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), signing bilateral protocols with Argentina, Australia, and Honduras, Azizbek Urunov, the Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, announced on LinkedIn.
The agreements were reached this week in Geneva, where the Uzbek delegation, led by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, continued negotiations with WTO members. Additional agreements were also reached with two more WTO countries.
“These agreements not only advance our accession talks but also open new channels for economic cooperation, trade diversification, and stronger business ties with partners across different regions of the world. Each signature brings Uzbekistan closer to full WTO membership — a milestone that will unlock new opportunities for our economy, region, and trading partners globally,” Urunov wrote.
Uzbekistan has now reached agreements with 29 WTO members, with two more countries having a framework basis in place. Only three countries remain for the completion of bilateral negotiations.
During the Geneva visit on September 17, Saida Mirziyoyeva met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to discuss ongoing reforms, potential challenges on the path to membership, and the importance of trust and cooperation.
She also expressed gratitude to the WTO chief for her leadership and support, stressing that Uzbekistan will continue to fulfill its obligations within ongoing reforms.
Uzbekistan’s WTO Accession: A Long Road
Uzbekistan began its WTO accession efforts in 1998, but progress was slow, with little advancement between 2005 and 2020. Talks resumed in 2020, and since then, several Working Group meetings have been held.
Since 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has placed WTO accession under special supervision, making it a strategic priority. By mid-2025, Uzbekistan had negotiated market access with 33 countries, completing agreements with 25, including the UK and Switzerland. Officials have been tasked with finishing all negotiations by the end of 2025, aiming for full membership in 2026.
To meet WTO requirements, Uzbekistan has implemented wide-ranging reforms, including aligning national laws with WTO agreements, modernizing trade and customs regulations, strengthening intellectual property protections, and abolishing exclusive rights in six state-linked enterprises. Accession is framed as a strategic move to integrate Uzbekistan into global trade and support broader economic reforms.
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