Uzbekistan has almost finalized negotiations with Russia on its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the country’s presidential representative for the WTO, Azizbek Urunov, announced.
Last week, a meeting between the Uzbek and Russian negotiating teams took place in Moscow to discuss the remaining issues related to Uzbekistan’s WTO accession. Representing Uzbekistan were Azizbek Urunov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Abror Mirzo Olimov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Khurram Teshaboyev, and Director of the Center for the Safety of Pharmaceutical Products Alisher Temirov.
“The negotiations are now almost complete: all substantive elements have been agreed upon, and only a few technical points require final verification and confirmation,” Urunov said.
He expressed gratitude to Russian officials, including Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov, Director of the Trade Negotiations Department Ekaterina Mayorova, and Permanent Representative of Russia to the WTO Nikolai Platonov, for their constructive participation and support throughout the process.
Uzbekistan and Russia plan to present the final results at the WTO General Council meeting in Geneva in December 2025. Following this, only bilateral negotiations with Chinese Taipei remain, Urunov added.
A Long Path Toward WTO Membership
Uzbekistan’s efforts to join the WTO began in 1994, with a special working group established in 1998 to implement the process. However, the initiative slowed for unclear reasons, and by 2005, meetings with international experts had ceased.
The accession process was revived in July 2020, with subsequent meetings held in June 2022, March 2023, and November 2023. Uzbekistan aims to become a full WTO member by 2026.
Under the personal supervision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the government has intensified efforts since 2023 to accelerate accession. In May 2025, the president called for an expedited process, emphasizing that joining the WTO is a strategic and forward-looking decision for Uzbekistan.
