Uzbekistan plans to finalize its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by December 2026, with the goal set as one of the country’s key priorities this year under a presidential decree.
The document outlines that bilateral and multilateral negotiations on accession are scheduled to conclude by September. Final terms on market access for goods and services are expected to be formed, followed by a working group meeting and the preparation of the accession protocol.
The formalization of Uzbekistan’s WTO membership is planned for December, when all required documents will be submitted to member states for approval.
Throughout 2026, the country will also complete the alignment of its legislation with WTO requirements. New laws are to be adopted in areas such as food safety, anti-dumping and countervailing measures, and safeguard measures. Existing legislation on technical regulation, veterinary and phytosanitary standards will be revised to comply with WTO rules.
By the end of the year, amendments to the Law on Foreign Economic Activity are also planned to enshrine core WTO principles, including most-favored-nation treatment and national treatment. These changes are expected to facilitate Uzbekistan’s full integration into the global trading system and expand access to foreign markets.
In December 2025, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative on WTO Issues, Azizbek Urunov, announced the completion of bilateral negotiations with Russia. Uzbekistan has held bilateral talks with 33 WTO member states, resolving country-specific issues, and has now moved to the multilateral stage, where general commitments are reviewed. Finalizing legislative reforms remains one of the key remaining steps before accession.
The WTO currently has 166 members, accounting for around 97% of global trade. Uzbekistan first applied for membership in 1994, but the process experienced several interruptions. A dedicated working group was established in 1998, yet negotiations slowed in the mid-2000s and consultations with international experts were suspended. The accession process was revived in July 2020 with the fourth meeting of the working group, followed by additional sessions in 2022 and 2023.
Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s direct oversight, efforts to accelerate accession intensified from 2023 onward. In May 2025, the President instructed officials to expedite the process, describing WTO membership as a carefully considered, long-term strategic choice.
The government views WTO accession as a major driver of economic modernization. Membership is expected to create more predictable and transparent rules for businesses, strengthen competition, attract higher-quality foreign investment, and integrate Uzbekistan into global value chains. Officials believe joining the WTO will allow the country to engage with trading partners under common rules, enhancing export opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth.
