Uzbekistan’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) are facing resistance from some partner countries, even as the country accelerates its accession process, according to presidential representative Azizbek Urunov.
Speaking in a recent interview, Urunov shared that while WTO membership is essential for Uzbekistan’s economic development and access to global markets, not all partners support the move. He noted that certain countries—including some described as “close partners”—have been discouraging Uzbekistan’s accession and attempting to redirect it toward alternative trade arrangements or organizations instead of the WTO.
Urunov also highlighted that skepticism toward WTO membership existed not only externally but internally as well, including among businesses and stakeholders in Uzbekistan. He stressed that building trust through dialogue and demonstrating the benefits of accession has been a key part of the process.
Accession Timeline and Progress
Uzbekistan aims to finalize its WTO accession by December 2026, with bilateral and multilateral negotiations expected to conclude by September. Final terms on market access for goods and services will be agreed, followed by preparation of the accession protocol for approval by WTO members.
The country has conducted bilateral negotiations with 33 WTO member states, including the completion of talks with Russia, and has now moved into the multilateral stage.
Earlier, Urunov has reported that Uzbekistan’s WTO accession may be delayed beyond March 2026 as some member states continue reviewing submitted documents.
While bilateral talks address country-specific issues, multilateral discussions focus on broader commitments required for membership.
Reforms and Long-Term Outlook
As part of the accession process, Uzbekistan is aligning its legislation with WTO standards, including reforms in food safety, anti-dumping measures, technical regulation, and trade policy. The law on foreign economic activity is also set to be updated to reflect core WTO principles such as most-favored-nation treatment and national treatment.
Uzbekistan first applied to join the WTO in 1994, but the process stalled for years before regaining momentum in 2020 and accelerating under presidential oversight since 2023.
With 166 WTO members accounting for 97% of global trade, accession is seen as a strategic step to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and expand access to international markets.
