U.S. supports Uzbekistan’s bid for WTO membership after 14-month negotiations

Uzbekistan has completed negotiations with the United States on joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking another key step toward full membership, according to Azizbek Urunov, the President’s Special Representative for WTO Affairs. These discussions, which lasted 14 months, resulted in the United States becoming the 21st country to formally support Uzbekistan’s WTO bid.

Photo: Spot

Reflecting on the negotiation process, Urunov described it as a challenging yet rewarding journey. “It was an adventure-filled path. The talks were complex but productive — an experience of a lifetime,” he said. Urunov expressed gratitude to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for its constructive involvement, as well as to Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Washington, Furkat Sidikov, and Trade Counselor Oqil Ubaydullaev for their crucial support.

In September, Uzbekistan announced the completion of WTO negotiations with 18 countries, including agreements with Brazil and Sri Lanka on market access protocols.

Uzbekistan’s Path to WTO Membership

In April 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the government to accelerate WTO membership efforts, emphasizing the importance of joining the organization to expand Uzbekistan’s export potential, particularly in finished goods. In line with these directives, the president appointed a special representative for WTO issues and ordered the establishment of units within 20 government departments dedicated to WTO coordination. He also implemented a restriction against enacting any regulatory frameworks that conflict with WTO standards.

At the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023, President Mirziyoyev reiterated that WTO accession remains a priority for Uzbekistan. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala pledged to expedite the next session of the working group on Uzbekistan’s membership bid.

Uzbekistan aims to finalize its WTO accession before the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon. In an August dialogue with business representatives, Mirziyoyev called joining the WTO an “integral part of the nation’s reforms.”

Additionally, Mubin Mirzaev, First Deputy Chair of the State Tax Committee, stated that Uzbekistan would be granted a transition period upon joining the WTO, during which tariff structures will be determined through agreements with other member countries.

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