Why is this important
Joining the World Trade Organization is a key stage for Uzbekistan’s integration into the global trade system and consolidation of economic reforms. WTO membership determines the long-term conditions for Uzbek goods and services to enter foreign markets and establishes rules for interaction with trade partners. Any delays in this process can affect investment expectations, the pace of reforms, and the country’s foreign economic strategy.
What happened
- Uzbekistan expressed growing concern about possible delays in the process of joining the World Trade Organization.
- Presidential spokesperson for the WTO and chief negotiator Azizbek Urunov said that the country considers bilateral negotiations with Saudi Arabia completed and held a meeting with the chairman of the WTO accession working group, confirming its commitment to a factual approach within the framework of the negotiation process.
- The representative noted that the government of Uzbekistan is fully committed to joining the WTO, has carried out significant reforms, and remains ready to discuss all remaining issues.
- Urunov emphasized the need for consistent and objective feedback from the working group members and indicated concern about possible unintentional delays in the process.
- He said that Uzbekistan is in the final stage of joining and does not see any objective obstacles to completing the process in the near future.
Numbers and facts
- Uzbekistan has reached agreements on joining the WTO with 33 countries.
- Protocols on the completion of negotiations have been signed with 30 countries.
- Negotiations with Russia have been completed, and the signing of a corresponding protocol is expected soon.
- According to the representative, negotiations on market access could have been completed by October, however, some protocols remain unsigned due to reasons not related to market access.
- Uzbekistan and a number of WTO members consider the completion of the accession process to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled for March 2026, to be realistic.
Context
- The possible delay statement reflects Uzbekistan’s desire to expedite the final stage of negotiations and obtain a more predictable schedule from WTO members.
- The emphasis on the absence of objective obstacles and the country’s readiness to fulfill its obligations indicates the desire to secure political support for joining within a short period.
- If the process is completed by March 2026, Uzbekistan will be able to move from a negotiation format to a full-fledged participation in the multilateral trading system.
