Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has achieved substantial progress in its path toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), successfully concluding bilateral negotiations with 15 countries in 2024. Azizbek Uronov, the president’s special representative for WTO accession, highlighted the country’s commitment to active integration into the global trading system in a recent LinkedIn post.

To date, Uzbekistan has signed agreements with 22 WTO member states. Recent bilateral deals include agreements with economically significant partners such as the United States, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, and Sri Lanka.

The country is currently working on a draft report by the Working Party, based on discussions held earlier in 2024. The finalization of this key document is expected in 2025, marking a major step toward full membership.

In preparation for WTO accession, Uzbekistan has adopted over 30 regulatory acts aligned with WTO standards over the past year, including nine new laws, six presidential decrees, and 12 government resolutions. Additionally, two Working Party meetings, two informal sessions on agriculture, and various international events were organized with the support of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the WTO in Tashkent and Washington.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held two meetings with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in 2024, underscoring the government’s keen interest in expediting the accession process. Uronov described the past year as "productive and historic," expressing optimism for further milestones in 2025.

Accelerating WTO membership remains one of President Mirziyoyev’s top priorities. In April 2023, he instructed the government to intensify efforts to boost the country’s export potential, particularly in finished goods. A special representative for WTO matters was appointed, and coordination units were established in 20 government agencies.

During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2023, President Mirziyoyev reiterated that WTO accession is one of Uzbekistan’s key national goals. The country aims to complete the process by the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon.

Following its accession, Uzbekistan expects a transition period of 2–3 years, during which customs tariffs will be set based on agreements with WTO members, according to Mubin Mirzaev, First Deputy Chair of the State Tax Committee. Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov described the WTO as "a fundamentally fair trade system" and emphasized the importance of preparing local businesses for the open market environment.

Despite these achievements, Uzbekistan still needs to finalize negotiations with key partners, including Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.