In a significant move to expedite its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, Uzbekistan has injected fresh vigor into the negotiation process, as highlighted in the recent meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan on November 16. The Uzbek Government's enhanced efforts, marked by reinforced domestic institutions, earned praises from WTO members.
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, led a substantial delegation of nearly 50 officials to Geneva, including key figures like Chief Negotiator Mr. Azizbek Urunov and Deputy Ministers from various sectors. Their presence in the meeting was a testament to Uzbekistan's unwavering commitment to becoming a WTO member, a strategic priority for the nation.
Ambassador Yun Seong-deok of the Republic of Korea, Chair of the Working Party, noted the intensifying pace of negotiations and frequent interactions between Uzbekistan and WTO members. He commended Uzbekistan's sustained technical engagement and the critical policy and institutional measures taken since March to advance the talks.
Notable developments include the establishment of a special department in the Ministry of Justice for WTO compliance and the creation of WTO divisions in 20 ministries and agencies. These steps, along with the formation of a robust negotiating team, underscore Uzbekistan's readiness for constructive and substantive discussions.
WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang lauded the significant institutional changes and the legislative review mechanism adopted by Uzbekistan to align with WTO rules. These measures are expected to leave a lasting impact on the country's legal system and its development trajectory.
The recent meeting also highlighted Uzbekistan's proactive approach in bilateral negotiations, having signed agreements with five members and actively engaging with 31 others. The Working Party continued to scrutinize Uzbekistan's foreign trade regime, with Uzbekistan presenting updated information on various trade-related aspects.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan is set to revise its market access offers and continue multilateral discussions, with members invited to submit queries and proposals for draft commitments. The next steps also include revisions to Uzbekistan's Legislative Action Plan and further legal harmonization with WTO standards.
This renewed momentum in Uzbekistan's WTO accession talks reflects a strong alignment with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's vision and the active interest of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, marking a promising trajectory towards the country's integration into the global trading system.
