Photo: uzdaily.uz
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed government officials to accelerate the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), including the adoption of around 15 regulatory acts and revised versions of several key laws. The directive was issued during a May 14 meeting dedicated to the matter, according to the presidential press service.
Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for the government to work closely with members of parliament to “modernize” legislation, including the laws On the Quality and Safety of Food Products and On Safeguard Measures, Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties. He underscored the importance of reforms in technical regulation, as well as in the sanitary, phytosanitary, and veterinary fields—particularly those aimed at improving the training of relevant specialists.
Officials have been tasked with concluding bilateral negotiations with nine WTO member states by the end of this year—countries with which Uzbekistan has yet to hold talks. Two additional meetings of the Working Party must also be convened, and a draft final report prepared to formalize Uzbekistan’s international commitments as part of the accession process.
Uzbekistan has been actively pursuing WTO membership since 2023. Over this period, four Working Party meetings have been held, during which more than 500 questions were reviewed. Bilateral negotiations have been conducted with 33 countries, 24 of which have resulted in agreements.
According to representatives of relevant agencies, WTO members have responded positively to Uzbekistan’s renewed approach and reform outcomes, citing the country’s demonstrated commitment to openness, transparency, and fair trade.
Significant progress has been made in aligning national legislation with international standards. To date, the following have been adopted:
✅ 13 laws
✅ 10 presidential decrees and resolutions
✅ 19 Cabinet of Ministers resolutions
✅ 10 interagency regulatory acts
Additionally, Uzbekistan has gradually harmonized procedures related to customs regulation, export-import operations, and intellectual property. Exclusive rights previously held by six state-owned enterprises have also been abolished.
