President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), on 5 June.
According to president’s press service, the sides discussed practical measures taken by Uzbekistan towards accession to the WTO.
“Over a short period of time, two sessions of the [WTO accession] working group have taken place. Active negotiations with member countries are underway. Discussions have begun on conditions of agricultural support. Work on harmonizing the national legislation with the organization’s norms and rules continues,” the statement said.
The parties stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in the development of “green” economy, electronic commerce, and increasing the export of digital services.
To build up the potential of Uzbekistan’s professionals in international trade regulation, it was proposed to establish the Center for Competence in Trade Policy in Uzbekistan with the support of the WTO.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed her support for Uzbekistan’s efforts towards accession to the WTO.
While in Tashkent, she participated in a round table discussion, as well as a meeting with university students. The WTO DG was awarded the honorary title doctor of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.
- The process of Uzbekistan’s accession officially resumed at the fourth meeting of the working group in July 2020. Subsequently, three more meetings took place — in June 2022, March 2023, and November 2023.
- At the eighth meeting in Geneva on 24 May, it was announced that Uzbekistan intends to join the WTO before the 14th ministerial conference in Cameroon in 2026.
- On 3 June, president of Uzbekistan signed a decree on measures to accelerate market reforms and harmonize the national legislation with WTO agreements.
