South Korean Diplomat Appointed Head of Uzbekistan’s WTO Accession Group

South Korea’s Deputy Permanent Representative to Geneva, Choi Sung-yo, has been appointed chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) working party overseeing Uzbekistan’s accession, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Choi’s candidacy was approved during the WTO General Council meeting held in Geneva on 23 July. South Korea has led the working group supporting Uzbekistan’s path to WTO membership since 2013.

Ambassador Sung-yo Choi reiterated Korea’s commitment to the WTO Chairs Programme on July 2, emphasizing that in the face of growing challenges to multilateralism, a cooperative, rules-based system is more vital than ever.

The chair of the working party plays a crucial role in coordinating both bilateral and multilateral negotiations between Uzbekistan and WTO member states, as well as presiding over meetings focused on the country’s accession progress.

The WTO working group on Uzbekistan has been active since 1994, guiding the country through its complex and gradual engagement with the global trade body.

Tashkent Makes Progress on WTO Agreements

The announcement comes shortly after Uzbekistan signed a protocol with Switzerland on July 21, marking the conclusion of bilateral negotiations between the two countries on WTO accession terms.

Prior to this, Tashkent held accession talks with the United Kingdom, the United States and Thailand, signalling renewed momentum in the country’s bid to join the global trade organisation.

Uzbekistan has intensified efforts to join the WTO in recent years as part of broader economic reforms aimed at liberalising trade, improving investment conditions and integrating into global markets.