Uzbekistan Calls for Quicker WTO Accession as Negotiations Face Delays

Uzbekistan has expressed concern that its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is progressing more slowly than expected. This information was shared by presidential WTO representative Azizbek Urunov.

«This perception is based on the nature, timing, and substance of some of the questions we receive within the Working Party cycles,» Urunov explained.

He added that while some protocols «regrettably remain unsigned or not formally closed due to issues unrelated to market access,» Uzbekistan fully shares the WTO’s core values of fairness and predictability in global trade and does not consider membership a «favour.»

Uzbekistan continues negotiations on market access with WTO members, having completed talks with 33 countries and signed protocols with 30.

«In certain cases, market access concerns are mentioned, yet they have been raised substantively at the negotiation table for an extended period,» Urunov said.

An agreement with Russia is expected as soon as next week.

Support for Uzbekistan’s WTO bid has come from a dedicated working group since the mid-1990s, now led by South Korean diplomat Choi Sung-yo since summer 2025.