Uzbekistan Eyes WTO Membership This Year Following Sweeping Trade Reforms
Uzbekistan is setting its sights on officially joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) later this year. To pave the way for entry into the global trade alliance, officials in Tashkent have undertaken a comprehensive review and overhaul of numerous legislative acts.
During a recent briefing, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was updated on the nation’s progress. Key reforms include a streamlined process for registering intellectual property alongside stricter penalties for those who violate these rights. Furthermore, the government has moved to lift export restrictions on various categories of goods to stimulate international commerce.
The domestic business landscape is also experiencing significant deregulation as part of recent initiatives to reduce red tape. Businesses can now utilise a straightforward certification system for specific products rather than navigating complex state registration procedures.
Additionally, the responsibility for monitoring product safety has been officially handed over to the Sanitary Committee. To further reduce barriers, Uzbekistan has scrapped 14 technical regulations and completely abolished mandatory certification requirements for 747 distinct types of goods. This move slashed the national list of products requiring compulsory certification by 27%.
Tashkent has maintained a highly active dialogue with the trade alliance to expedite its membership bid. Thus far, officials have participated in more than 40 negotiation rounds, provided detailed responses to 200 inquiries and submitted over 30 comprehensive trade documents to the WTO.
According to the presidential press service, existing WTO members have reacted positively to Uzbekistan’s rapid transition towards a fully functioning market economy. Last year alone saw 68 regulatory and legal frameworks harmonised with both WTO stipulations and broader international standards.
Concluding the meeting, President Mirziyoyev issued further directives to ensure the successful implementation of all remaining measures required for the country’s historic accession to the organisation.
