Uzbekistan's WTO accession process discussed at Senate round table

WTO members view the large-scale market-oriented economic reforms under way in Uzbekistan positively, a round table held in the Senate heard. The event, on the country's WTO accession and its expected practical results, was organised by the Senate Committee on International Relations, Foreign Economic Relations, Foreign Investment and Tourism together with the Service of the President's Representative for the WTO. Senators, ministry and agency representatives, experts and media took part.

Azizbek Urunov, the President's representative for the WTO and chief negotiator on accession, reported more than 40 negotiation rounds, completed talks with more than 34 countries, and over 70 national laws brought into line with WTO requirements and international norms. Intellectual property registration has been simplified and excessive export restrictions have been abolished.

Participants said accession would widen Uzbekistan's foreign trade opportunities, boost export potential and investment appeal, and strengthen the competitiveness of domestic producers. They also discussed helping small and medium-sized businesses adapt, aligning product quality with international standards, and stressed the need to fully align foreign economic legislation with WTO rules, finish remaining negotiations and complete membership procedures.