Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 28. Towards the
backdrop of main modifications in Uzbekistan’s overseas coverage, the
nation, beneath the management of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is
steadily transferring in direction of deeper integration into the worldwide economic system.
Constant implementation of reforms and openness have enabled
Uzbekistan to achieve a brand new stage of worldwide cooperation and
safe the help of main companions all over the world.
One of many key priorities of this strategic course has been the
renewed push for accession to the World Commerce Group (WTO).
Whereas negotiations for membership started way back to 1994, it’s
throughout President Mirziyoyev’s tenure that the method has acquired
a scientific, purposeful, and sensible dimension. Due to the
political will of the pinnacle of state, Uzbekistan has taken concrete
steps towards alignment with the worldwide buying and selling system for the primary
time.
A transparent image of regular progress on this course was the
latest go to of the Particular Consultant of the President on WTO
Points, Azizbek Urunov, to Switzerland. Through the go to, a
Protocol on the Conclusion of Market Entry Negotiations was
signed, one other key step confirming Uzbekistan’s readiness for full
WTO membership. Consequently, the nation has now accomplished
bilateral negotiations with 25 WTO members, together with main
economies resembling China, the USA, and Türkiye.
Consistent with presidential directives, Uzbekistan has applied
sweeping reforms to align its nationwide laws with
worldwide requirements. Dozens of recent legal guidelines and regulatory acts
have been adopted, commerce regulation mechanisms have been revised,
unique preferences for state-owned enterprises have been
abolished, and customs procedures have been considerably
simplified. These measures have demonstrated the nation’s
preparedness to adjust to WTO guidelines and conduct overseas commerce on
clear and mutually useful phrases.
Specialists observe that WTO accession would unlock new export
alternatives, notably in Europe and Asia. Uzbekistan’s export
profile is already shifting: from a reliance on uncooked cotton to a
rising share of completed items, particularly textiles. In 2024,
gentle business exports surpassed $3 billion. The nation’s
inclusion within the EU’s GSP+ scheme has additionally boosted exports to
Europe by 1.5 occasions.
President Mirziyoyev has set an formidable purpose to double exports
of completed merchandise inside three years. Attaining this requires
each elevated manufacturing capability and truthful, rules-based entry to
worldwide markets—one thing WTO membership is anticipated to
facilitate.
Becoming a member of the WTO will grant Uzbekistan entry to the markets of
greater than 160 international locations, offering further incentives for the
growth of export-oriented sectors resembling textiles, chemical compounds,
and building. This, in flip, is anticipated to spice up manufacturing
volumes, develop export geography, and create new jobs.
As well as, WTO membership will strengthen Uzbekistan’s
funding enchantment by guaranteeing a predictable and clear
enterprise setting, additional reinforcing the nation’s popularity
as a steady and dependable companion for worldwide buyers.
However, commerce liberalization poses sure challenges,
together with elevated competitors for home producers,
notably in sectors centered on the native market. To cushion
these results, the federal government has launched a help bundle
that includes retraining packages, subsidies, and employment
initiatives.
Whereas authorized and institutional reforms require time and
sources, the related dangers are seen as manageable and
predictable. The President has emphasised the significance of a
gradual, balanced method, guaranteeing that the pursuits of all
stakeholders—from massive enterprises to small entrepreneurs—are
protected.
The outcomes achieved thus far in preparation for WTO accession are
a direct consequence of the strategic course initiated and pursued by
President Mirziyoyev. Profound financial reforms, elevated overseas
coverage exercise, and the profitable conclusion of negotiations with
key international buying and selling companions underscore Tashkent’s need to
strengthen Uzbekistan’s place on the worldwide stage.
In the present day, Uzbekistan is considered as an open and
modernization-oriented nation that persistently pursues insurance policies
within the pursuits of its residents and worldwide cooperation. The
anticipated completion of the negotiation course of and WTO accession
will mark a major milestone within the nation’s latest historical past,
heralding a brand new part in its socio-economic growth and additional
integration into the worldwide economic system.
