Uzbekistan launches official negotiation process on WTO accession

Ulugbek Lapasov, the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, met with Roberto Azevêdo, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

During the meeting, an exchange of views on the prospects for bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and the WTO took place, the MFA press service reported.

Roberto Azevêdo was presented an updated memorandum on the foreign trade regime of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which, in the opinion of the WTO head, marks the beginning of the official negotiation process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the organization.

It was stressed that for the first time in 15 years, Uzbekistan has prepared an official document for submission to WTO member countries, which will be a good basis for the entire negotiation process.

The Director General noted that the large-scale reforms implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev are a key factor in the further development of the republic’s foreign policy and foreign economic relations, as well as harmonizing normative-legal acts in compliance with the norms and rules of the organization’s agreements.

Roberto Azevêdo assured that representatives of the Secretariat will provide all necessary assistance and support to Uzbekistan in this process, including the successful holding of the Working Group’s next meeting on the country’s joining the WTO in 2019.