Uzbekistan secures Philippines’ support for WTO membership

“I want to express my gratitude to one of the finest ambassadors I know in Geneva for the cooperation, support, and shared commitment to achieving this milestone,” Urunov remarked.

This agreement is part of Uzbekistan’s accelerated efforts to secure WTO membership. Over the past two months, the nation has concluded similar agreements with the United States, China, and El Salvador. Earlier in 2023, countries such as Israel, Brazil, and Sri Lanka also announced their support for Uzbekistan’s accession.

Progress toward WTO membership

At the European Economy Days forum in Uzbekistan on November 6, Urunov emphasized that several negotiation rounds remain with countries including Russia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Union. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s plans to implement non-tariff trade regulations to align with WTO standards.

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has identified WTO membership as a cornerstone of his reform agenda. In April 2023, he instructed the government to expedite the process, citing its importance for boosting exports, particularly in finished goods. Structural adjustments followed, including the appointment of a special representative for WTO affairs and the creation of dedicated units in 20 government agencies. The president also mandated compliance of new legislation with WTO norms.

At the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September, President Mirziyoyev reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to swift accession, describing it as integral to ongoing economic reforms. The WTO’s Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala pledged to accelerate discussions within the organization’s working group.

Roadmap to membership

Uzbekistan aims to join the WTO before the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon. A transitional period of two to three years is expected post-membership, during which customs tariffs will be aligned with agreements among WTO member states.

Economic and trade reforms have gained momentum as part of Uzbekistan’s preparation. In a speech to the Oliy Majlis on November 27, Economy and Finance Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov described the WTO as a "fair global trading system," stressing the need for local businesses to adapt to competitive international markets.