Uzbekistan and US accelerate negotiations for comprehensive trade pact

The announcement followed talks between Mirziyoyeva and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The meeting also included Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, the Special Representative of the President on WTO issues Azizbek Urunov, and US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick. Reflecting on the talks, Mirziyoyeva noted that extensive and productive efforts over the past year have successfully elevated bilateral relations to a new tier.

According to a statement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the sides have agreed to an early harvest of trade commitments designed to strengthen economic and investment ties. This early package aims to ensure reciprocity, balance, and resilience in bilateral commerce while both parties accelerate negotiations toward a full agreement.

The initial framework includes three key components. First, Uzbekistan has committed to eliminate or reduce import tariffs on a wide range of American industrial goods and agricultural products. In return, the United States has pledged to provide favorable consideration regarding tariff actions on Uzbek industrial and agricultural exports, to the extent appropriate and consistent with US law.

Second, both countries agreed to bolster their investment cooperation by exploring concrete pathways to promote and facilitate bilateral investments. Finally, the two sides resolved to speed up their ongoing discussions to finalize the comprehensive trade and investment treaty swiftly.

The US side also reaffirmed its strong institutional support for Uzbekistan's ongoing accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO), recognizing the substantial progress Tashkent has achieved so far. Officials from both nations plan to officially memorialize this initial package of agreements over the coming weeks.