Singapore Supports Uzbekistan's WTO Accession, Lee Says
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered an address to the Oliy Majlis, the parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on 31 August during an official visit to the country that ran from 27 to 31 August 2026, according to the text of his speech released following the visit.
Lee congratulated Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence, celebrated on 1 September, noting that despite the 6,000-kilometer distance between the two nations, Singapore and Uzbekistan share similar historical experiences. Both states achieved independence through peaceful departures from larger entities—the Federation of Malaysia and the former Soviet Union, respectively.
He stated that neither country is the largest in its region, forcing both to navigate relations with larger neighbors while facing similar consequences of climate change. He recalled that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was forced to cut short a state visit to Singapore in 2023 due to one of the coldest winters in Uzbekistan's history, whereas the current summer has been among the hottest on record.
The Senior Minister drew a parallel between the history of the Great Silk Road, which developed Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent, and the maritime trade route upon which Singapore's prosperity was built over centuries.
He noted that during visits to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and historical monuments in Samarkand, he was impressed by the resilience and resourcefulness of the Uzbek people over the centuries.
Recalling talks with President Mirziyoyev during his 2023 state visit to Singapore, Lee said the two sides discussed creating conditions and infrastructure to attract foreign investment, improving public administration quality, and investing in education to prepare youth for a globalized world. He added that then-President Halimah Yacob subsequently paid a return state visit to Uzbekistan, while parliamentary speakers Nuriddin Ismoilov and Seah Kian Peng exchanged official visits.
The Senior Minister confirmed that Singapore supports Uzbekistan's upcoming accession to the World Trade Organization, calling the step an example of the country's commitment to openness and multilateral trade amid a weakening WTO system.
He stated that Singapore recently co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution on environmental challenges in Central Asia, introduced by Uzbekistan on behalf of regional states, and will fully support Uzbekistan's presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement, which the country assumes next year.
Lee expressed hope for Uzbekistan's prompt accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He noted that Singapore will chair ASEAN next year and intends to use that role to expand the organization's ties with external partners.
Regarding bilateral relations, the Senior Minister reported that trade is growing rapidly from a low base, alongside increasing Singaporean direct investment in Uzbekistan.
During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between two Singaporean companies and the government of Uzbekistan to construct a major agro-industrial complex in Tashkent. Singapore and Uzbekistan also agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement to simplify market access for businesses in both countries.
Lee noted that cooperation could extend beyond traditional sectors into water management, where Singapore possesses expertise, as well as fintech. He stated that several hundred Uzbek officials have undergone training in Singapore on public administration, civil aviation, and urban development, with both sides considering a dedicated leadership and public governance program for senior Uzbek civil servants. He also emphasized the importance of youth exchanges between the two nations.
In concluding his address, the Senior Minister noted that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Uzbekistan.
