Uzbekistan Expresses Concern Over Possible Delays in WTO Accession

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has expressed concern over potential delays in its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Azizbek Urunov, the country’s presidential representative for WTO affairs and chief negotiator, speaking at a meeting of the organization’s General Council.

Urunov noted that Uzbekistan has completed bilateral negotiations with Saudi Arabia and is in the final stages of market access discussions with other countries. Agreements have been reached with 33 countries, and protocols have been signed with 30, including ongoing negotiations with Russia, with the signing of its protocol expected within the coming week.

“The Government of Uzbekistan is fully committed to the WTO accession process, has carried out significant reforms, and remains open to discussing any remaining issues,” Urunov emphasized. At the same time, he expressed concern that unintentional delays could occur due to the nature and timing of consideration of certain matters in the working group.

Azizbek Urunov added that the country views WTO membership as a win-win partnership rather than a favor. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s historical role as a connecting link of the Great Silk Road between East and West.

The presidential representative confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to continue substantive work on remaining issues and expressed hope that the accession process would be completed by the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026.

“We see no objective reasons why the accession process cannot be successfully completed in the near future. Uzbekistan is fully prepared and committed to its obligations,” Urunov concluded.