Uzbekistan completes WTO membership talks with Pakistan

On December 6, representatives from both countries signed a protocol formalizing the agreement. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev attended the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of the event.

“This protocol brings our brotherly nation closer to membership in the World Trade Organization,” Hussain stated.

Uzbekistan has made notable progress in its accession process this year, securing support from 24 WTO member countries. Recently, it signed similar protocols with the United States, China, the Philippines, and El Salvador. Israel, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and other nations have also expressed their backing for Uzbekistan’s membership aspirations.

Despite these advancements, Uzbekistan still needs to finalize negotiations with several key partners, including Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and others. During the “European Economic Days in Uzbekistan” forum on November 6, special representative Azizbek Urunov highlighted the remaining steps, including the implementation of non-tariff trade measures to align the country’s regulations with WTO requirements.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO would mark a major milestone in its efforts to integrate into the global economy, enhance trade relations, and attract foreign investment.