Mirziyoyev meets with the General Director of the World Trade Organization

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at Uzbekistan's National Pavilion during the SOR29 climate conference in Baku, according to a report from the President's press service.

The meeting addressed key aspects of strengthening practical cooperation related to Uzbekistan's WTO membership efforts.

The report highlighted the progress of Uzbekistan's working group sessions and negotiations with WTO member countries, noting satisfaction with the pace of talks.

Efforts are also underway to align national legislation with WTO norms, including the removal of export subsidies. Special emphasis is placed on improving the expertise of Uzbek specialists in international trade regulation.

The two leaders also discussed finalizing negotiations and supporting Uzbekistan's goal to join the WTO in the near future.

Uzbekistan’s membership journey has been ongoing for nearly 30 years. Initial steps were taken during President Islam Karimov’s administration but stalled until 2016. Under President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan renewed its WTO efforts, aiming for membership by 2026.

In recent months, President Mirziyoyev’s eldest daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, has played a visible role in advancing Uzbekistan's WTO accession. She has met with Okonjo-Iweala twice this year to discuss Uzbekistan's membership progress.

Last week, Uzbekistan concluded bilateral negotiations with the United States on WTO membership, preparing to sign an agreement on market access. The U.S. will become the 21st country to finalize bilateral talks with Uzbekistan for WTO membership.