Uzbekistan takes key steps toward fast-tracking WTO membership

north_east

Moratorium on the creation of state-owned enterprises to be introduced

Uzbekistan has decided to abolish exclusive rights for state-owned enterprises in an effort to fast-track its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This decision is outlined in a presidential decree issued on April 30, which introduces amendments and additions to existing regulations.

According to the decree, several changes have been made to official documents, including:

• The revocation of exclusive rights granted to certain state-owned enterprises.
• Ensuring that customs duties are not collected for fiscal purposes.
• The implementation of a conformity declaration system for food and agricultural products.
• Aligning energy efficiency standards for household electrical appliances with international norms.

Uzbekistan submitted its application for WTO membership in 1994, but the process gained momentum in 2020 when the government began actively working toward accession.

At the end of last year, Uzbekistan concluded bilateral negotiations with Pakistan and Thailand regarding WTO membership. On December 19, Uzbekistan and the United States signed a protocol finalizing market access negotiations as part of the country’s WTO accession process. The document was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.