June 9, 2023

Uzbekistan on its way to the WTO

From July 1, 2023, Uzbekistan introduces a ban on the development of normative-legal acts that do not comply with the rules and regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is provided for by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan No. PP-181 dated June 2, 2023 “On additional measures to accelerate the entry of the Republic of Uzbekistan into the World Trade Organization” (“PP 181”).

In addition to the above-mentioned ban, PP 181 also provides for the harmonization of national legislation with WTO agreements. This task will be assigned to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The signed document also outlines the main provisions related to the process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO. In 2023, a total of 30 billion UZS will be allocated for activities related to WTO accession. In addition, from 2024, the necessary financial resources for WTO-related activities will be included in the parameters of the country’s state budget.

Important organizational changes are also planned. The Presidential Administration provides for the establishment of a new post of Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, as well as the creation of an interdepartmental commission on WTO issues. This representative and the commission are entrusted with all the main tasks related to negotiating and accelerating Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO.

The above-mentioned firmly indicates Uzbekistan’s intention to accelerate the process of accession to the WTO. The measures taken are aimed at strengthening the country’s global trade integration and creating more favourable conditions for doing business.