President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretary-General Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala during his visit to the United States. The main topic of discussion was Uzbekistan's efforts to join the WTO and how the process is progressing.
After the meeting, Iweala expressed a very positive opinion. She emphasized that the reforms in Uzbekistan and the support work being carried out by the President have significantly accelerated the process.
“Uzbekistan's economy is growing by almost 6 percent annually. This figure is twice the global growth rate of 3 percent. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the efforts being made in the country,” said the Secretary-General.
According to her, the negotiations are being conducted very actively and the process is almost at the final stage. A working group meeting is scheduled for November, with main stages planned to be completed by March. If everything goes according to plan, Uzbekistan could be officially accepted as a full WTO member in 2026.
Iweala also gave high praise to Uzbekistan's negotiating team. “The team is working very hard. President Mirziyoyev's leadership and the support of Mrs. Saida Mirziyoyeva are strengthening the process further,” she added.
At the same time, the Secretary-General acknowledged that the process is not easy. Although almost all bilateral negotiations have been completed, issues related to the United States remain open. “This is one of the most important and serious directions, but efforts continue. We are in good faith,” said Iweala.
Thus, it is increasingly clear that the long-cherished desire of Uzbekistan to join the WTO may be realized in the near future.
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