Uzbekistan has overcome another significant hurdle on its path to joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). On December 21, 2025, during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's working visit to Saint Petersburg, a historic protocol concluding market access negotiations between the two countries was signed.
A Strategic Agreement: Outcomes from Saint Petersburg
This document, signed by Uzbekistan’s Special Representative for WTO Affairs Azizbek Orunov and Russia's Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, will elevate economic relations between the two nations to a new level.
According to Orunov, the negotiation process was not easy, describing it as "continuous and substantial." However, thanks to the constructive approach from both sides, a positive resolution beneficial for Uzbekistan was achieved. Russia's active support during this process was especially acknowledged.
Next Step: Full Membership by 2026
Closing bilateral negotiations with Russia opens significant opportunities for Uzbekistan. From now on, official Tashkent will focus its attention on the following priorities:
- Multilateral negotiations: Accelerating agreements with other WTO member states based on general rules.
- Legislative reforms: Finalizing adjustments of national legislation to fully comply with WTO requirements.
- Timeline: The Uzbek government has set a firm goal to complete the membership process in 2026 successfully.
Positive Dynamics in the Working Group
For context, Uzbekistan’s accession process to the WTO in 2025 advanced at an unprecedented pace. During Working Group meetings held in June and November, the international community highly evaluated Uzbekistan's "steady progress."
The country’s primary goal is to finalize all technical and political processes before the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference. This would provide local producers with new advantages in accessing global markets and ensure a fair competitive environment.
What impact do you think Uzbekistan's WTO membership will have on the quality and prices of local products?
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