Uzbekistan has made significant strides towards joining the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Uzbekistan is continuing its work on the report of the Working Group, which is based on discussions that took place earlier in 2024. The completion of this key document is anticipated in 2025, marking an important milestone on the path to joining the WTO.

As part of the preparations for joining the organization, over 30 regulatory acts have been adopted in the country over the past year, aligning with WTO standards. This includes nine new laws, six presidential decrees, and 12 cabinet resolutions. Additionally, two meetings of the Working Group and two informal agricultural discussions have been held, as well as international events organized with the support of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the WTO in Tashkent and Washington.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met twice with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in 2024, reflecting the country's leadership's strong interest in expediting the accession process. Azizbek Urunov described the past year as "productive and historic," expressing confidence in achieving new successes in 2025.

Accelerating the accession process to the WTO remains one of President Mirziyoyev's top priorities. In April 2023, he instructed the government to intensify efforts aimed at enhancing export potential, particularly in the finished goods sector. A special representative for WTO matters has been appointed to coordinate this work, and coordinating units have been established in 20 government agencies.

Speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2023, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that joining the WTO is one of the most important national tasks. Uzbekistan aims to complete the accession process by the 14th Ministerial Conference, which will take place in 2026 in Cameroon.

Following its accession to the organization, Uzbekistan expects a transitional period of 2–3 years. Customs tariffs will be set in accordance with agreements reached with member states, as reported by Deputy Chairman of the State Tax Committee Mubin Mirzaev. Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov described the WTO as a "fundamentally fair trading system" and highlighted the importance of preparing local businesses for open market conditions.

Despite the successes achieved, Uzbekistan still needs to finalize negotiations with several key partners, including Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.