Washington, D.C. – In a critical development for Uzbekistan’s economic future, representatives from Uzbekistan and the United States signed a protocol in Washington on Thursday, concluding bilateral negotiations on market access for goods and services. This agreement represents a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev of Uzbekistan and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formalized the agreement following the completion of talks announced earlier in November. The signing ceremony brought together key figures from both countries, including Uzbekistan’s Special Representative for WTO Affairs Azizbek Urunov, Ambassador to the U.S. Furqat Sidikov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Alisher Aliyev, and the WTO Accession Negotiation Team.
The U.S. side featured Deputy Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, Deputy Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Trade Negotiations Nora Back, and Chief Market Access Negotiator Owen Lutchen.
The protocol reflects both countries’ dedication to fair and open trade within the multilateral trading system. U.S. officials strongly supported Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership and pledged to broaden economic cooperation.
Katherine Tai pointed out that Uzbekistan’s integration into global trade will likely boost foreign investments, enhance export capabilities, and create avenues for sustainable economic growth, ultimately benefiting Uzbek citizens.
Both parties expressed their intent to accelerate Uzbekistan’s WTO accession process, focusing on multilateral negotiations and agreeing on agricultural domestic support terms. This agreement with the United States makes it the 21st country with which Uzbekistan has successfully concluded market access negotiations.
The successful conclusion of these talks signals a new chapter in Uzbek-American economic relations and brings Uzbekistan closer to full participation in the global trading system. As negotiations progress, the international community watches with interest to see how Uzbekistan’s economic landscape will evolve in the coming years.
This development aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader strategy of economic liberalization and integration into the world economy. It also reflects the United States’ ongoing engagement with Central Asian nations, aiming to build stability and prosperity in the region.
As Uzbekistan moves forward in its WTO accession process, the country stands to gain from increased market access, improved trade relations, and the potential for economic diversification. The successful implementation of WTO principles could lead to more transparent and predictable trade policies, benefiting both domestic and international businesses operating in Uzbekistan.
