Uzbekistan marked a significant step toward joining the World Trade Organization by concluding accession negotiations with 11 countries last year, bringing its total bilateral agreements to 33. This milestone reflects the country’s deepening integration into the global trade system and was highlighted during a presidential briefing on trade priorities for 2026.

Alongside diplomatic progress, Uzbekistan engaged actively with WTO members through two meetings of the WTO Working Party on accession in 2025. Delegates posed over 200 questions and reviewed more than 30 documents related to Uzbekistan’s foreign trade framework, signaling transparency and commitment to international standards.

To further prepare for WTO membership, Uzbekistan implemented sweeping legal reforms aimed at harmonizing national legislation with WTO rules. The government amended 68 legislative acts to align with international trade requirements, simplified the intellectual property registration process, and strengthened enforcement against violations. Key trade barriers were removed, including lifting export restrictions and abolishing minimum export pricing for certain goods.

Reforms also tackled technical barriers and sanitary measures by replacing mandatory state registration for high-risk products with less restrictive certification procedures. Moreover, Uzbekistan eliminated mandatory certification for 747 product categories, an effort expected to facilitate international trade and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. These legal updates demonstrate Uzbekistan’s focus on creating a more open and predictable trade environment.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to finalize the remaining steps necessary for Uzbekistan’s formal full membership in the WTO within the year. This includes continuing bilateral and multilateral negotiations, ensuring that Uzbekistan’s accession fully complies with WTO requirements. The country’s trade strategy signals an ongoing commitment to integrating with the global economy through regulatory reforms and international cooperation.