Fourth Meeting of the Working Party on Uzbekistan's Accession to the WTO

On July 7, 2020, the Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan to the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened for its fourth meeting, marking a significant milestone in Uzbekistan's long-standing pursuit of WTO membership. This meeting occurred nearly 15 years after the last formal gathering, highlighting the renewed commitment to advancing the accession process. Uzbekistan initially applied for WTO membership in December 1994 and was granted observer status, which allowed it to begin the necessary steps towards full membership. The discussions during this meeting focused on various aspects of Uzbekistan's trade policies and commitments, aiming to align them with WTO standards. The accession process is crucial for Uzbekistan as it seeks to enhance its integration into the global economy, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic growth. The engagement with the WTO is expected to facilitate trade liberalization and improve the business environment in Uzbekistan, ultimately benefiting its economy and the welfare of its citizens.