Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The conclusion of negotiations between Uzbekistan and the United States could expedite discussions with other countries on Uzbekistan’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Azizbek Urunov, Uzbekistan’s special representative for WTO accession, speaking at the 2024 European Economic Days forum in Tashkent.

Urunov highlighted the complexities in negotiations, noting that developed countries often impose the same requirements on developing nations as they do on themselves, creating challenges. However, he mentioned that talks with countries that recently joined the WTO are progressing more quickly.

This week, Urunov announced that Uzbekistan had completed bilateral negotiations with the United States on WTO accession.

“After 14 months of active negotiations, I am pleased to announce their successful conclusion with the United States — the 21st country on our path to WTO membership,” said Urunov.