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Experts discussed joining the World Trade Organization as a new opportunity for economic development

The session "WTO Integration: New Horizons for Economic Development" brought together experts to discuss the economic benefits and risks associated with countries joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). The session was chaired by independent development expert Mandeep Bains. The following participated as speakers: Azizbek Orunov, special representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO Tatyana Molchan, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the UNECE Charlotte Adrian, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan David Hoffman, head of the USAID office in Uzbekistan Antonio Nusifora, World Bank Practice Leader During the discussion, it was noted that international trade is a proven way of sustainable economic growth and development. However, countries face obstacles to increasing exports, including a lack of domestic capacity, trade, and political barriers. The WTO sets trade rules and dispute settlement mechanisms that are the largest means of integration between countries through free trade, removal of barriers, and cost reduction. "For the first time, we received two working groups in one year - the sixth in March and the seventh in November. Among them, the second one was especially effective. Thanks to the support of President Mirziyoyev and the special resolution adopted last June, we have successfully concluded bilateral negotiations on market access with eight countries," continued Azizbek Orunov. "Progress was also made in harmonizing the national legislation with the WTO agreements adopted by all state structures. We presented 18 updated multilateral instruments and 29 legislative instruments. WTO members supported us and took over this process. The transition from the summary of facts to the elements of the draft task force report reflects our future post-merger commitments. We have concluded negotiations with 11 countries and are close to concluding agreements with 10-13 more countries." Orunov also noted that the next meeting of the working group on Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO is scheduled to be held on May 24 in Geneva, where local support for agriculture issues will be discussed for the first time. "Convening three consecutive working group meetings since 2023 demonstrates our commitment, fueled by the support of WTO members. We are diligently preparing for the upcoming meeting to ensure its success," added the representative of the president. "In the previous meetings, we had questions about several necessary needs. This is what I want to talk about today. If the international commercial court starts work in Tashkent, it will create convenience for investors and businessmen from WTO member countries and increase investment attractiveness in your country. Not only representatives of foreign countries but also Uzbeks can benefit from this," said Charlotte Adrian, the ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan.