Uzbekistan in talks to join WTO with Russia
A delegation led by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev recently visited Moscow for negotiations with the Russian government regarding the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Chief Negotiator Azizbek Urunov led the discussions with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, focusing on “unresolved issues” related to mutual market access. Urunov expressed his gratitude to the Russian colleagues for their prompt response and described the negotiations as productive, meaningful, and constructive.
The press service of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development reported an increase in Russian exports of gas, oil, and petroleum products to Uzbekistan, in accordance with agreements between the two countries’ presidents. The importance of modernizing Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure through planned projects was emphasized.
Reshetnikov highlighted the growth in food trade between the two nations, with Uzbekistan importing around $1 billion worth of food products from Russia, while Russia imports a similar amount from Uzbekistan.
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Khodjaev also met with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Patrushev. The Uzbek delegation included Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov and First Deputy Minister of Transport Mamanbiy Omarov.
Uzbekistan aims to complete the WTO accession process by the end of March 2026, prior to the organization’s summit in Cameroon. This visit signifies the country’s commitment to expanding trade relations and enhancing economic cooperation with Russia.
