Kazakhstan supported Uzbekistan’s WTO accession process

Geneva, March 14, 2023 - Kazakhstan's Permanent Representative to the WTO and other International Economic Organizations Zhanar Aitzhan welcomed the delegation of Uzbekistan, headed by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Jamshid Khodjaev at the meeting on Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO.

The Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan welcomed the progress made by Uzbekistan in fulfilling its WTO accession requirements. In particular, according to the report of the head of the Uzbekistan delegation, reforms undertaken in order to join the WTO included liberalization of the foreign exchange market, visa-free policy, reduction of taxes, abolition of licenses and permits, deregulation of prices for most goods and services, etc.

The Permanent Representative noted that Kazakhstan recognizes the importance of the WTO in promoting free trade and ensuring sustainable economic development and firmly believes that Uzbekistan's accession to the organization will also make a significant contribution to strengthening trade and economic relations in the region.

Ж. Aitzhan also emphasized the extensive work done by the Government of Uzbekistan in preparation for WTO accession, including liberalization of trade policy, modernization of customs procedures and creation of a transparent regulatory framework. She also welcomed the progress made in recent years in the areas of protecting intellectual property rights, improving legislation on technical regulation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and the competition policy of the country.