During a dialogue with business leaders today in Nukus, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke about the need for the country to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2026.

“Joining WTO is a thoughtful and far-sighted choice, moreover, it is an integral part of our reforms. But some are skeptical about this, others fear that “businesses will break down and imports will flood in.” It is important to understand one thing: import duties will remain in effect. Therefore, we are negotiating with members of the organization to this end,” the head of state said.

“Our future is a level playing field and an export-oriented industrial and trade policies. Previously, our economy needed some degree of protection. But if we continue down this path, our progress will be limited. Because if we fail to join international production chains, economic growth will not be what we expect,” he said.

According to him, over the first seven months of this year, Uzbekistan's exports increased by 13% and exceeded $10 billion, with 1,610 enterprises that had not previously engaged in exports entering foreign markets. The President emphasized that the state will continue to support the entry of domestic enterprises into foreign markets.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed out that the annual imports of neighboring countries topped $90 billion, and Uzbekistan's share in it is only 4%. With the launch of a free trade regime within the CIS countries, Uzbekistan's share in the $500 billion imports has reached less than 2%.

He emphasized that Uzbekistan "still needed to work hard in terms of competition."

In this regard, two months ago, a separate decree abolished exclusive rights in the fields of metallurgy, chemistry, energy and telecommunications. In addition, from July 2026, benefits for domestic manufacturers in government procurement, as well as price preferences for local electrical equipment, will be partially canceled.

He emphasized that from now on, "no one should have special rights, be it a state strategic enterprise, a private enterprise or a foreign investor, everyone should work on equal terms in the economy."

WTO membership will allow Uzbekistan to eliminate overpayments or restrictions on international cargo transit, which will give "us another incentive to be competitive," the head of state noted.

In general, he noted, in order to improve the quality of products and services, and find a worthy place in foreign markets, it is necessary to switch to international standards.