UZBEKISTAN’S ACCESSION TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: A STRATEGIC STEP TOWARDS RULES-BASED DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This article examines Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) not merely as an instrument of foreign trade policy, but as a comprehensive institutional reform package encompassing public governance, the legal system, and market institutions. Drawing on comparative international experience with WTO accession, the article analyzes the stages, benefits, and risks of Uzbekistan’s integration process, evaluates the national legislative harmonization measures undertaken to date, and assesses the sectoral and social implications of trade liberalization. The study finds that WTO membership does not automatically guarantee economic growth; positive outcomes depend on the extent to which accession is accompanied by institutional resilience, structural reform, and strategic planning. Based on this analysis, the article develops practical recommendations for ensuring that Uzbekistan’s accession process strengthens export competitiveness while safeguarding social inclusiveness and the interests of domestic producers.