Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Russia have held negotiations on market access as part of Uzbekistan's accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Special Presidential Representative for WTO Affairs Azizbek Urunov reported on LinkedIn.

According to Urunov, on 11 March, a meeting took place in Moscow between the Uzbek delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, and Russian Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov, along with his deputy Vladimir Ilyichev. The discussions focused on unresolved issues related to market access. Urunov described the dialogue as substantive and constructive, with both sides expressing interest in advancing the process. He also thanked the Russian counterparts for their prompt response to previously submitted materials.

During the talks, Minister Maksim Reshetnikov emphasized that, in line with agreements reached by the presidents of both countries, Russia continues to increase supplies of natural gas, oil, and petroleum products to Uzbekistan. He highlighted the importance of implementing planned projects to modernize Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure and noted the growing mutual trade in food products.

Additionally, on March 11, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Jamshid Khodjaev discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation. The Uzbek delegation also included Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov and First Deputy Minister of Transport Mamanbiy Omarov.

On the same day, a meeting was held with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Patrushev, focusing on prospects for cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. Patrushev stated that Russia views the Uzbek market as a promising destination for its exporters and is ready to increase supplies of sunflower oil, confectionery, grain products, and livestock goods. He noted that in 2024, Russia’s main export items to Uzbekistan included sugar, sunflower oil, confectionery, oilseed meal, and baby food. He also stressed Russia’s interest in increasing imports of Uzbek fruit and vegetable products, with all necessary conditions in place for this expansion.

On 20 December, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that the country’s WTO accession process had entered its final stage. He emphasized that while some benefits incompatible with WTO rules have been phased out, the government will continue supporting businesses and ensuring fair competition.

Earlier, in May last year, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev stated that Uzbekistan aims to complete its WTO accession before the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon. To date, Uzbekistan has concluded negotiations with 21 countries but still needs to reach agreements with Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and several other nations.