Uzbekistan harmonizing its legislation with WTO requirements

TASHKENT. Jan 19 (Interfax) - The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (the upper house of parliament) approved amendments at a plenary meeting on Friday to bring national legislation into compliance with the standards of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the press service of the upper house said.

"In order to harmonize a number national legislation norms related to property, advertising and state duties with the requirements of the World Trade Organization, it is envisaged to introduce amendments and additions to the laws 'On inventions, utility models and industrial designs,' 'On trademarks, service marks and names places of origin of goods,' 'On advertising,' 'On medicines and pharmaceutical activities,' and 'On state duty,' " the release says.

The document was sent to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for signature.

In August 2023, Mirziyoyev signed a decree providing for the harmonization of the country's legislation with WTO requirements. The special representative of the country's president on WTO issues, Azizbek Urunov, reported that the country is considering more than 200 regulatory documents to be adopted as part of the process of joining the organization.

In 2017, the Uzbek government resumed work on joining the WTO. In July 2019, the Uzbek side submitted an updated memorandum on its foreign trade regime to the WTO to consider the country's application to join the organization. Upon accession, Uzbekistan intends to receive the privileges of a country with a developing economy.

Currently, the country acts as an observer state in the WTO.