According to the information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, a new position – Deputy Foreign Trade Minister for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization has been introduced in the structure of the Ministry.

The holder of this position will be entrusted with such duties as heading the negotiating group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, improving the customs and tariff regulation of foreign trade, optimizing imports, developing transport corridors and diversifying export routes.

Furthermore, two new departments will be created at the Ministry. One of them will be responsible for collecting and preparing a package of materials and documents necessary for the republic’s accession to the WTO, as well as developing proposals for the adaptation of national legislation in accordance with the requirements of the WTO agreements. The administration is also entrusted with the task of interacting with the WTO secretariat, concluding bilateral and multilateral agreements in the field of foreign trade with foreign countries and international organizations. It will coordinate the activities of the adviser-representative of Uzbekistan to the WTO, the first secretary of the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva (Switzerland).

The other department is to carry out the task of providing practical assistance in the implementation of the export of fruits and vegetables by searching for potential partners. It will create conditions for entering the new markets and provide methodological support for the execution of export contracts. Other tasks of the department include maintaining and updating the list of leading foreign organizations importing fruit and vegetable products.