Resumen de Uzbekistan’s Long Way to the World Trade Organization
Uzbekistan has been negotiating WTO accession since 1994. The accession process of the country was not progressing because initial liberalization reforms were later replaced by protectionist policies in foreign trade. The change of leadership in Uzbekistan in 2016 renewed hopes for positive development in the WTO accession. President Mirziyoyev announced comprehensive economic and political reforms to modernize the country. However, economic reforms are likely to face resistance from interest groups profiting from government support and protectionism. Taking different possible trends into account, this article argues that the accession to the WTO is an essential step for the Uzbek government to be able to proceed with reforms and to build a robust market economy
