On March 26, 2025, jointly with the Commission for Harmonization of Legislation with the World Trade Organization Agreements of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the World Trade Organization Department project of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, a scientific and practical conference on the topic “Uzbekistan’s Membership in the WTO: Legislative and Institutional Reforms” was organized. The event was attended by representatives of parliament, representatives of the working group on WTO accession, leading experts and scientists.

The conference addressed current issues of legislative reforms aimed at bringing national legislation in line with WTO agreements, as well as institutional changes necessary for the successful completion of the accession process. Particular attention was paid to the role of parliament in this process, as well as the influence of think tanks on the formation of trade policy.

The welcoming speech was made by the Vice-Rector of UWED Akram Umarov, as well as the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Chairman of the Commission for Harmonization of Legislation with WTO Agreements Rakhim Khakimov.

During the conference, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on WTO Issues, Azizbek Urunov, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the key aspects of the process of Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing reforms, the need to bring the country's economic policy in line with international standards and highlighted the main challenges facing Uzbekistan on this path.

During the panel discussion, the participants discussed the influence of think tanks on the development and implementation of trade policy, as well as strategies for interaction with government agencies. The speakers included experts from leading research organizations, including the Parliamentary Research Institute, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms and other analytical structures. UWED representatives voiced recommendations aimed at improving national legislation in the context of WTO requirements, strengthening institutional capacity for effective participation in the multilateral trading system, and enhancing interaction between academia, think tanks and government agencies in the process of developing trade policy. Particular attention was paid to the need to introduce mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of reforms, as well as training personnel with competencies in the field of international trade and law.

Along with this, students were awarded awards and certificates for 3 honorable places for winning the competition of scientific papers, which covered scientific research on the WTO and international trade from different perspectives.

The conference ended with a question and answer session, during which participants had the opportunity to discuss current challenges and prospects for Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO. The final conclusions confirmed the need for further improvement of the legislative framework and strengthening the institutional capacity of the country to successfully complete the process of integration into the world trading system. The event became an important discussion platform for exchanging opinions and developing strategic decisions aimed at accelerating Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO and developing international economic cooperation.