Uzbekistan, Tashkent, April 26 / Trend, D. Azizov /
The U.S. is ready to render technical assistance to Uzbekistan to facilitate its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Uzbek media reported today, quoting U.S Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake who spoke on the matter at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent.
Blake said that the U.S supports the country's aspirations to join the WTO, as all are interested in an open and comprehensive trade regime in the region.
He stressed that accession to the WTO is a signal to international business that the whole region is open for investments.
Blake said that the U.S. appreciates Uzbekistan's desire to ensure its competitiveness in the future.
These issues can be resolved by the working group during negotiations, which are an integral part of the accession process.
Uzbekistan made a bid to join the GATT / WTO as a full member in December 1994. Three meetings of the working group on Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO have been held up to now. Preparations for the fourth meeting are underway.