A new step in the international trade system: Turkmenistan establishes a National Team for accession to the WTO

In order to ensure the active integration of Turkmenistan into the world economy and to improve foreign trade relations in accordance with the norms of international law, new and strategic steps are being taken toward our country's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). At the regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held today, the Vice-Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs reported on the work being carried out to deepen Turkmenistan's cooperation with this prestigious organization.

As noted, the relations between Turkmenistan and the World Trade Organization have gained a new essence. To study the issues related to our country's accession to this organization and to analyze the directions that align with our national interests, a special Government commission was established back in 2013. Until now, the multilateral trade agreements and legal acts required by the WTO have been thoroughly studied, a working group has been organized to draft the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime of Turkmenistan, and a special department has been opened within the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Currently, with the aim of elevating the relations in this direction to a new stage and activating them further, several important proposals were submitted to the Government:

• Meeting of the working group: The next meeting of the relevant working group is scheduled to be held on June 10 of this year to discuss the final version of the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime of Turkmenistan.
• Selection of the country to chair the working group: Corresponding organizational work will be initiated to identify one of the full member countries (from the European, Asian, or Asia-Pacific regions) to chair the working group on Turkmenistan established within the framework of the WTO.
• Establishment of a National Negotiating Team: A special National Negotiating Team will be established to regularly conduct official negotiations regarding accession to the organization. The composition of this team will be approved, and a work plan will be prepared for its members to participate as observers in events held by the WTO and to undergo special preparatory training.

Honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov listened to the report and emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to developing mutually beneficial cooperation with international organizations, particularly with the World Trade Organization. Highlighting that there are great opportunities in this field to increase the country's foreign economic potential, the Head of State instructed the Vice-Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs to promote effective cooperation with the WTO in a planned and consistent manner.