Turkmenistan Advances Towards WTO Accession with Development of Foreign Trade Memorandum
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, alongside representatives from relevant ministries, consultants from the Asian Development Bank, and employees of the World Trade Organization (WTO), convened for a collaborative meeting aimed at developing a Memorandum on Foreign Trade of Turkmenistan, as reported by Turkmen media.
The gathering marks a significant milestone in Turkmenistan’s journey towards accession to the WTO, aligning with the nation’s Foreign Trade Strategy for 2021-2030 and the National Program for Socio-Economic Development for 2022-2052. The meeting served as a crucial step forward in facilitating Turkmenistan’s integration into the global trade framework and enhancing its economic resilience.
Turkmenistan’s progression towards WTO membership commenced with the granting of observer status in 2020, followed by active observer status in 2022. The establishment of the Working Commission for the development of the Memorandum on Foreign Trade of Turkmenistan in 2023 underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the accession process.
In pursuit of its WTO aspirations, Turkmenistan has undertaken a series of capacity-building initiatives and engagement activities. National seminars, accession sessions, distance lectures, courses, and conferences have been organized to foster a deeper understanding of WTO principles and prepare stakeholders for the negotiation process.
The International Trade Center in Ashgabat played a pivotal role in enhancing awareness and readiness for WTO accession by hosting an online training session titled “Legal Aspects of the WTO and the Accession Process.” The training session provided invaluable insights into the legal framework of the WTO and equipped participants with the knowledge necessary to navigate the accession process effectively.
Turkmenistan’s efforts towards WTO accession underscore its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for trade and investment, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing competitiveness on the global stage. The development of the Memorandum on Foreign Trade represents a significant step towards realizing Turkmenistan’s vision of becoming an integral member of the international trading community.
