Members welcomed Tajikistan's efforts and progress in reforming its trade regime in order to be fully compatible with WTO rules.

During the examination, Members raised specific questions and requested further clarification on a number of areas: state ownership, state trading and privatization, import licensing, customs, application of internal taxes, trade remedies, export restrictions, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and  phytosanitary issues, free zones, government procurement, intellectual property and services. 

The Chairman of the Working Party, Ambassador Clyde Kull (Estonia), urged Tajikistan to accelerate its bilateral negotiations on market access for goods and services. Based on the documents submitted by Tajikistan, the Secretariat will prepare a Draft Working Party Report, in advance of the next meeting.

“The accession to the WTO is the main national priority and the government is grateful to all Members for their co-operation and support” stated H.E. Mr. Farrukh M. Hamraliev, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan. He added that over the last ten years Tajikistan has deepened its economic reforms.

Bilateral negotiations

Tajikistan signed a bilateral agreement on market access for goods and services with China in 2008. Negotiations continue with 15 Members, among them, the European Union, Ukraine, Japan, Honduras, Canada, the United States Chines Taipei, Korea, El Salvador and Dominican Republic.

Next steps

The next meeting is envisaged for mid-2011.

Background information

• Application received on 29 May 2001
• Working Party established on 18 July 2001
• Chairman: Ambassador Clyde Kull (Estonia)

Last Working Party meeting: 24 September 2009