ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF UZBEKISTAN’S ACCESSION TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

Abstract

This research thesis evaluates the accession of Uzbekistan to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in general, exploring possible changes that may take place, in main economic indicators, such as GDP, GDP per capita, trade and FDI by utilizing qualitative approach. In order to understand what the WTO does and why countries should join it, the establishment of this organization has been explained in detail along with the information how it developed over the years, what functions the WTO has and how states join this organization. For analysis and comparison, the experiences of Russia and China have been added to better understand how large economies develop over time after WTO accession. To make a more reasonable comparison, the pre- and post-accession period of neighbor countries – Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have been taken as examples as well, since they share common borders and have similar domestic markets, economy and history. Throughout the article, perspectives, opportunities and challenges of WTO membership are also discussed.