On April 30, 2025, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed Decree No. 74 “On Measures to Accelerate Market Reforms and Uzbekistan’s Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).” The document is aimed at liberalizing key economic sectors, harmonizing legislation with international standards, and preparing the country for WTO membership.

Context and Objectives of the Decree

Uzbekistan is striving to integrate into the global economy through WTO accession, which requires comprehensive reforms in trade, energy, industry, and social sectors. Decree No. 74 consolidates measures to accelerate these transformations, create a competitive market environment, and enhance the country’s investment attractiveness.

Main Objectives:

• Liberalization of electricity, gas, and chemical industry markets.
• Simplification of foreign trade and customs regulation procedures.
• Support for local production and exports.
• Harmonization of national standards with WTO requirements.
• Strengthening social protection, including support for children with special needs.

These objectives are aimed at modernizing the economy and strengthening Uzbekistan’s position on the international stage.

Main Provisions of the Decree

The Decree amends a number of normative acts, including previous presidential decrees and resolutions, and introduces new measures to achieve its goals. Below are the key reform areas outlined in the document.

1. Electricity Sector Reform

The Decree provides for a transition to a competitive electricity market model:

• Reorganization of JSC “Uzenergosotish”: The company ceases to be the sole electricity purchaser, becoming a market participant alongside other licensed entities.
• Licensing of Market Participants: Producers, suppliers, traders, and transmission and distribution system operators are required to obtain licenses from the regulator to participate in the market.
• Long-Term Contracts: Power plants operating on the principle of dispatch demand will enter into long-term agreements with licensed buyers, ensuring supply stability.
• Removal of Outdated Norms: Provisions related to the previous guaranteed purchaser model are abolished to align with market conditions.

These measures contribute to transparency, competition, and attracting investment in the energy sector.

2. Modernization of the Chemical Industry

To enhance export potential and industry efficiency, the Decree introduces the following changes:

• Establishment of a Foreign Trade Company: “Uzkimyoimpex” LLC is established within the structure of JSC “Uzkimyosanoat” to coordinate the export of chemical products.
• Simplification of Procedures: Outdated export management schemes are eliminated, reducing administrative barriers for producers.

These steps are aimed at increasing the production of high-value-added products and strengthening the industry’s position in global markets.

3. Foreign Trade Liberalization

The Decree simplifies foreign trade operations to comply with WTO standards:

• Elimination of Intermediaries: References to JSC “Uztrade” are removed from normative acts, reducing exporters’ dependence on state structures.
• Clarification of JSC “Uzsanoatexport” Functions: The company retains its role in the export of industrial products, but with clarified responsibilities.
• Simplification of Customs Procedures: The resolution of February 6, 2018, regulating the movement of goods by individuals across the customs border, is recognized as no longer in force.

These measures create equal conditions for market participants and promote export growth.

4. Improvement of Customs Regulation

To enhance the efficiency of the customs service, the Decree provides:

• Renaming of Funds: The “Special Fund of the Customs Committee” is renamed the “Development Fund of the Customs Committee” to emphasize modernization.
• Clarification of Financial Mechanisms: Customs fees are excluded from the list of mandatory payments forming the budget, enhancing transparency.

These changes harmonize customs processes with international standards.

5. Gas Market Reform

The Decree clarifies the mechanisms of the gas sector’s operation:

• Role of JSC “UzGasTrade”: The company procures natural gas from producers and through imports at approved tariffs, selling it to consumers connected to main pipelines on a contractual basis.
• Market Liberalization: Outdated norms related to the concept of a “single operator” are abolished to transition to a market model.

These measures increase competition and efficiency in the gas sector.

6. Social Support for Children with Special Needs

The Decree includes measures to expand access to rehabilitation services:

• Establishment of a Center in Andijan Region: In 2025, the Andijan Regional Children’s Rehabilitation Center will begin operations, increasing the coverage of specialized services.

This initiative underscores the social orientation of the reforms.

7. Harmonization with International Standards

To meet WTO requirements, the Decree clarifies Uzbekistan’s obligations:

• Technical Regulation: Formulations related to the 1958 UN Agreement on technical regulations for wheeled vehicles are brought into line with international norms.
• Reorganization of the Agency: The Uzbek Agency for Standardization, Metrology, and Certification is renamed the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation.

These changes facilitate product exports and integration into global trade.

8. Support for the Electrical Engineering Industry

The Decree introduces preferences for local electrical engineering product manufacturers:

• Price Preferences in Public Procurement: From April 1, 2024, local producers receive discounts ranging from 8% to 15%, depending on the number of participants, under DDP (Uzbekistan) terms. Preferences do not apply to procurements for commercial resale.

This measure stimulates the development of local industry and exports.

Implementation Mechanisms

To implement the Decree, the following measures are established:

• Coordination: The Ministry of Justice and the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation are responsible for organizing implementation.
• Oversight: Supervision of implementation is entrusted to the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.
• Timeline: Most provisions take effect immediately, except for certain clauses that will come into force on January 1, 2026.

These mechanisms ensure effective implementation of the Decree.

Expected Outcomes

With successful implementation, Decree No. 74 will deliver the following results:

• Preparation for WTO Accession: Harmonization of legislation and markets will accelerate integration.
• Export Growth: Simplified trade and support for producers will enhance export potential.
• Competitive Markets: Reforms in the energy and gas sectors will attract investments and increase efficiency.
• Social Progress: Expanded rehabilitation services will improve the quality of life for children with special needs.
• Economic Growth: Liberalization and support for entrepreneurship will stimulate economic development.

Conclusion

The Decree of the President of Uzbekistan No. 74 of April 30, 2025, represents a comprehensive reform plan aimed at modernizing the economy, liberalizing markets, and preparing for WTO accession. The document covers key sectors, including energy, industry, trade, and social spheres, and establishes clear implementation mechanisms. Successful execution of the Decree will strengthen Uzbekistan’s economic stability and international standing.

The document is published on the lex.uz portal in the Uzbek language.