Uzbekistan Moves to Implement Safeguards Agreement Aligning National Law with WTO Standards

Abstract

This study examines Uzbekistan’s efforts to align its safeguard legislation with WTO standards during its ongoing trade reform and accession process. It focuses on how domestic legal changes reflect international requirements and how these reforms affect trade governance, institutional readiness, and market stability. The research uses qualitative doctrinal and document analysis of WTO agreements, national laws, and recent scholarly literature to assess the level of legal convergence. Findings show that Uzbekistan has introduced clearer investigative procedures, improved transparency, and expanded stakeholder participation in safeguard measures. These reforms strengthen predictability in trade policy and support gradual integration into the global trading system. However, challenges remain in institutional capacity, enforcement consistency, and practical implementation of legal provisions. The study highlights that legal alignment alone is not sufficient without effective administrative support and technical expertise. The research concludes that Uzbekistan is progressing toward WTO-compliant trade governance while still requiring institutional strengthening for sustainable outcomes and deeper international economic integration.