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A three-day training course on “Market access in the process of WTO accession” is being held in Ashgabat, at the Yyldyz Hotel, from November 20 to 22. The event was organized within the framework of the USAID Central Asia Trade Program and brought together participants from government agencies and business circles of Turkmenistan. The speaker of the course was an expert in international trade Alejandro Gamboa-Alder from Colombia. Elizabeth Rood, U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan, delivered opening remarks to the participants.

The course is aimed at an in-depth study of the fundamental principles and procedures for market access within the WTO multilateral trading system. Participants discussed key topics such as: Most favored nation treatment, non-discrimination and transparency in international trade; Tariff concession schedules and their importance for successful WTO participation; Management of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), including sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures.

Accession to the WTO is an important step for Turkmenistan towards integration into the global economy. The course focuses on preparing for negotiations, identifying national priorities and finding optimal solutions that will help the country make the most of the benefits of membership in the organization.

The first day included an introduction to the history and structure of the WTO, an overview of customs duties and quantitative restrictions, and an examination of concession schedules and their relationship with the WCO harmonized system. On the second day, participants focused on non-tariff barriers, including import licensing and technical barriers to trade.

The third day will conclude with a discussion of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation agreements and the development of practical recommendations for Turkmenistan.

The course participants noted the importance of developing an effective trade policy aimed at reducing barriers to exports and imports, as well as attracting international partners. Creating favorable conditions for trade requires active work with international standards and transparency in trade processes.

"Turkmenistan is on the threshold of major changes in the field of international trade. A deep understanding of the WTO rules and principles will allow the country not only to successfully complete the accession process, but also to use new opportunities to diversify the economy and enter global markets," one of the participants of the event said.

The program has become a platform for dialogue between national experts and international partners. This training is another step by Turkmenistan to strengthen its position in the world market and closer integration into the global economy.

ORIENT

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