FAO – Trade Policy Review, 4Q 2023

In the last quarter of 2023, Turkmenistan received training from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help prepare its Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime (MFTR). Uzbekistan also made progress in its accession negotiations with the WTO, with members commending its efforts to strengthen domestic institutions. Additionally, Georgia signed an agreement on comprehensive economic cooperation and free trade with the United Arab Emirates, while Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries signed a free trade agreement. This agreement will eliminate tariffs on 87 percent of traded goods and includes provisions for transparency in public procurement and sectoral cooperation. These developments reflect a continued focus on enhancing trade relations and promoting economic cooperation in the region.