A mission from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is holding consultations in Ashgabat on preparations for Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The consultations will continue through Oct. 24, while a special seminar for Turkmen businesses is scheduled for Oct. 21-22, the THP reported.
The mission is led by Asad Alam, ADB regional lead for regional cooperation and integration. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, which coordinates the country’s WTO accession process, is the main venue for the consultations.
The consultations involve representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, the State Customs Service and the Main State Service “Turkmenstandartlary.” Experts are reviewing a draft memorandum on the foreign trade regime, preparations for legal and regulatory acts in line with WTO standards, and priority areas for technical assistance under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.
The private sector is also a focus of the visit. A seminar titled “Turkmenistan’s WTO Accession: Private Sector Readiness, Market Access and Export Opportunities” will be held at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat. Participants will learn about WTO legal mechanisms, international requirements for export goods and new business opportunities arising from integration into the global trading system.
