OSCE CENTER IN ASHGABAT HOSTS SEMINAR ON WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP, RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

On September 2, 2020 the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized three-day online seminar under the title “Membership in the World Trade Organization as a balance of rights and obligations”.

The event aims to present best practices of OSCE participating States in going through the WTO negotiation process and will facilitate discussions on possible steps for further expansion of the national trade policy.

The seminar brought together representatives of a number of Turkmenistan’s ministries, including the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Financial institutions and other relevant agencies are also participating to the seminar.

Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, opened the seminar by congratulating Turkmenistan on obtaining WTO observer status. “We initiated this seminar in support of consistent efforts undertaken by Turkmenistan in order to boost the development of the national economy and strengthen international co-operation as well as to intensify and optimize foreign trade and improve the investment climate.”

During the seminar, international experts from Georgia will share their country’s experiences establishing WTO membership and the implementation of Georgia’s commitments. An expert from Montenegro will present the country’s experience of accession to the WTO and the negotiation process. A representative of WTO will provide insights into the Organization’s structure, functions and principles of decision-making.

“Our seminar today is an important example of the Centre's comprehensive approach to the strengthening of the regional dialogue and co-operation in the area of trade facilitation and we intend to continue our constructive partnership with the host Government aimed at promoting economic security and stability,” said Drozd.

On September 4, 2020 the online seminar will continue its work.