WTO Membership on the Horizon

Tajikistan’s efforts to become a member of the World Trade Organization, WTO, as early as 2008 must be carefully thought through so as to minimise the potential economic costs, say NBCentralAsia commentators.



At a regional seminar hosted in Dushanbe by the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia, ending on December 13, representatives of these countries discussed how to increase trade in the region as some states move towards WTO accession.



Kyrgyzstan entered the WTO in 1998, and Kazakstan is well on its way to membership after signing bilateral agreements with a number of member states.



Tajikistan would like to be next to join, and economic observers in Dushanbe say that does not leave much time.



A lot has been done to bring national legislation into line with WTO rules, and regulatory mechanisms for foreign trade have been introduced that follow international standards. An official from the ministry of economic development and trade has told NBCentralAsia that a working group report - the final document needed for WTO accession - is already being drafted.



The government hopes that entry to the WTO, expected in 2008, will improve the access to export markets, improve the business and investment climate, and ultimately produce a significant increase in foreign direct investment.



Despite all these benefits, economic observers in Tajikistan think it would be prudent to also consider the possible downsides of WTO entry and to hold out for the best possible accession terms, rather than rushing the process.



“There is certainly an opportunity for Tajikistan to join the WTO rapidly. However, the aim should be to join not as soon as possible, but on the most favourable terms,” said Anvar Ibrohimov, head of WTO coordination at the ministry of economic development and trade.



Analysts recommend looking at the problems Kyrgyzstan faced as the first Central Asian state to join the WTO. One important issue is that Tajikistan will be required to lower customs barriers as a condition of entry, which will mean the government earns reduced revenues.



Another trade ministry official told NBCentralAsia that such issues need to be carefully thought out. But he noted that Tajikistan could take advantage of the preferential treatment the WTO grants to developing countries.



“We too have this [developing nation] status,” he said. “That means… we will be given certain benefits.”



(News Briefing Central Asia draws comment and analysis from a broad range of political observers across the region.)