Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament has ratified an agreement on Tajikistan’s admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

A regular sitting of the fourth session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, presided over by its head, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on January 9.

Speaking at the session, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda noted that Tajikistan’s joining the WTO would ease market access for Tajik goods and improve the investment attractiveness of the country.

The minister, in particular, said that more than 97 percent of all world trade was taking place among the WTO member countries.

Rahimzoda also noted Tajikistan should open its permanent mission to the World Trade Organization this year.

We will recall that Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy signed the protocol on Tajikistan's admission to the international organization at a ceremony in Geneva on December 10, 2012.  Tajikistan's negotiations to join the WTO lasted for 11 years.  Tajikistan becomes the second Central Asian country to be admitted to the WTO.  Kyrgyzstan became a WTO member in 1998.