Representatives of relevant departments of the United States were informed in detail about Uzbekistan’s institutional and legal reforms aimed at complete elimination of forced labor. The U.S. side got acquainted with the activities of the National Commission and the Institute of the National Rapporteur on combating human trafficking and forced labor. In addition, tightening of administrative responsibility, introduction of criminal liability for violation of the requirements on the inadmissibility of the use of labor of minors and administrative coercion to work were reported. The country’s systematic reforms in agriculture within the framework of the adopted new Strategy for Development of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, aimed at significantly reducing government’s involvement in the cotton sector and its pricing, as well as strengthening farmers’ rights in land use, were emphasized.

Representatives of the GSP subcommittee were interested in the process of implementing the roadmaps on abolition of the system of state orders for cotton, the specifics of clusters being created in Uzbekistan, further plans of the state for subsidizing farm activities and other issues.

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Christopher Wilson praised ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan that are aimed at ensuring international standards and protecting workers’ rights.

Stating the readiness of the United States to support the aspiration of Uzbekistan to join the WTO, Christopher Wilson noted that the reform process associated with joining this organization also contribute to the long-term, sustainable development of the country’s labor market.

Uzbekistan delegation also held meetings and negotiations at the U.S. Department of State, the Office of Trade Representative, the Department of Labor and the ILO.