World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO committee discusses developing economies' participation in trade
The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development updated members on efforts to streamline discussions through consultations, informal thematic sessions, and more focused meeting agendas. Members expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
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World Trade Congress on Gender extends call for papers deadline
The deadline for paper submissions to the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025 has been extended. Following its successful inaugural edition in December 2022, this international research conference will examine how innovation can drive women's empowerment and its implications for trade policies. The event aims to provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to discuss and gain insights into enhancing gender equality through innovation, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and ways trade policies can foster such innovation.
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WTO Director-General urges genuine negotiation among members
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged members to transition from discussion to action in their negotiations. Speaking at a Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) meeting, she acknowledged that while progress had stalled on key issues, there was recognition of the need to restart negotiations following a heads of delegation retreat on July 8.
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WTO emphasizes role of climate-smart connectivity in global supply chains
In a recent address, Deputy Director-General Ellard of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the critical role of climate-smart connectivity and digital trade in enhancing regional and global integration, as well as sustainable development. The speech highlighted how connectivity serves as the cornerstone of effective supply chains in today's global economy, particularly in light of disruptions such as COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges.
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Digitalization in trade facilitation highlighted at WTO meeting
Five members — China, Colombia, Ecuador, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Republic of Moldova — shared their experiences of using digitalization to facilitate trade at a recent trade facilitation meeting. Their presentations aligned with the committee's 2024 focus on this topic.
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WTO explores ways to boost least developed countries' capacity in services trade
WTO members recently convened to explore strategies for enhancing the capacity of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to participate in services trade. Speakers emphasized that LDCs face significant challenges, including infrastructure issues, skills development, regulatory environments, and limited technological capacity. The necessity of international cooperation was highlighted, with several speakers advocating for an Aid for Trade roadmap to address these constraints.
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WTO conducts trade policy review for Jamaica
The following documents are available:
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Ellard urges swift action on fisheries subsidies at FAO meeting
At a recent meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard emphasized the urgent need to complete critical work on fisheries subsidies. "The sustainability of fisheries is a growing emergency for nations worldwide as the deterioration of fish stocks accelerates unabated. Many millions of people worldwide depend on marine fishing for income, food security, and livelihood. Sustainable management of our ocean resources is therefore essential for our future," DDG Ellard stated.
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WTO discusses TRIPS review amid new WIPO treaty adoption
The Chair, Ambassador Sofía Boza of Chile, reported on her consultations regarding the forthcoming review of the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement and responses from delegations to her written questions. She emphasized the need for a member-driven, flexible approach. Delegations highlighted the necessity for clarity, predictability, and compromise in the upcoming review process.
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Delegates address urgent need for sustainable fisheries management
On July 10, 2024, delegates gathered for the 36th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries to discuss pressing issues related to global fisheries and agriculture. The session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in addressing these challenges.
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WTO Deputy Director-General advocates leveraging organization as insurance policy for green steel investors
On July 10, 2024, Deputy Director-General Paugam addressed an audience in Jiangyin, emphasizing the critical role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in supporting investments in steel decarbonization. "The World Trade Organisation can and must be leveraged as an insurance policy for your investment decisions in steel decarbonisation," he stated.
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Chair provides takeaways from WTO decision-making retreat
The retreat, held outside of WTO headquarters in Geneva at the Heads of Delegation level, involved 122 member participants with the objective of engaging in candid forward-looking discussions.
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WTO reports mixed trends in global trade amid protectionist pressures
Commenting on the findings, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “This Trade Monitoring Update underscores the resilience of world trade despite the challenging geopolitical environment. Even in a context of rising protectionist pressures and signs of economic fragmentation, there are governments around the world still taking meaningful steps to liberalize and facilitate trade. This attests to the benefits of trade for people's purchasing power, business competitiveness, and price stability.
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WTO concludes regional trade policy course for Asia-Pacific officials
Participants received extensive training from experts in the WTO and from the Asia-Pacific region, including from SUIBE. The programme aimed to deepen understanding of the WTO's work, its agreements, and their relevance to trade policy in the Asia-Pacific region. The course also sought to strengthen participants' ability to tackle WTO-related issues by improving their awareness of WTO resources, including WTO legal texts.
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WTO thematic course highlights importance of global value chains
The WTO Thematic Course on Trade in Value Added and Global Value Chains concluded in Geneva on July 5, 2024. Opening the program on July 1, WTO Chief Economist Ralph Ossa emphasized the increasing significance of global value chains (GVCs) in international trade of goods and services. He noted that integration into GVCs and upgrading activities along supply chains have become crucial goals for investment, industrial, and trade policies in developing economies. Ossa stressed the need for policymakers to access comprehensive data to monitor changes in trade patterns and supply...
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WTO explores options following stalled farm trade talks
With WTO members unable to agree on how to move ahead in the long-running talks on agriculture at the organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) this February in Abu Dhabi, trade officials have recently been informally exploring options for restarting the talks.
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WTO at crossroads: addressing climate change through sustainable trade policies
On July 4, 2024, the Honourable Minister, Excellencies, and distinguished guests gathered to discuss a pivotal moment in the nexus of trade and climate at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Deputy Director-General Paugam addressed the assembly, emphasizing that "we need to accelerate our efforts in leveraging trade policy for sustainable development."
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WTO members renew focus on services trade following ministerial conference
WTO members have expressed a renewed commitment to advancing discussions on services trade, following the mandate from the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in February 2024. The Services Council, alongside other WTO bodies, has been tasked with addressing WTO reform, short-term challenges related to global and domestic crises, and responses to pandemics.
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Goods Council reviews future work plans amid new trade concerns
The Chair of the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG), Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, reported on her bilateral conversations with over 20 delegations and group coordinators. These discussions focused on the Council's functioning, recent improvements, and future expectations. According to Ambassador Kelly, members expressed satisfaction with the significant reforms implemented by the CTG over the past two years. Notably, the introduction of digital tools such as the e-agenda and annotated agenda has enhanced access to information and facilitated meeting preparations.
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WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee advances efforts towards operationalization
The Steering Committee of the WTO Fish Fund has made significant strides towards operationalizing the Fund, according to Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard. Speaking at a recent meeting, Ellard highlighted the Committee's progress since January, emphasizing their dedication to providing support by the time of the Agreement's entry into force.