World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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Comoros’ and Timor-Leste’s strategies discussed at Aid for Trade session
WTO members agreed at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi earlier this year to the accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste, following the finalization of years-long negotiations. Since MC13, both LDCs have prepared their post-accession implementation strategies, in parallel with the ratification of their respective Protocols of Accession and the 2022 Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. Their membership will become effective 30 days after the deposit of their instruments of acceptance with the WTO Secretariat.
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WTO-World Bank unveil joint work programme on trade in services
The joint work programme aims to address the challenges developing economies face in unlocking the benefits of services trade and harnessing the sector's export potential.
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WTO emphasizes collaboration for growth of African cotton industry
DG Okonjo-Iweala commended the studies on cotton value chain development in the C4+ (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire) conducted by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Gherzi Textile Organization. She thanked FIFA and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for their sponsorship of the studies. “The studies demonstrate the WTO has a big role to play in continuing to bring this partnership together,” she said.
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Trade aid crucial for developing economies' growth says DG Okonjo-Iweala
Global leaders convened to discuss the impact of the Aid for Trade initiative, which has generated USD 648 billion in investment since its inception in 2006. The session focused on strategies to enhance trade opportunities for lower-income countries.
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Geneva Week highlights recent developments in international trade
Participants will engage with high-level officials, government representatives based in Geneva, and experts from the WTO Secretariat and the Advisory Centre on World Trade Organization Law. They will also have the opportunity to hear about activities carried out by the Standards and Trade Development Facility.
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WTO's Chairs Programme bridges global gaps through research
The Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, engaged with participants on their trade-related projects encompassing research, curriculum development, and policy outreach. These initiatives are implemented in collaboration with the WTO Secretariat.
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WTO hosts course on integrating gender into global trade policies
The multifaceted curriculum included technical lectures, interactive sessions, and collaborative exercises. Participants explored the nexus between trade and gender, using practical tools and learning methodologies to integrate gender considerations into trade policies effectively. Key sessions delved into WTO initiatives on trade and gender, emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming gender equality across trade agendas.
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South Africa seeks panel reviews over EU citrus fruit import restrictions
South Africa has submitted two requests for panels in disputes concerning European Union regulations affecting the importation of citrus fruits. The measures, aimed at controlling the spread of the insect Thaumatotibia leucotreta (False Codling Moth) and the fungus P. citricarpa (citrus black spot), were discussed in consultations with the EU but did not result in a mutually agreed solution.
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WTO highlights cooperation among universities at Global Review of Aid for Trade
Established in 2010, the WTO Chairs Programme aims to create a network of institutions that collaborate with the WTO and policymakers on trade-related research, curriculum development, and policy outreach. The programme currently includes 35 universities, with a call for applications from underrepresented regions open until June 30.
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John H Jackson Moot Court Competition announces winners
The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition concluded with the announcement of winners on June 22, 2024. This year, 73 universities from around the world participated in the competition. After successfully competing in their regional rounds, the 24 best teams from 14 WTO members convened in Geneva.
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Registration opens for US-Argentina tubular goods dispute hearing
Registration has opened for a public hearing in the US-Argentina dispute concerning tubular goods. The meeting with the parties is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM (Geneva time) on July 10, 2024, and may continue until 5:00 PM. It will resume on July 11, if necessary, after the third-party session.
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Experts discuss synergy across IP laws, competition policies in healthcare
Experts Discuss Synergy Across IP, Competition, and Health at Trilateral Webinar
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WTO moves forward with formal dispute settlement reform efforts
“Since we last met, work has commenced among experts, facilitated by the six co-convenors,” Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady informed a Heads of Delegation meeting. This was the second meeting since the formal dispute settlement reform process was launched earlier this year.
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STDF annual report highlights key achievements amid global challenges
The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenges posed by global conflicts and climate change underscore the necessity of the STDF's work in promoting inclusive and sustainable development, the report underlines.
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WTO advances plans to deepen exchanges on environmental measures
WTO members advance on plans to deepen exchanges on environmental measures
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WTO conducts trade policy review for Canada
The following documents are available:
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Applications open for 2024 Trade and Public Health Workshop
The 18th WTO Trade and Public Health Workshop is being organized in close collaboration with the Secretariats of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This workshop adopts a holistic approach to the interconnections between public health, trade, and intellectual property, based on the 2nd Edition of the WHO-WIPO-WTO Trilateral Study "Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation: Intersections between Public Health, Intellectual Property and Trade."
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Prize for Gender Equality in Trade announced by Informal Working Group
WTO members and observer governments are invited to apply for the Prize for Gender Equality in Trade using the application form available online. Applicants must demonstrate how their initiative is providing solutions to empower women through trade. They must also describe how the policy, program, or project was formulated and implemented.
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DDG Ellard welcomes participants to John H. Jackson Moot Court Finals
The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement system, involving exchanges of written submissions and adversarial hearings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students' Association (ELSA). The WTO has provided technical support for the competition since its inception in 2002.
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WTO discusses progress towards integrating trade with environmental sustainability
In the first TESSD meeting after MC13 in April, the TESSD co-convenors, Canada and Costa Rica, welcomed Argentina as the 77th co-sponsor of TESSD. They also commended members on the four outcome documents and updated Work Plan presented at MC13. They encouraged members to further strengthen synergies among the four informal TESSD working groups—covering environmental goods and services, subsidies, circular economy, and trade-related climate measures—and aim to reach concrete results by MC14.