World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO publication addresses strategies against illicit food trade
A new World Trade Organization (WTO) publication titled “Illicit Trade in Food and Food Fraud” has brought together contributions from experts across international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the WTO Secretariat. The publication highlights the detrimental impact of illicit food trade on food security and public health and outlines various strategies to counter these issues. A comprehensive response is deemed necessary, involving regulatory measures, enforcement, industry cooperation, and consumer education.
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Call for papers open for World Trade Congress on Gender 2025
The call for research papers on innovation is now open for the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025, scheduled to focus on how women's empowerment drives innovation and how trade can support this process. The Congress, the only international research conference on trade and gender, aims to provide researchers and policymakers with a platform for in-depth discussions and insights into the role of innovation in enhancing gender equality, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and how trade policies can foster innovation for women's empowerment.
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Uzbekistan advances towards WTO membership with accelerated negotiations
Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and Chair of the Inter-Agency Commission on WTO Accession, led a delegation to Geneva as part of the country's ongoing efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). The delegation included Mr. Azizbek Urunov, Special Representative of the President on WTO issues and Chief Negotiator for WTO accession; Mr. Ahadbek Khaydarov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance; Mr. Alisher Karimov, Deputy Minister of Justice; and Mr. Akmaljon Kosimov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Officials from various ministries and...
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New regulations on services trade take effect for four more WTO members
A total of 72 economies — comprising 70 WTO members and two acceding members (Timor-Leste and Comoros) — are committed to implementing the new disciplines on services trade regulation. Ecuador is the latest WTO member to have confirmed its commitment, requesting to become a participant in the Declaration on the Conclusion of Negotiations on Services Domestic Regulation.
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EU, Australia commit to implementing recent WTO rulings
The European Union has affirmed its intention to implement the panel ruling in DS600, a case concerning measures related to palm oil and oil palm crop-based biofuels. The ruling was formally adopted by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on April 26. The EU stated it would require a reasonable period of time for implementation and expressed a willingness to discuss this timeline with Malaysia promptly.
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WTO members discuss farm policies amid rising global food insecurity
On May 24, 2024, WTO members convened to review farm policies and discuss food security and technology transfer. The Chair of the Committee, Mr. Kjetil Tysdal of Norway, facilitated the discussions.
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First WTO workshop focuses on improving customs valuation notifications
The first World Trade Organization (WTO) workshop on customs valuation notifications concluded in Geneva on May 24, 2024. Under WTO rules, members are required to notify developments in national laws and regulations on customs valuation and a checklist of issues regarding their legislation. They must also notify the implementation of the Decision on Interest Charges and the Decision on the Valuation of Carrier Media Bearing Software.
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Qatar joins international agreement to curb harmful fisheries subsidies
On May 22, 2024, Qatar formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This move was acknowledged by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who stated, “I am delighted that Qatar has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. By taking this step, Qatar has shown its support for sustainable fisheries and combatting illegal fishing in the Gulf region. Qatar also has affirmed the WTO's vital role in delivering global public goods — in this case contributing to marine sustainability by curbing subsidies to harmful fishing practices. The swift entry into force of the...
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Asia-Pacific officials attend regional trade policy course in Shanghai
A regional trade policy course is currently underway in Shanghai, bringing together government officials from the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to deepen participants' understanding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its agreements, rules, and procedures.
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WTO discusses strategies post-MC13 focusing on key trade negotiations
Speaking in her role as Chair of the WTO's Trade Negotiations Committee, DG Okonjo-Iweala reported that consultations held with members since the last General Council meeting in March demonstrated a “constructive spirit,” with all parties “eager to complete the unfinished business from Abu Dhabi.”
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WTO members discuss transparency improvements in import licensing regimes
Mr. Tharnpanich urged all delegations to utilize the Portal for their notifications relating to the Import Licensing Agreement. He emphasized that all notifications submitted via the Portal are incorporated into a database, enhancing transparency and simplifying the process for future notifications.
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WTO announces Mauritius accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Mauritius has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Lao PDR was presented by Ambassador Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 75.
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Webinar explores digital tech's role in enhancing supply chains
The event brought together industry experts from the private sector to delve into the potential of digital technologies to transform supply chain procedures. Roy Santana, Senior Counsellor at the WTO's Market Access Division, moderated the session, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in improving collaboration between government and the private sector.
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Trade group advances work on gender-responsive policies
The Informal Working Group (IWG) on Trade and Gender, co-chaired by Cabo Verde, El Salvador, and the United Kingdom, has put forward several proposals to advance gender-responsive trade policies. These initiatives align with the MC13 Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Rev.1) and aim to enhance financial inclusion for female entrepreneurs.
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Webinar highlights potential of services trade for Latin America, Caribbean growth
A recent webinar emphasized the potential of services trade to stimulate growth in Latin American and Caribbean economies. Despite services trade becoming the most dynamic component of global trade in recent years, these regions have yet to fully exploit its economic benefits.
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WTO official calls for inclusive trade policies at Lima event
Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard emphasized the importance of inclusive trade policies at a recent WTO Chairs Programme event in Lima, Peru. Speaking to an audience that included scholars and policymakers, Ellard highlighted the significance of fostering women's economic empowerment through international trade.
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WTO official calls for APEC cooperation following key decisions at MC13
DDG Ellard urged APEC leaders to help turn MC13 progress into concrete outcomes on May 16, 2024. She noted that WTO members adopted several important decisions at MC13, particularly in relation to development. Significant progress was also made in areas including fisheries subsidies, dispute settlement reform, and agriculture. Members have identified four immediate priorities for future work.
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World Trade Organization announces Cambodia’s acceptance of Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Cambodia has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This agreement seeks to prohibit harmful subsidies for fisheries, which are identified as a significant factor contributing to the depletion of fish stocks.
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WTO members discuss proposals to boost technology transfer
Alejandro Roca Campaña from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently expressed his organization's willingness to enhance its collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), utilizing its expertise in IP innovation to contribute to technology transfer discussions. The members of the Working Group showed their support for WIPO's request for observer status, in line with the mandate given by the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. This declaration urges the Working Group to continue collaborating with other relevant international organizations,...
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WTO announces Lao PDR accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Lao PDR was presented by Ambassador Latsamy Keomany to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 74.