World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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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.
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WTO announces Cambodia accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Cambodia has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The country's instrument of acceptance was presented by its Minister of Commerce, Cham Nimul, to WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard. This brings the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 73.
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WTO dispute settlement reform talks proceed with new facilitator
Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady, who was appointed as facilitator by members and announced by the General Council Chair on 18 April, has reported her consultations with 34 delegations and group coordinators. These groups represent more than two-thirds of the membership and have been consulted on how to advance the work on dispute settlement reform. In addition to these discussions, Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady also met with technical experts from member delegations.
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Trade data reveal changing patterns in electric vehicle market
The electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing a significant transformation, with EVs accounting for over a third of all car imports in value terms by the end of 2023. This radical shift is redefining the automotive industry and reshaping global trade in transport equipment.
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Mauritius formally accepts WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala has expressed her approval of Mauritius's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, describing it as a "concrete demonstration of Mauritius's commitment to the WTO system and to global efforts to improve the sustainability of the world's marine fisheries." She highlighted that the fisheries sector has been a significant source of employment and exports for Mauritius and continues to play a vital role in its plans to develop its blue economy.
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Lao PDR formally accepts WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as confirmed by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala and Ambassador Keomany.
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WTO to Open its Doors to the Public on 9 June
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to welcome the public on 9 June for a day filled with activities and insights into the organization's headquarters. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, along with the Chair of the General Council, Petter Ølberg, and representatives of the Swiss authorities, will kick off the day with an opening ceremony.According to WTO's announcement, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the Centre William Rappard in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. These tours will allow guests to...
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WTO members discuss trade aspects of cotton, market trends, and World Cotton Day
Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye, the Chair of the WTO agriculture negotiations, facilitated the discussion on the trade aspects of cotton, while Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam, acting on behalf of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, chaired the meeting on the development dimension of cotton.
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DG Okonjo-Iweala concludes high-level visit to Latin America
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala recently concluded a high-level visit to three Latin American countries: Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. The week-long tour began in Santiago, Chile, where she attended the CEB's biannual session chaired by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The event brought together heads of the UN system and associated organizations.
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Cambodia Formally Accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Cambodia has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, with Deputy Director-General Ellard expressing his warm welcome towards this development. He stated, "I warmly welcome Cambodia's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. By disciplining subsidies worldwide to harmful fishing, the Agreement will strongly benefit Cambodia, for which fisheries plays an important role in its food security and economic growth. Cambodia's formal acceptance underscores the significance that it, as a least-developed country, attaches to international...
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Committee on Market Access Hosts Second Thematic Session on Supply Chain Resilience
The moderator, Mr Iain Fifer from the UK's Department for Business and Trade, highlighted the challenges facing global supply chains, including those relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and rapid changes in technology. Emphasizing the importance of collaborative solutions, Mr Fifer stressed the value of sharing diverse technical insights and practical experiences in the Committee.
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Workshop on WTO Government Procurement Agreement concludes in Geneva
A workshop on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) concluded in Geneva on May 3, 2024. The event, held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the GPA 2012, featured insightful discussions and practical exercises aimed at enhancing understanding and implementation of the agreement.During the opening session on April 29, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill emphasized the significance of the GPA 2012 in promoting sustainable development and fostering mutual benefits for exporters and governments involved in...