World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO discusses digital trade impact amid pandemic challenges
World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital and remittance services during events held on March 25 and 27. These discussions were organized under the Committee on Trade in Financial Services and the Council for Trade in Services.
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WTO opens applications for regional workshop on trade and public health
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is organizing a Regional Workshop on Trade and Public Health in Rabat from May 28 to 30, 2024. The workshop is aimed at government officials from WTO members and observers in French-speaking Africa. Applications for participation are open until April 3, 2024.
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Committee agrees on market access sessions; addresses trade concerns
Members of the Committee on Market Access (CMA) have agreed on a timetable for thematic sessions in 2024, focusing on supply chain resilience and promoting a greener Harmonized System (HS). This system is used to classify traded goods in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). The meeting, held on March 25-26, also addressed numerous trade concerns and elected Mr. Kenya Uehara of Japan as interim Chair.
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WTO releases report on Australian duties on Chinese products
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report on March 26, 2024, concerning the dispute initiated by China against Australia. The case, titled "Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China" (DS603), addresses Australia's imposition of duties on specific Chinese goods.
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Students engage in Model WTO simulation focusing on trade subsidies
On March 26, over 60 students from various parts of the world participated in the final session of "Model WTO," a week-long simulation of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. This event is organized annually by students from St. Gallen University with support from the WTO.
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WTO hosts discussion on women's role in global trade
An event titled "A joint conversation on women’s economic empowerment," hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) on March 26, showcased recent initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality in trade and fostering women's empowerment.
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WTO explores support strategies for least-developed countries transitioning out of status
WTO members convened on March 25, 2024, to discuss strategies for aiding least-developed countries (LDCs) in their transition from the LDC category. The meeting was part of the Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries, where Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark noted, “It is very encouraging to see that WTO members have shown commitment to support a smooth transition for graduating LDCs.”
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WTO members advance sixth review of sanitary measures agreement
WTO members have made progress in the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). The discussions took place during a meeting of the SPS Committee from March 20 to 22, 2024. Members also addressed numerous trade concerns at this gathering.
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The World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference ends with declaration for forward-looking reform agenda
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conference, which took place in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to March 2, convened ministers from around the globe to deliberate on the organization's future work. The conference was chaired by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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World Trade Organization members endorse Timor-Leste's WTO accession package
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to approve the accession package for Timor-Leste’s membership, marking a significant step for one of the WTO's least developed countries. A formal decision on this matter is anticipated in the coming month.
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WTO releases 'Global Trade Outlook and Statistics' October 2023 update
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its 'Global Trade Outlook and Statistics' update for October 2023, revealing a downward revision in trade growth forecasts due to a global manufacturing slowdown that began in Q4 2022. While the outlook for 2023 has been scaled back, economists maintain a more optimistic view for trade in 2024, according to the report released by the WTO.
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WTO: China accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on Aug. 21 that Hong Kong, China submitted its formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, according to a press release. Drew Lai, acting permanent representative, handed over Hong Kong, China's acceptance instrument to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, marking the 16th acceptance received by the WTO.
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'I am very grateful to Sweden for their contribution to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism'
On July 27, 2023, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that the government of Sweden has pledged SEK 5 million (approximately CHF 500,000) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism. This contribution is aimed at supporting developing members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies according to a press release by WTO.
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Ukraine formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: 'I’m extremely pleased to receive Ukraine's formal acceptance of the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in the face of such extraordinary challenges'
On Aug. 17, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that Ukraine has officially submitted its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Ukraine's instrument from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko during a visit to Kyiv.
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Regional trade course underway in Trinidad and Tobago 'will place a specific focus' on trade and linkages, WTO Deputy Director-General says
An ongoing regional trade policy course underway, hosted in Trinidad and Tobago, will provide participants with specific training about the international trading system, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Xiangchen Zhang said in a statement
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'I am delighted to welcome China's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies'
On June 27, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed China's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'I welcome Japan's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies'
The World Trade Organization recently announce that Japan formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies which signifies the country's commitment to addressing harmful subsidies and also promoting sustainable fishing practices.
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'I warmly welcome Peru's formal acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies'
Peru formally accepted the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on July 19.
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'It is imperative that we establish the conditions and provide the support necessary for African countries to overcome the challenges'
World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala recently spoke at the launch of a joint WTO-World Bank policy called "Turning digital trade into a catalyst for African development." According to a July 21 release by the World Trade Organization (WTO), her remarks were focused on the potential of digital trade being a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
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Okonjo-Iweala: 'I am grateful to Gabon for its formal acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies'
On July 12, 2023, Gabon officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the third African country to do so. Ambassador Mireille Sarah Nzenze presented Gabon's instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a press release by the World Trade Organization (WTO).