World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO begins advanced trade policy course focused on practical applications
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has commenced its advanced trade policy course in Geneva. The program emphasizes case-based learning and practical application of WTO agreements, aiming to enhance participants' analytical and negotiation skills. Through discussions, simulations, and case studies, attendees gain hands-on experience with WTO tools and databases.
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Germany pledges EUR 150K for farm trade standards in developing economies
Germany has pledged EUR 150,000 to support developing economies in meeting farm trade standards.
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WTO deputy director-general underscores collaboration with World Customs Organization
Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard of the World Trade Organization (WTO) addressed delegates at a meeting organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO), emphasizing the critical collaboration between the two entities. She expressed gratitude to WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and acknowledged the significant role that WCO delegates play in shaping international trade frameworks.
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Global institutions urge coordinated approach on climate action and carbon pricing
The Joint Task Force on Climate Action, Carbon Pricing, and Policy Spillovers has released a report titled “Working Together for Better Climate Action: Carbon Pricing, Policy Spillovers, and Global Climate Goals.” The task force was convened by...
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WTO conducts trade policy review for Maldives
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to conduct a Trade Policy Review for the Maldives. This review involves an examination and evaluation of the country's trade and related policies. The WTO Secretariat has prepared a detailed report independently, which will be discussed by the WTO's full membership in the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB).
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WTO hosts regional trade policy course in Saudi Arabia
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently conducting a regional trade policy course in Saudi Arabia. This initiative involves experts from the WTO Secretariat, regional institutions, and King Saud University who will share insights on various topics such as tariff schedules, agriculture, trade remedies, services, intellectual property rights, e-commerce, and fisheries subsidies. The course aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.
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Kuwait accepts fisheries subsidies agreement; joins other Arab nations in sustainable efforts
Kuwait has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the seventh Arab nation to do so. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala welcomed this move, stating that Kuwait's acceptance is a significant step towards sustainable marine fisheries and combating illegal fishing activities. She emphasized the importance of eliminating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to advance global food security.
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DDG Ellard stresses WTO's role amid geopolitical tensions
In a recent address, DDG Ellard emphasized the critical role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in fostering global cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. She highlighted the WTO's unique platform that allows all its members, regardless of size or development status, to have an equal voice in shaping global trade rules.
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WTO supports trade-focused events at COP29 in Baku
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat will actively support trade-focused events at the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku. The Director-General is scheduled to participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on November 12-13, along with several high-level events at the COP29 Trade and Investment House and other venues. During the conference, the Secretariat, along with its partners, plans to launch several publications.
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WTO emphasizes youth role in promoting 'Trade for Peace' during Geneva event
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently hosted an event focusing on the role of youth in promoting "Trade for Peace" in fragile states. Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang emphasized the importance of young people in decision-making processes, stating, “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today.” He highlighted the WTO's Trade for Peace (T4P) Programme’s Future Leaders Initiative, which aims to empower youth as active agents of stability and prosperity.
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Small business group discusses global support strategies for MSMEs
The recent meeting focused on the significant role of business support organizations like the Enterprise Europe Network and the International Trade Centre. These entities assist small businesses in connecting with partners, facilitating exports to international markets, and leveraging opportunities from free trade agreements. The discussions highlighted how these organizations aid in the flow of information between public and private sectors, particularly benefiting small businesses by providing feedback and advisory services to access financing.
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WTO seminar informs Latin American journalists on global trade challenges
The joint seminar organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for journalists from Latin America concluded recently. The event was opened by WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill, who emphasized the importance of promoting knowledge and critical discussion on key issues for the future of global trade. She highlighted that these discussions are crucial in the current context marked by significant changes and challenges to the multilateral trading system.
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Market access committee discusses strategies for resilient global supply chains
The Committee on Market Access recently held its third thematic session focused on supply chain resilience. The session was moderated by Mr. Iain Fifer from the United Kingdom, who highlighted the importance of trade data in understanding and improving supply chains. He pointed out challenges in obtaining reliable data and emphasized its role in decision-making.
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WTO concludes advanced workshop on agriculture notifications
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has concluded the second phase of its advanced workshop on agriculture notifications. The two-day program, held in October 2024, provided practical training sessions that built upon the first phase conducted a year earlier. Participants received an overview of the WTO's agricultural notification requirements, focusing particularly on market access and domestic support notifications. They were also guided on using the WTO's Agriculture Information Management System.
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Burkina Faso joins WTO effort against harmful fishing subsidies
Burkina Faso has officially ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 85th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to do so. This step highlights Burkina Faso's commitment to international obligations, as emphasized by Minister Traoré: “Burkina Faso's ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is testimony to the emphasis our country places on honouring its international commitments, in this case its WTO commitments."
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Liechtenstein supports EIF Interim Facility with CHF 40,000 donation
Liechtenstein has become the sixth donor to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Interim Facility, contributing CHF 40,000. This facility was established to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs) during the transition period until a new multilateral support mechanism is operational.
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WTO opens registration for US-Argentina tubular goods dispute hearing
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened registration for the second public hearing in the dispute between the United States and Argentina regarding tubular goods. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM Geneva time on November 19, 2024, and may continue until 5:00 PM. It will resume at the same time on November 20.
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Okonjo-Iweala urges WTO members to maintain constructive negotiations
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged members to remain constructive in their negotiations to achieve meaningful outcomes. In a recent address, she highlighted ongoing discussions on several key issues.
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Aligning carbon measurement standards crucial for future global trade
The alignment of carbon measurement standards is crucial for the future of global trade, according to DDG Paugam. Speaking at a recent event, Paugam emphasized the importance of this topic in the context of globalization and the world trading system. He noted that approximately 30% of steel products are traded internationally, highlighting the resilience of global trade despite major economic crises like the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic.
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WTO chief stresses importance of trade for global food security
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, addressed the World Food Forum, emphasizing the critical role of trade in ensuring global food security. She highlighted the collaboration between the WTO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in food and agriculture sectors.