World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO calls for swift action on fisheries subsidies amid environmental challenges
The World Trade Organization's Deputy Director-General, Angela Ellard, has called for urgent action on fisheries subsidies to support the Pacific region's sustainability objectives. In a recent address, she emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts in addressing environmental challenges faced by the Pacific Islands.
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WTO begins search for new Director-General ahead of schedule
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has begun the process of selecting its next Director-General. This initiative is being overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, who serves as the Chair of the General Council. The selection will follow the WTO's established "Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General" (WT/L/509).
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WTO expands academic network with five new universities for 2025
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Chairs Programme is set to expand its academic network by including five new universities. This expansion will bring the total number of Chairs to 40, enhancing regional and global initiatives and fostering collaboration among academics, policymakers, and trade experts.
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WTO discusses legal issues in e-commerce work programme
Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have convened to discuss legal and regulatory matters as part of the ongoing work programme on e-commerce. During this meeting, representatives shared insights from their national experiences in shaping a regulatory environment conducive to digital trade. They emphasized the importance of continuing these discussions through dedicated sessions and workshops.
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WTO emphasizes role of trade policies in clean energy transition
DDG Ellard has highlighted the critical role of trade policies in facilitating a transition to clean energy. She pointed out that these policies can reduce costs, decarbonize supply chains, harmonize standards, and redirect subsidies towards sustainability. This approach aims to create economic opportunities in emerging low-carbon markets.
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World Cotton Day highlights economic successes under President Talon's leadership
This year's World Cotton Day, held for the first time on African soil, highlighted Benin's economic achievements under President Guillaume Athanase Talon's leadership. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala commended Benin for its robust economic performance and effective management.
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DDG Ellard highlights parliament roles and updates on WTO priorities
DDG Ellard has underscored the significant role of parliaments in bridging international institutions and the public, emphasizing their involvement in World Trade Organization (WTO) matters. She highlighted that parliamentary engagement is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of the WTO's work.
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WTO discusses inclusive growth through trade amid global challenges
At the 13th Ministerial Conference held in February 2024, ministers emphasized the significant role of services in the global economy, noting that they contribute to more than two-thirds of global economic output and account for over half of all jobs. The conference highlighted the importance of advancing work on trade in services at the World Trade Organization (WTO). In response, the Council agreed to hold an informal discussion on a WTO-World Bank report titled "Trade in Services for Development." The ministerial mandate concerning this topic is detailed in paragraph 18 of...
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WTO's DDG Ellard outlines priorities amid ongoing reforms
DDG Ellard recently discussed the main functions of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including negotiations, trade monitoring, and dispute settlement. She emphasized the importance of technical assistance for developing and least-developed country members. Despite the growth of regional trade agreements, Ellard noted that about 75% of global trade still adheres to WTO rules. The consensus-based decision-making process ensures all members have an equal voice.
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WTO launches trade policy course for least developed countries
A new trade policy course for government officials from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is currently underway at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The training includes lectures, interactive sessions, and practical exercises that cover the main WTO agreements with a focus on development issues. It aims to help LDCs implement WTO decisions to boost their trade activities.
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WTO Trade and Public Health Workshop begins in Geneva
The 2024 WTO Trade and Public Health Workshop commenced in Geneva on September 30, 2024. In her opening remarks, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill emphasized the importance of WTO rules in ensuring equitable access to health-related products and services. She stated, “WTO rules facilitate equitable access to health-related products and services: starting with research and development, continuing through production, and culminating in last mile distribution to patients and medical personnel around the world.”
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WTO's Trade and Environment Week 2024 to focus on inclusive sustainability
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will host its annual Trade and Environment Week in 2024, focusing on the inclusive shift to sustainability. This event aims to foster discussions around trade-related environmental issues among WTO members, business representatives, international organizations, academics, leading experts, and civil society.
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WTO-FIFA initiative concludes consultations on advancing African cotton industry
The "Partenariat pour le Coton" initiative, launched in February 2024 following a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and FIFA in 2022, has concluded its national consultations. The initiative aims to support C4+ countries in enhancing their cotton value chain.
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WTO conference highlights need for resilient global trade
The WTO Chairs Conference in India recently focused on the need for resilient and inclusive trade. The event opened with remarks from WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang, who emphasized the significance of the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) network in strengthening the multilateral trading system. He stated, “Trade negotiations cannot succeed if only a few voices are heard,” highlighting the importance of participation from all countries.
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WTO holds workshop to improve compliance with import licensing
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently held a workshop aimed at enhancing capacity on import licensing and notifications. In her opening remarks, Ms. Tyesha Turner, Chairperson of the Committee on Import Licensing, emphasized the importance of transparency within the multilateral trading system. She noted that import licensing has been on the global trade agenda since the 1970s and became part of the WTO's multilateral agreements after the Uruguay Round.
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Azerbaijan progresses towards WTO membership
Samad Bashirli, Deputy Minister of Economy and newly appointed WTO Chief Negotiator, led Azerbaijan's high-level delegation to Geneva for the Working Party meeting. This meeting occurred 14 months after the previous one in July 2023, which marked the resumption of accession negotiations following a six-year gap. The delegation included Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the WTO, Galib Israfilov, senior government officials, and experts from various ministries and agencies.
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International bodies update WTO Committee on global food security challenges
The Chair of the Committee, Ms. Anna Leung of Hong Kong, China, facilitated discussions on various farm policies and food security measures.
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WTO regional trade policy course begins in Togo
The WTO Regional Trade Policy Course has commenced in Togo, with participants set to engage in discussions over eight weeks. The course will cover the modernization and reform of the multilateral trading system, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and digital and green initiatives shaping global trade's future. Participants will interact with WTO and regional experts, as well as academics from the University of Lomé, which has partnered with the WTO since 2023 for this course.
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WTO releases documents on Kazakhstan’s trade policy review
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released several documents related to the recent Trade Policy Review of Kazakhstan. These documents include a detailed report by the WTO Secretariat and a policy statement from the Kazakh government.
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EU initiates WTO dispute over Chinese anti-subsidy probe on dairy
The European Union has initiated a dispute complaint against China's anti-subsidy investigation on EU dairy products. The EU argues that the measure in question seems to be inconsistent with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. According to the EU, the application did not provide enough evidence of a countervailable subsidy, injury, or a causal link between subsidized imports and the alleged injury.