An advanced trade policy course is currently taking place at the World Trade Organization (WTO), aimed at enhancing participants' skills in WTO-related activities. The course focuses on trade policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and participation in WTO negotiations and dispute settlement. It includes interactive sessions that address legal and economic aspects of WTO rules and allow for experience sharing on contemporary trade issues.
Ambassador Matthew Wilson, the WTO Permanent Representative of Barbados and Patron of the course, highlighted the significance of multilateralism and strategic partnerships during his opening remarks. He stated: "Multilateralism must never be taken for granted. Gaining a seat at the negotiating table is not easy. To influence global politics — whether it be trade, human rights, climate change or the digital revolution — it is crucial to work with other economies on consolidating global cooperation."
Ambassador Wilson also urged participants to enhance their negotiation skills by engaging critically and constructively with one another.
Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang emphasized the importance of these courses as part of the WTO's technical assistance efforts. Reflecting on his own experience since participating in a similar program after the WTO's establishment in 1995, he said: “I benefited a lot from this course, not only from the knowledge and expertise point of view but also by taking advantage of the opportunity to establish a network of contacts, many of whom became my counterparts during trade negotiations and with whom I worked on various bilateral and multilateral initiatives. I encourage you to participate actively in order to make the most of the time you have invested in this course.”
This year's participants come from diverse regions including Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Middle East. Among them are six individuals from least-developed countries.