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WTO releases annual report highlighting resilience and future direction
By Globe Banner | Jul 30, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking the organization's 30th anniversary. In an opening message, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the WTO's role in leveraging trade to enhance living standards, create better jobs, and promote sustainable development.
WTO Dispute Panels Established Over EU Citrus Import Measures
By Globe Banner | Jul 26, 2024
South Africa has submitted its second requests for two panels in disputes it initiated concerning European Union regulations governing the importation of citrus fruits. These measures, aimed at controlling the spread of the insect Thaumatotibia leucotreta (False Codling Moth) and the fungus P. citricarpa (citrus black spot), have impacted South African citrus imports. The EU previously declined South Africa's first requests at a DSB meeting on 24 June.
WTO concludes advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials
By Globe Banner | Jul 26, 2024
The advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials, organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), concluded in Geneva on July 26, 2024. Participants engaged in workshops, case studies, and roundtable discussions to learn about current trade issues and WTO discussions, enhancing their expertise in applying trade agreements. The course also provided opportunities to interact with Geneva-based WTO member representatives, experts from other international organizations, and representatives from the WTO Secretariat.
Informal Working Group welcomes Gambia launches online policy tool
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
The formal participation of the Gambia in the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender (IWG) officially commenced on July 1, 2024. "This milestone reflects our commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women," said Kemo Janka of the Gambia's Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. "We recognize that trade is a powerful engine for growth and development. By integrating gender considerations into our trade policies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable economy," he added.
WTO Deputy Director-General emphasizes organization's role amid rising geopolitical tensions
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
DDG Hill highlighted the resilience of international trade in the face of polycrises over the last few years. At the end of 2023, merchandise trade in real terms was 6% above its pre-pandemic peak and up 19% compared to 2015. According to the WTO's recent trade forecast, global goods trade is expected to gradually recover by increasing 2.6% this year after a 1.2% contraction in 2023.
WTO releases latest edition of World Tariff Profiles with focus on EV minerals
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released the latest edition of its World Tariff Profiles, providing comprehensive data on tariffs imposed by member economies. The publication includes summary tables that list average "bound" or maximum tariffs and actual applied tariffs for both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
Dialogue identifies future focus areas in tackling global plastic pollution
By Globe Banner | Jul 24, 2024
The coordinators reported on the results of their consultations regarding priorities for the Dialogue's work in 2024 and 2025. Representing the six coordinators (Australia, Barbados, China, Ecuador, Fiji, Morocco), Ecuador and Barbados expressed gratitude to members for responding to a questionnaire on priorities and engaging in consultations over recent weeks.
Jordan accepts WTO agreement aimed at curbing harmful fisheries subsidies
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
Jordan has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as announced by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala. “I am happy to receive Jordan's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Jordan, the fourth member from the Middle East region to have formally accepted the Agreement, is demonstrating its leadership in protecting our shared marine resources for future generations. This is a critical step towards ending harmful fisheries subsidies and ensuring a thriving and resilient ocean for all,” she stated.
FIFA-WTO study reveals significant economic impact from Women’s World Cup
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
Women's football has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to a significant shift in global sports consumption. The rise of world-class women players has resulted in increased media coverage, rapid commercialization, and heightened engagement worldwide. This growth was evident at the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which broke numerous records with a worldwide audience of 2 billion and 1.98 million spectators across ten stadiums.
France contributes EUR 6 million to aid trade expertise in developing economies
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
France's contribution will support four programs.
WTO discusses early start selection process Director-General
By Globe Banner | Jul 22, 2024
Members discussed the request from the African Group of members regarding the appointment of the Director-General (WT/GC/W/948). The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible. The current term of DG Okonjo-Iweala finishes at the end of August 2025. She is eligible for a second four-year term.
Comoros and Timor-Leste join World Trade Organization
By Globe Banner | Jul 22, 2024
WTO members officially approved the accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste, both least-developed countries (LDCs), during a special ceremony at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi on February 26.
Benin and Sierra Leone accept fisheries subsidies agreement
By Globe Banner | Jul 19, 2024
Benin and Sierra Leone have formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, increasing the total number of World Trade Organization (WTO) members to 80. This milestone was announced by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who emphasized the significance of this support from least-developed members in promoting ocean sustainability and combating illegal fishing.
Madagascar begins safeguard probe into certain edible vegetable oils
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Madagascar has initiated a safeguard investigation into certain types of edible vegetable oils. The announcement, issued on July 18, 2024, outlines that interested parties must notify the ANMCC, the investigating authority, within 30 days from the investigation's commencement.
Iraq resumes WTO accession talks after sixteen-year hiatus
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Mr. Atheer Dawood Salman Al Ghrairi, Iraq's Minister of Trade, led a high-level delegation from Baghdad at the third meeting of the Working Party. Ambassador Saqr Almoqbel of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who chaired the Working Party for the first time since his appointment last year, welcomed Iraq's return to Geneva after many years, highlighting the significance of the formal resumption of Iraq's accession process. “The Minister's presence here, the first since 2008, sends a clear signal that Iraq's accession process is now back on track,” he remarked. The Working Party...
WTO updates progress on dispute settlement reform efforts
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady addressed a Heads of Delegation meeting, the third since the formal dispute settlement reform process began earlier this year. "We know what we need to do," she stated. "We know we have to accelerate work. We need to find the best way of doing that to keep the process inclusive."
WTO releases documents for China's trade policy review
By Globe Banner | Jul 17, 2024
The following documents are available regarding the Trade Policy Review of China:
WTO committee discusses developing economies' participation in trade
By Globe Banner | Jul 16, 2024
The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development updated members on efforts to streamline discussions through consultations, informal thematic sessions, and more focused meeting agendas. Members expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
World Trade Congress on Gender extends call for papers deadline
By Globe Banner | Jul 15, 2024
The deadline for paper submissions to the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025 has been extended. Following its successful inaugural edition in December 2022, this international research conference will examine how innovation can drive women's empowerment and its implications for trade policies. The event aims to provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to discuss and gain insights into enhancing gender equality through innovation, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and ways trade policies can foster such innovation.
WTO Director-General urges genuine negotiation among members
By Globe Banner | Jul 15, 2024
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged members to transition from discussion to action in their negotiations. Speaking at a Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) meeting, she acknowledged that while progress had stalled on key issues, there was recognition of the need to restart negotiations following a heads of delegation retreat on July 8.