Latest News
WTO members discuss farm policies amid rising global food insecurity
By Globe Banner | May 24, 2024
On May 24, 2024, WTO members convened to review farm policies and discuss food security and technology transfer. The Chair of the Committee, Mr. Kjetil Tysdal of Norway, facilitated the discussions.
First WTO workshop focuses on improving customs valuation notifications
By Globe Banner | May 24, 2024
The first World Trade Organization (WTO) workshop on customs valuation notifications concluded in Geneva on May 24, 2024. Under WTO rules, members are required to notify developments in national laws and regulations on customs valuation and a checklist of issues regarding their legislation. They must also notify the implementation of the Decision on Interest Charges and the Decision on the Valuation of Carrier Media Bearing Software.
Qatar joins international agreement to curb harmful fisheries subsidies
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
On May 22, 2024, Qatar formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This move was acknowledged by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who stated, “I am delighted that Qatar has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. By taking this step, Qatar has shown its support for sustainable fisheries and combatting illegal fishing in the Gulf region. Qatar also has affirmed the WTO's vital role in delivering global public goods — in this case contributing to marine sustainability by curbing subsidies to harmful fishing practices. The swift entry into force of the...
Asia-Pacific officials attend regional trade policy course in Shanghai
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
A regional trade policy course is currently underway in Shanghai, bringing together government officials from the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to deepen participants' understanding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its agreements, rules, and procedures.
WTO discusses strategies post-MC13 focusing on key trade negotiations
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Speaking in her role as Chair of the WTO's Trade Negotiations Committee, DG Okonjo-Iweala reported that consultations held with members since the last General Council meeting in March demonstrated a “constructive spirit,” with all parties “eager to complete the unfinished business from Abu Dhabi.”
WTO members discuss transparency improvements in import licensing regimes
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Mr. Tharnpanich urged all delegations to utilize the Portal for their notifications relating to the Import Licensing Agreement. He emphasized that all notifications submitted via the Portal are incorporated into a database, enhancing transparency and simplifying the process for future notifications.
WTO announces Mauritius accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Mauritius has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Lao PDR was presented by Ambassador Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 75.
Webinar explores digital tech's role in enhancing supply chains
By Globe Banner | May 17, 2024
The event brought together industry experts from the private sector to delve into the potential of digital technologies to transform supply chain procedures. Roy Santana, Senior Counsellor at the WTO's Market Access Division, moderated the session, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in improving collaboration between government and the private sector.
Trade group advances work on gender-responsive policies
By Globe Banner | May 17, 2024
The Informal Working Group (IWG) on Trade and Gender, co-chaired by Cabo Verde, El Salvador, and the United Kingdom, has put forward several proposals to advance gender-responsive trade policies. These initiatives align with the MC13 Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Rev.1) and aim to enhance financial inclusion for female entrepreneurs.
Webinar highlights potential of services trade for Latin America, Caribbean growth
By Globe Banner | May 16, 2024
A recent webinar emphasized the potential of services trade to stimulate growth in Latin American and Caribbean economies. Despite services trade becoming the most dynamic component of global trade in recent years, these regions have yet to fully exploit its economic benefits.
WTO official calls for inclusive trade policies at Lima event
By Globe Banner | May 16, 2024
Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard emphasized the importance of inclusive trade policies at a recent WTO Chairs Programme event in Lima, Peru. Speaking to an audience that included scholars and policymakers, Ellard highlighted the significance of fostering women's economic empowerment through international trade.
WTO official calls for APEC cooperation following key decisions at MC13
By Globe Banner | May 16, 2024
DDG Ellard urged APEC leaders to help turn MC13 progress into concrete outcomes on May 16, 2024. She noted that WTO members adopted several important decisions at MC13, particularly in relation to development. Significant progress was also made in areas including fisheries subsidies, dispute settlement reform, and agriculture. Members have identified four immediate priorities for future work.
WTO members discuss proposals to boost technology transfer
By Globe Banner | May 15, 2024
Alejandro Roca Campaña from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently expressed his organization's willingness to enhance its collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), utilizing its expertise in IP innovation to contribute to technology transfer discussions. The members of the Working Group showed their support for WIPO's request for observer status, in line with the mandate given by the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. This declaration urges the Working Group to continue collaborating with other relevant international organizations,...
WTO announces Lao PDR accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
By Globe Banner | May 14, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Lao PDR was presented by Ambassador Latsamy Keomany to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 74.
WTO announces Cambodia accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
By Globe Banner | May 14, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Cambodia has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The country's instrument of acceptance was presented by its Minister of Commerce, Cham Nimul, to WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard. This brings the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 73.
WTO dispute settlement reform talks proceed with new facilitator
By Globe Banner | May 14, 2024
Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady, who was appointed as facilitator by members and announced by the General Council Chair on 18 April, has reported her consultations with 34 delegations and group coordinators. These groups represent more than two-thirds of the membership and have been consulted on how to advance the work on dispute settlement reform. In addition to these discussions, Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady also met with technical experts from member delegations.
Trade data reveal changing patterns in electric vehicle market
By Globe Banner | May 14, 2024
The electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing a significant transformation, with EVs accounting for over a third of all car imports in value terms by the end of 2023. This radical shift is redefining the automotive industry and reshaping global trade in transport equipment.
Mauritius formally accepts WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
By Globe Banner | May 14, 2024
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala has expressed her approval of Mauritius's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, describing it as a "concrete demonstration of Mauritius's commitment to the WTO system and to global efforts to improve the sustainability of the world's marine fisheries." She highlighted that the fisheries sector has been a significant source of employment and exports for Mauritius and continues to play a vital role in its plans to develop its blue economy.
Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association: waste within the country’s secondhand clothes sector lower than claimed
By Globe Banner | May 13, 2024
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association has published a report indicating that less than 5% of secondhand clothing imported into the country qualifies as waste.
Lao PDR formally accepts WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
By Globe Banner | May 13, 2024
The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as confirmed by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala and Ambassador Keomany.