About the WTO
Secretariat and budget
The WTO Secretariat has over 600 regular staff and coordinates the activities of the WTO. Most of the WTO’s annual budget consists of contributions by its members.
Outreach
The WTO maintains regular dialogue with the business community, non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, other international organizations, the media and the general public to enhance cooperation and raise awareness of trade issues.
Dispute settlement
WTO members bring disputes to the WTO if they think their rights under trade agreements are being infringed. Settling disputes is the responsibility of the Dispute Settlement Body.
12th Ministerial Conference – a snapshot
The 12th Ministerial Conference took place from 12 to 17 June 2021 at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva. It was originally scheduled to take place in December 2022 but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Implementation and monitoring
Various WTO councils and committees seek to ensure that WTO agreements are being properly implemented. All WTO members undergo periodic scrutiny of their trade policies and practices.
Supporting development and building trade capacity
The WTO aims to help developing countries build their trade capacity and allows them a longer time to implement trade agreements. Hundreds of training courses are organized each year for officials from developing countries.
Membership
The WTO currently has 164 members. The accession process for new members promotes their integration into the global economy.
Trade negotiations and discussions
Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of WTO members, who must reach a decision through negotiations.
12th Ministerial Conference – a snapshot
The 12th Ministerial Conference took place from 12 to 17 June 2022 at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva. It was originally scheduled to take place in December 2021 but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Membership
The WTO currently has 164 members. The accession process for new members promotes their integration into the global economy.
Supporting development and building trade capacity
The WTO aims to help developing countries build their trade capacity and allows them a longer time to implement trade agreements. Hundreds of training courses are organized each year for officials from developing countries.
Dispute settlement
WTO members bring disputes to the WTO if they think their rights under trade agreements are being infringed. Settling disputes is the responsibility of the Dispute Settlement Body.
Implementation and monitoring
Various WTO councils and committees seek to ensure that WTO agreements are being properly implemented. All WTO members undergo periodic scrutiny of their trade policies and practices.
Proyección exterior
La OMC mantiene un diálogo regular con la comunidad empresarial, las organizaciones no gubernamentales, los parlamentarios, otras organizaciones internacionales, los medios de comunicación y el público en general, con el fin de aumentar la cooperación y dar a conocer mejor las cuestiones comerciales.
Communication
L’OMC entretient un dialogue régulier avec les milieux d’affaires, les organisations non gouvernementales, les parlementaires, les autres organisations internationales, les médias et le grand public pour renforcer la coopération et faire mieux connaître les questions commerciales.
Introducción
El objetivo general de la OMC es ayudar a sus Miembros a utilizar el comercio como medio para elevar los niveles de vida, crear empleo y mejorar la vida de las personas. La OMC administra el sistema mundial de normas comerciales y ayuda a los países en desarrollo a crear capacidad comercial. Asimismo, constituye un foro al que acuden sus Miembros para negociar acuerdos sobre comercio y resolver los problemas comerciales que tienen unos con otros.