About the WTO
Executive summary
Trade objectives feature prominently in the development strategies of developing countries. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, trade remains a development priority. This is the strong message that emerges from the 2022 Aid for Trade monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise, conducted jointly with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Conclusiones
Los resultados del ejercicio conjunto de vigilancia y evaluación de la OCDE y la OMC de 2022 ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de más Ayuda para el Comercio y de una financiación mejor orientada. Confirman que la pandemia de COVID-19 fue un importante retroceso para la integración de muchos países en desarrollo en el comercio mundial y para sus perspectivas de desarrollo, especialmente en el caso de los países menos adelantados (PMA).
Acknowledgments
This publication was coordinated by Roy Santana and Adeet Dobhal of the WTO Market Access Division. The coordinators are grateful to the Office of the Director-General for their cooperation, former Deputy Director-General Anabel González and Suja Rishikesh Mavroidis, Director of the Market Access Division, for their encouragement, constant support and guidance.
Introduction
WTO members utilize a wide range of measures, such as prohibitions, export licences, regulations and other controls, to assist in risk management and regulating trade in controlled and sensitive goods. Examples include measures for fulfilling specific environmental objectives, the management of hazardous wastes and chemicals, combating illicit drugs and harmful substances, contributing to international peace and weapons controls, and regulating trade in cultural property. Many of these export licences and controls are established pursuant to international agreements and conventions focused on these specific areas and are the result of many years of international cooperation in the respective fields.
Qui nous sommes
L’OMC est dirigée par les gouvernements Membres. Toutes les grandes décisions sont prises par l’ensemble des Membres, soit au niveau des ministres (qui se réunissent normalement au moins tous les deux ans) soit au niveau des ambassadeurs ou des délégués (qui se rencontrent régulièrement au siège de l’OMC, à Genève). Les décisions sont normalement prises par consensus. Le Secrétariat de l’OMC coordonne les activités de l’Organisation.
Ce que nous défendons
Des principes fondamentaux simples sont à la base du système commercial multilatéral. Ces principes sont au coeur de toutes les activités de l’OMC depuis sa création en 1995.
Introduction
The overall objective of the WTO is to help its members use trade as a means to raise living standards, create jobs and improve people’s lives. The WTO operates the global system of trade rules and helps developing economies build their trade capacity. It also provides a forum for its members to negotiate trade agreements and to resolve the trade problems they face with each other.
What we do
The WTO operates the global system of trade rules, guaranteeing WTO member governments important trade rights.
What we stand for
Simple, fundamental principles form the foundations of the multilateral trading system. These principles have lain at the core of all WTO activities since its creation in 1995.
Who we are
The WTO is run by its member governments. All major decisions are made by the membership as a whole, either by ministers (who meet at least once every two years) or by their ambassadors or delegates (who meet regularly at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva). Decisions are normally taken by consensus. The WTO Secretariat coordinates the activities of the WTO.
Foreword
The world has been confronted by multiple challenges in recent years. From the devastating health and economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the growing impact of climate change, these crises have risen alongside longstanding global concerns, such as alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable development. International trade has a pivotal role to play in addressing these pressing issues. However, the trading of certain products can entail risks, necessitating the need for measures such as export licences and restrictions in certain circumstances to manage these risks.