About the WTO
Conclusion
The results of the 2022 OECD–WTO monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise underline the need for more Aid for Trade and for better-targeted financing. They confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant setback for the integration into world trade of many developing countries and for their development prospects especially for least-developed countries (LDCs).
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).
B2B E-commerce marketplaces and MSMES
COVID-19 vs. GFC
The impact of LDC graduation on trade
Communication break down
Innovation and patenting activities of COVID-19 vaccines in WTO members
United States - Safeguard measure on imports of large residential washers
United States - Countervailing duty measures on certain products from China
How do environmental policies affect green innovation and trade?
Trade negotiations and discussions
Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of WTO members who must reach a decision through negotiations.
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 countries 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.
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.