Trade monitoring
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.
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.