Summary Description

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the rules of trade between nations at a global or near-global level.

In its current form it was established by an agreement done at Marrakesh, on April 15, 1994
(http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/04-wto.pdf )

Aim & Objectives

Preserve the basic principles and further the objectives underlying the multilateral trading system.

Scope of the WTO (Art. II)

The WTO shall provide the common institutional framework for the conduct of trade relations among its Members in matters related to the agreements and associated legal instruments included in the Annexes to April 1994 Marrakesh Agreement. (Art. II.1 ) (these include Multilateral and Plurilateral Trade Agreements, GATT 1994, GATT 1947)

Functions of the WTO (Art. III)

• facilitate the implementation, administration and operation, and further the objectives, of this Agreement and of the Multilateral Trade Agreements,
• provide the framework for the implementation, administration and operation of the Plurilateral Trade Agreements.
• provide the forum for negotiations among its Members concerning their multilateral trade relations in matters dealt with under the agreements in the Annexes to this Agreement.
• provide a forum for further negotiations among its Members concerning their multilateral trade relations, and a framework for the implementation of the results of such negotiations, as may be decided by the Ministerial Conference.
• administer the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (the "Dispute Settlement Understanding" or "DSU", Annex 2)
• administer the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (the "TPRM", Annex 3)
• With a view to achieving greater coherence in global economic policy-making, the WTO shall cooperate, as appropriate, with the International Monetary Fund and with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and its affiliated agencies.

Claims & Core Values

Open trade for the benefit of all.

Reduced obstacles to international trade, market opening accompanied by sound domestic and international policies that contribute to economic growth and development according to each member's needs and aspirations.

Ensuring a level playing field for all.

Economic growth and development.

Transparency in the conduct of its activities.

Source: [1].

Participation in Interactions

What role does the organisation play in interactions (preferably as identified and listed in the interaction dictionary: www.interaction-dictionary.info )

Contracts and Constraints

Most of the WTO agreements are the result of the 1986–94 Uruguay Round negotiations, signed at the Marrakesh ministerial meeting in April 1994. There are about 60 agreements and decisions totalling 550 pages.

Negotiations since then have produced additional legal texts such as the Information Technology Agreement, services and accession protocols.

These can be accessed here: http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/legal_e.htm

Strategic Themes

What long-term themes matter for these actors?

Strategic Plans

Development is at the heart of the Doha Development Agenda, for which negotiations are ongoing.

Full details, with regular updates, at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dda_e/dda_e.htm

Roles & Resources

Information Systems

Which information systems support the organisation's contribution to the interactions in which in participates?

• List of members and observers: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org6_e.htm
• Legal Texts: http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/legal_e.htm
• Documents Online: http://docsonline.wto.org/gen_home.asp?language=1&_=1
• Terminology Database: http://wtoterm.wto.org/multiterm/index.mto?

Operations

• Administering and monitoring the application of the WTO's agreed rules for trade in goods, trade in services, and trade-related intellectual property rights
• Settling disputes among our members regarding the interpretation and application of the agreements
• Assisting the process of accession of some 30 countries who are not yet members of the organization
• Explaining to and educating the public about the WTO, its mission and its activities.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Monitoring and reviewing the trade policies of our members, as well as ensuring transparency of regional and bilateral trade agreements
• Conducting economic research and collecting and disseminating trade data in support of the WTO's other main activities

Change

• Negotiating the reduction or elimination of obstacles to trade (import tariffs, other barriers to trade) and agreeing on rules governing the conduct of international trade (e.g. antidumping, subsidies, product standards, etc.)
• Building capacity of developing country government officials in international trade matters

Issues

The key dates and deadlines set out in the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC) (http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dda_e/dohatimelines2006_e.htm) lists these development issues:

• agriculture
• cotton
• NAMA negotiations
• services negotiations
• trade facilitation negotiations
• dispute settlement
• environment negotiations
• intellectual property
• rules negotiations
• regional agreements
• small economies
• special and differential treatment
• implementation
• integrated framework
• aid for trade

Related Bodies and Agencies

Members

There are 153 members, of which 117 are developing countries or separate customs territories

Ministerial Conference

This is the highest institutional and decision-making body of the WTO.
It usually meets every two years and brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions.

The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

Details at: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/minist_e.htm

General Council

The General Council conducts the organization's business in the intervals between Ministerial Conferences. It is WTO’s highest-level decision-making body in Geneva, meeting regularly to carry out the functions of the WTO. It has representatives (usually ambassadors or equivalent) from all member governments and has the authority to act on behalf of the ministerial conference.

Details at: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/gcounc_e/gcounc_e.htm

WTO Bodies

Details on WTO structure at: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org2_e.htm

Details on international intergovernmental orgs. with observer status in these bodies at: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/igo_obs_e.htm

Identified in Marrakesh Agreement (April, 1994)

• International Monetary Fund
• International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and its affiliated agencies.

Identified in WTO TBT

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