Weekly Newsletter
World Trade Organization
The WTO's goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
A round-up of WTO news and events
19 - 25 July
LATEST NEWS
Comoros and Timor-Leste submit WTO accession instruments, accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
At a ceremony at the start of the General Council meeting on 22 July, Comoros and Timor-Leste handed over to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala their acceptance of the WTO Protocols of Accession, setting both countries on course to formally become the 165th and 166th members of the WTO in late August. Comoros and Timor-Leste also handed over to the Director-General their respective instruments of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Jordan formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Jordan deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 23 July. Ambassador Walid Obeidat presented Jordan’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard.
Members voice support for early start of Director-General selection process
Fifty-eight WTO members took the floor at a 22 July meeting of the WTO General Council to voice support for a proposal from the African Group calling for an early start to the Director-General selection process and asking the incumbent, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to make herself available to serve a second term. Members also considered proposals to set out a work programme for future negotiations on agriculture and to incorporate the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into the WTO framework.
NEW PUBLICATION
WTO issues new edition of World Tariff Profiles
On 25 July, the WTO issued the 2024 edition of World Tariff Profiles, a joint publication of the WTO, International Trade Centre (ITC) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The publication provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories. This year's edition features an in-depth analysis of tariffs on critical minerals essential for the electric vehicle (EV) value chain.
LATEST VIDEO
Comoros, Timor-Leste ready to join WTO
领英推荐
At a ceremony at the start of the General Council meeting on 22 July, Comoros and Timor-Leste handed over to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala their acceptance of the WTO Protocols of Accession. Comoros and Timor-Leste also handed over to the Director-General their respective instruments of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Women in the digital economy
Participants in the Aid for Trade panel on "Empowering women in digital trade" on 27 June 2024 discussed actionable solutions to unlock opportunities for women in the digital economy. Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, and Sagufta Janif, Executive Director of Outsource Fiji, introduced successful women entrepreneurs and concrete initiatives that help women thrive in digital trade.
30 years of the Agreement on Agriculture
Thirty years ago, the Agreement on Agriculture was adopted by WTO members as part of the Marrakesh Agreement Package. Since then, the Agreement has profoundly shaped the landscape of global agri-food trade.
Fisheries subsidies: Jordan's acceptance
Jordan deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 23 July. Ambassador Walid Obeidat presented Jordan’s acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard.
FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Meet some of the high-level speakers at this year's #WTOPublicForum! Don't miss your chance to join them from 10-13 September and be part of the conversation for better trade and a better world. Click here to register!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Public Forum 2024 — “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World”- 10-13 September
Since the WTO's inception in 1995, global trade has rapidly expanded and become increasingly interconnected. The international trading system has helped lift 1.5 billion people out of absolute poverty and unlocked new opportunities for businesses, workers and consumers. At the same time, the gains from trade have not always been shared equally. This needs to change. As the WTO celebrates its 30th anniversary, the 2024 Public Forum will look to the future, exploring how re-globalization can help make trade more inclusive and ensuring that its benefits reach more people.