What is the WTO?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO Agreements, negotiated and signed by the majority of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The WTO's goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

 

The WTO Secretariat is a Technical Supporter of the competition. Many WTO Secretariat staff and visiting scholars, every year volunteer their time and expertise to act as Panellist, thereby, benefiting the EMC² its competitors.

 

We are truly honoured to have, the WTO Secretariat's support for the EMC².

 

Visit the WTO website: http://www.wto.org

 

Fact File

 

Location

        Geneva, Switzerland

 

Established

        1 January 1995

 

Created by

        Uruguay Round negotiations (1986 ~ 1994)

 

Membership

        153 countries on 23 July 2008

 

Budget

        185 million Swiss francs for 2008

 

Secretariat staff

        625 employees

 

Head

        Pascal Lamy (Director-General)

 

Functions

Administering the WTO trade agreements

Forum for trade negotiations

Handling trade disputes

Monitoring national trade policies

Technical assistance and training for developing countries

Cooperation with other international organizations