Wto Annual Report 2012
Annual Report 2012
Who we are
The World Trade Organization deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
Using this report
The 2012 Annual Report is split into two main sections. The first is a brief summary of the organization and a review of 2011. The second section provides more in-depth information.
Find out more
Website: www.wto.org General enquiries: enquiries@wto.org Tel: +41 (0)22 739 51 11
2
World Trade Organization Annual Report 2012
About the WTO
Understanding the WTO How it all comes together A global membership 2 4 6 New members A brief history
02
8 10
aBouT THe wTo a year iN review
A year in review
A message from WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy Our year Ministerial Conference
12
12 14 18
Trade negotiations
Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of all WTO members, who must reach consensus through rounds of negotiations. The most recent round began in 2001.
20
Trade NegoTiaTioNs
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.
36
implemeNTaTioN aNd moNiToriNg
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.
84
dispuTe seTTlemeNT
Building trade capacity
The WTO aims to help developing countries build their trade capacity and allows them a longer time to implement trade agreements. Hundreds of training courses are organized each year for officials from developing countries.
108
BuildiNg Trade capaciTy
Outreach
The WTO maintains regular dialogue with non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, other international organizations, the media and
Who we are
The World Trade Organization deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
Using this report
The 2012 Annual Report is split into two main sections. The first is a brief summary of the organization and a review of 2011. The second section provides more in-depth information.
Find out more
Website: www.wto.org General enquiries: enquiries@wto.org Tel: +41 (0)22 739 51 11
2
World Trade Organization Annual Report 2012
About the WTO
Understanding the WTO How it all comes together A global membership 2 4 6 New members A brief history
02
8 10
aBouT THe wTo a year iN review
A year in review
A message from WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy Our year Ministerial Conference
12
12 14 18
Trade negotiations
Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of all WTO members, who must reach consensus through rounds of negotiations. The most recent round began in 2001.
20
Trade NegoTiaTioNs
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.
36
implemeNTaTioN aNd moNiToriNg
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.
84
dispuTe seTTlemeNT
Building trade capacity
The WTO aims to help developing countries build their trade capacity and allows them a longer time to implement trade agreements. Hundreds of training courses are organized each year for officials from developing countries.
108
BuildiNg Trade capaciTy
Outreach
The WTO maintains regular dialogue with non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, other international organizations, the media and