The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the multiple links between public health and the environment. Sustaining environmental and health gains can therefore help prevent future pandemics and climate-related crises.
Addressing heads of WTO member delegations for the last time as Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, Director-General Roberto Azevêdo emphasized that “keeping markets broadly open to trade” would help build “a post-COVID economic recovery that is strong, sustainable and inclusive”. He told (...)
The eight candidates nominated for the post of WTO Director-General met with members on 15-17 July at a meeting of the General Council. Each candidate made a brief presentation to members, including their vision for the WTO, followed by a question-and-answer (...)
Peru has requested WTO dispute consultations with Brazil concerning Brazil’s definitive anti-dumping measures on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and tax treatment of imported products generally through the imposition of its Tax on Industrialized Products (IPI Tax). The request was (...)
At the UN High Level Political Forum event on the Green Economy and COVID19 recovery, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder states that "we must address now the existential challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability." The ILO will play its part in building back better and (...)
In a report to the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) taking place from 7 to 16 July, the WTO Secretariat highlights that trade, fiscal and monetary policies are key to supporting global sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amid the (...)
General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand has announced timelines for the next phases in the selection process to choose a successor to departing Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.
The WTO, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and B20 Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement on 9 July pointing to the diminishing availability of trade finance. Warning that gaps between trade finance supply and demand could seriously impede the ability of trade to support post COVID-19 (...)
With hundreds of thousands of seafarers stranded at sea due to the pandemic, a new international agreement recognizes them as key workers who should be protected.
The United Kingdom, on 8 July 2020, nominated Dr Liam Fox for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020.