The document discusses the World Trade Organization (WTO). It notes that the WTO was established in 1995 to supervise and liberalize international trade between its 161 member states. The WTO aims to help producers, exporters, and importers conduct business according to transparent, predictable rules. Key functions of the WTO include administering trade agreements, settling disputes, and assisting developing countries. While the WTO aims to promote free trade, some believe greater benefits must be ensured for developing nations.
2. The World trade organisation is an organisation that intends to
supervise and liberalise international trade.
• The WTO is the only global international organization
dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
• The goal is to help producers of goods and services,
exporters and importers conduct their business.
3. WTO
Established: 1st January 1995.
Created By: Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-
1994)
Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland
Membership: 161 member states
Secretariat Staff: 640
Head: Roberto Azevedo (Director-General)
Budget: 209 million US dollar (approx) WTO headquarters: Geneva
4. OBJECTIVE OF THE WTO
To implement the new world trade system as visualized in the agreement.
To promote world trade in a manner that benefits every country.
To ensure developing countries secure a better balance in sharing of the
advantages resulting from the expansion of international trade
corresponding to their developmental needs.
To enhance competitiveness among all trading nations as to benefit
customers.
To increase the level of production and productivity with a view of ensuring
level of employment in the world.
6. WTO: THE MEMBERS
The WTO is composed of countries which represents 95% of world trade.
Of these, 123 were signed during the Uruguay round
Over 3/4th of WTO members are developing or least
developed countries.
There are 30 countries that are not members known as
Observers. These countries are currently negotiating
membership.
The biggest of these non-members is Russia, however
they are in the process of accession.
7. FUNCTIONS OF WTO
The main function is to ensure that trade flows as
smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
Administering trade agreements- WTO agreements
cover goods, services, intellectual property.
Acting as a forum for trade negotiations
Settling trade disputes-Importantly WTO set
procedures to settle disputes
Reviewing national trade policies
Assisting developing countries in trade policy issues,
through technical assistance and training programmes.
8. FUNCTIONS OF WTO
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.
Assisting the process of accession of some 30 countries
who are not yet members of the organization.
Co-operating with other international organizations- IMF
and The World Bank.
World Trade Organization coordinates with its
secretariat, which employees 500 + staff including
Economists, Statisticians, Lawyers and other experts in
related area of concern.
10. • After Marrakesh Agreement, India joined WTO since inception in
1995.
• Developing countries like India availed of greater trade
opportunities and also challenged a certain policies of developed
countries.
• For India, exposure to volatile international market would affect
not only domestic prices but also incomes of poor.
• Aim to participate in WTO rule based system with greater stability,
transparency and predictability in governance of international
trade.
THE WTO AND INDIA
12. Agricultural exports
Export of textile and clothing and Foreign
investment
Growth to service exports
Increase in export earnings
POSITIVE IMPACT ON INDIAN
ECONOMY
13. PROS
• Promotes free trade
• Raises world output levels via specialisation
• Establishes a standard rule by law and terms
of trade for greater efficiency
• Updates all participating countries and banks
to international standards and efficiency in
terms of trade and commerce.
14. CONCLUSION
• Although the stated aim of the WTO is to promote
free trade and stimulate economic growth, some
believe that globally free trade results in rich (both
people and countries) becoming richer awhile the
poor getting poorer.
• It will be able to help weak and poor
countries if it frames rules accordingly