International Economics

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It provides a framework for negotiating and formalizing international trade rules and settling disputes between member nations. The WTO has nearly 150 member countries and its core principles include non-discriminatory treatment between trading partners, freer trade through negotiated tariff reductions, predictability through binding and transparency of trade commitments, and fair competition through agreed rules. While the WTO aims to liberalize trade, it allows developing countries flexibility in implementation and supports continued negotiation of trade issues. Some criticisms argue it favors commercial interests over other issues, but the WTO disputes these claims and emphasizes its role in facilitating trade to boost growth