World Trade Organization (WTO)

Published on 26 Aug 2025

• The WTO marked its 30th anniversary, affirming its central role in global trade amid increasing demands for reform.

• The WTO began operations on January 1, 1995 under the Marrakesh Agreement (1994). 

• It is the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was created in 1947.

• Its Ministerial Conference is the top decision-making body, meeting biennially, while the General Council oversees daily functions. 

• A Secretariat of over 600 personnel, led by the Director-General, provides administrative and technical support.

• The WTO now has 166 member countries and territories, 23 observer countries and territories, and dozens of international organizations granted observer status.

• WTO works on the principles of Trade without Discrimination (Most Favoured Nation and National Treatment), Freer trade through negotiations, predictability through transparency, promoting fair competition, and encouraging development and economic reform. 

Keywords:

World Trade Organization WTO General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade GATT International Trade Marrakesh agreement Uruguay round of conference Most Favoured Nation MFN National Treatment Tariff non tariff Free trade agreement