World Trade Organisation Flashcards
What is the WTO?
World Trade Organization. Formed to reduce barriers to international trade.
When was it founded?
Transformed from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade at the Bretton Woods Conference 1944
What are its aims?
Reduce barriers on trade
Check states are following global trade agreements
Produce research on global trade and economic policy
Helps to resolves trade disputes
How many members does the WTO have?
154 accounting for 97% world trade
When does the WTO meet?
Ministerial Conference meets every 2 years
How are decisions made?
Every member must agree
1947 GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade)
45,000 tariffs removed
Kennedy Round of GATT
Removal of tariff barriers
2011 Doha Round
Development intended to make progress in widening free trade with developing countries. Negotiations reached gridlock due to disagreement in further reductions
Strengths
Accounts for 97% world trade
More democratic institution in which all members have equal membership
Weaknesses
Take years to join
WTO is too powerful
Lacks external accountability