Assignment On

WTO and its basic activities, organizational structure and functioning

Submitted to

Dr. Md. Mesbah Uddin

Adjunct Faculty

Submitted by

M A KHAN MAMUN

112211082

Course Title: International Business

Course code: BUS 606

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that was
established in 1995 to promote and liberalize international trade. It replaced the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had been in place since 1948. The
WTO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and currently has 164 member
countries.

The WTO's primary objectives are to promote free and fair trade and to create a more
open and predictable trading system. The organization achieves these objectives
through a range of activities, including trade negotiations, dispute settlement,
monitoring and analysis, and technical assistance and training.

Trade Negotiations:

One of the WTO's main activities is to hold regular negotiations among member
countries to reduce trade barriers and increase market access for goods and services.
These negotiations are conducted through various rounds, with the most recent being
the Doha Development Agenda, which was launched in 2001. The negotiations cover a
wide range of issues, including agriculture, services, intellectual property, and trade-
related investment measures.

Dispute Settlement:

The WTO provides a forum for member countries to resolve disputes related to trade.
The dispute settlement process is designed to be fair, efficient, and transparent, and is
guided by specific rules and procedures. The process involves several stages, including
consultations between the parties, the establishment of a panel to hear the dispute, and
the possibility of an appeal to the WTO's Appellate Body.

Monitoring and Analysis:

The WTO monitors trade policies and analyzes trends in international trade, providing
regular reports and statistical data on trade developments. The organization also
conducts research on various trade-related issues, including trade and the environment,
trade and development, and the relationship between trade and employment.

Technical Assistance and Training:

The WTO provides technical assistance and training to member countries, particularly
developing countries, to help them better participate in the global trading system. The
organization offers a range of programs and services, including training courses, policy
advice, and capacity building initiatives.
Organizational Structure:

The WTO's organizational structure consists of three main bodies:

The General Council:

This is the highest decision-making body of the WTO, consisting of representatives

from all member countries. The General Council meets regularly to oversee the
organization's activities and set policy. It is also responsible for the appointment of the
WTO's Director-General.

The Dispute Settlement Body:

This body is responsible for resolving disputes between member countries related to
trade. It consists of representatives from all member countries and operates according
to specific rules and procedures.

The Secretariat:

The Secretariat is responsible for providing administrative support to the WTO,

including organizing meetings and maintaining records of the organization's activities.
It is headed by the WTO's Director-General, who is responsible for the overall
management of the organization.

The WTO operates according to several core principles, including non-discrimination,

transparency, and the promotion of free and fair trade. These principles are enshrined
in the WTO's main agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS).

In conclusion, the World Trade Organization plays a critical role in promoting free and
fair trade among its member countries. Through its various activities, the WTO seeks
to create a more open and predictable trading system that benefits all member countries,
particularly those in the developing world. Its organizational structure, with the General
Council, Dispute Settlement Body, and Secretariat, ensures that the organization
operates in a transparent and efficient manner.