二零一六WTO public.pdfVIP

With the recent economic slow-down, limited activity in the Doha Round negotiations and an increase in protectionist measures world-wide, the multilateral trading system is being put to the test. At this challenging time, the WTO Public Forum will look at novel ways to update the WTO rule- book and to address the current obstacles facing the international trading system. It will also take a closer look at the factors shaping 21st century trade, with a view to identifying solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. Topics for discussion include the WTO’s trade monitoring role, the supervision of the existing WTO rule-book, and capacity building for developing countries. The new world order in which the WTO operates will also be discussed. The following core themes will be the focus of this year’s Forum: I. Formulating new approaches to multilateral trade opening in areas where headway can be made, such as trade facilitation; II. Addressing 21st-century issues and identifying areas in need of new regulations, or which offer scope for future rule-making; III. Looking at the role of non-state actors in strengthening the multilateral trading system. The discussion of these themes should provide valuable guidance on how the WTO can face today’s challenges and improve global governance. As Director-General Pascal Lamy has said, “the difficulties we, and many other multilateral institutions, have encountered in recent years is indisputable proof that yesterday’s solutions simply cannot be applied to the problems we face today.” Core themes I. Formulating new approaches to multilateral trade opening Objectives: To identify challenges facing multilateralism today and to look at ways of making headway in topics where progress can be made. Discussion points: While the Doha Round is at an impasse, certain elements of the WTO work programme continue to work well, such as tra