上课课件 《经济学专业英语教程（精编版）》宋利芳.ppt

2.2.3 WTO helps to settle disputes Trade relations often involve conflicting interests. Agreements, including those painstakingly negotiated in the WTO system, often need interpreting. The most harmonious way to settle these differences is through some neutral procedure based on an agreed legal foundation. That is the purpose behind the dispute settlement process written into the WTO agreements. 3. Institutional structures of the WTO 3.1 Ministerial Conference 3.2 General Council 3.3 Councils and Specific Committees 3.4 Secretariat 3.1 Ministerial Conference The Ministerial Conference is the topmost decision-making body of the WTO, which has to meet at least every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements. 3.2 General Council The General Council meets regularly to carry out the functions of the WTO. It has representatives (usually ambassadors or equivalent) from all member governments. The General Council has the authority to act on behalf of the ministerial conference in the intervals between meetings of the Ministerial Conference, in addition to carrying out the specific tasks assigned to it by the WTO Agreement. It should report to the Ministerial Conference. Meanwhile, the General Council meets as the Dispute Settlement Body（DSB）and the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) to oversee procedures for settling disputes between members and to analyze members’ trade policies. 3.3 Councils and Specific Committees 3.3.1 Three councils 3.3.2 Goods Council 3.3.3 Services Council 3.3.4 Six other bodies under the General Council 3.3.1 Three councils Council for Trade in Goods (Goods Council) Council for Trade in Services (Services Council) Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Council) 3.3.2 Goods Council The Goods Council has 11 committees dealing with specific subjects (market