WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Trade ministers from 164 member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are set to gather in Abu Dhabi next week for the 13th Ministerial (MC13), finding solutions to key issues in global trade.

WTO Ministerial Conference

• About: 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.
• Held:  Every two years as per the Marrakesh Agreement, which established the World Trade Organization.
• Members: 164 Countries
• Purpose: To facilitate informal dialogues among WTO members and representatives of non-governmental organizations regarding issues anticipated to impact the international trading system.
• The 12th Edition: Geneva from June 12 to June 17, 2022.
• The 13th Edition: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Objectives of the Conference:

• As the highest decision-making body of the WTO, the Ministerial Conference convenes biennially to bring together all members, including nations and customs unions.
• It holds authority to make decisions under multilateral trade agreements and operates within the governance framework outlined by the Agreement Establishing the WTO.