WTO_Annual Report 2011

Section one
Understanding the WTO 02
Who we are A global membership
What we stand for A year in review
What we do A message from WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy
How it all comes together WTO Open Day
REVIE W
Tr ade
negotiations
Implementation
and monitoring
SEC RETA RIAT
OUTREAC H and BUDGET
Building trade
capacity
Dispute
settlement
World Trade Organization
Annual Report 2011
WTO website
www.wto.org 1
Section TWO
Trade negotiations 14
Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of all WTO members,
who must reach consensus through rounds of negotiations. The most recent
round began in 2001.
Implementation and monitoring 28
Various WTO councils and committees seek to ensure that WTO agreements
are being properly implemented. All WTO members undergo periodic scrutiny
of their trade policies and practices.
Dispute settlement 84
WTO members bring disputes to the WTO if they think their rights under
trade agreements are being infringed. Settling disputes is the responsibility
of the Dispute Settlement Body.
Building trade capacity 106
The WTO aims to help developing countries build their trade capacity and allows
them a longer time to implement trade agreements. Hundreds of training courses
are organized each year for officials from developing countries.
Outreach 120
The WTO maintains regular dialogue with non-governmental organizations,
parliamentarians, other international organizations, the media and the general
public to enhance cooperation and raise awareness of trade issues.
Secretariat and budget 138
The WTO Secretariat has over 600 regular staff and coordinates the activities of the
WTO. Most of the WTO’s annual budget consists of contributions by its 153 members.
Abbreviations 155
Further information 156