| DDG Zhang stresses importance of small business, blue economy for small island states | | Small businesses and the ocean economy can help small island developing states (SIDS) recover from COVID-19 and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang said at a workshop on 9 December. He encouraged SIDS to use the policy tools for small businesses developed at the WTO and highlighted how domestic reforms could allow SIDS to tap into the full potential of the ocean economy. The workshop was hosted by the University of Mauritius, a member of the WTO Chairs Programme. DDG Zhang's full remarks are below. | | Lees verder |
| High-Level Forum marks 20 years of China's WTO membership | | A High-Level Forum co-organized by the WTO Secretariat and the Permanent Mission of China on 10 December marked China's 20th anniversary of WTO membership. The event highlighted the significance of China's accession for the multilateral trading system and discussed China's participation in the work of the organization. | | Lees verder |
| Chair of fisheries subsidies negotiations outlines next steps for work in the new year | | Fisheries subsidies negotiations aim to conclude as quickly as possible in the new year, the chair of the negotiations, Ambassador Santiago Wills of Colombia reported on 10 December following consultations held in the wake of the postponement of the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12). Work will continue in January to refine the draft fisheries subsidies agreement for ministers' consideration. | | Lees verder |
| New initiatives seek to put environment at heart of trade discussions | | Co-sponsors of three new environmental initiatives met jointly on 15 December and vowed to put environmental concerns at the heart of future trade discussions. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joined ministers from the initiative co-coordinators, heads of international organizations and representatives from business and civil society groups in welcoming the initiatives. | | Lees verder |
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