WTO update

 

24 Mar 2025 Latest news

Dear maria CHADZIDAKIS VAVOURANAKIS, Below are the news items published today on the WTO public website which match with your news preferences.

NEWS ITEM Members continue TRIPS implementation review discussion, address IP notification obligations WTO members continued talks on how to proceed on the long overdue review of the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). At a meeting of the TRIPS Council on 20-21 March, members were also updated on notifications under various provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. In addition, they had an extensive discussion on technology transfer to least-developed countries (LDCs). Mme Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, Permanent Delegate of France, was elected as Chair of the Council for the coming year. News item   ⟶

NEWS ITEM WTO regional trade policy course underway in Trinidad and Tobago A WTO Regional Trade Policy Course for the Caribbean commenced on 17 March in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing together 21 government officials from 13 developing WTO members and observers in the region. The training programme is being carried out in partnership with the University of West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus. It is due to conclude on 9 May. News item   ⟶

NEWS ITEM Canada initiates WTO dispute regarding Chinese duties on agricultural, fishery products Canada has requested WTO dispute consultations with China concerning Chinese measures that impose additional import duties on certain agricultural and fishery products from Canada. The request was circulated to WTO members on 24 March. News item   ⟶

NEWS ITEM WTO launches call for candidates for 2026 Young Professionals Programme The WTO has launched the application process for the next edition of its Young Professionals Programme, a one-year opportunity for early-career professionals from developing economies to gain hands-on experience of trade issues at the WTO Secretariat. The application period is open until 22 April 2025. News item   ⟶

NEWS ITEM Members look into bolstering support for trade policies, fast-tracking digital trade growth WTO members called for greater support for trade policies and regulations within developing economies at an Aid for Trade session of the WTO Committee on Trade and Development on 25 March. Bringing together Geneva-based ambassadors and capital-based government officials from WTO members, the meeting also welcomed the European Union’s 2024 Aid-for-Trade Progress Report. In an experience-sharing session held the same day, members stressed the importance of accelerating digital trade growth within developing economies. News item   ⟶

NEWS ITEM DDG Ellard urges action on harmful fisheries subsidies at Monaco Blue Initiative Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard called on participants at the 16th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative to take action to address harmful fisheries subsidies at the WTO. She took part in a “fireside chat” on 24 March at the event, which brought together major players in ocean conservation and governance to reflect on key challenges facing the marine environment. News item   ⟶