International Economic Law

Regional Trade Blocks (EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR)

Establishment of World Trade Organization – WTO

Question?

• Suppose that Antiga is thinking to adopt a regulation which imposes a sales tax of 20% on imported soft drinks and a sales tax of 1% on domestic soft drinks.
• In addition, Antiga is planning to apply a special package requirement for the internal transportation of imported soft drinks contained in glass bottles that this country does not apply to domestically produced soft drinks contained in glass bottles.
• Antiga is a WTO Member.
• Can Antiga proceed with proposed measures?

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

You are expected to:

• Be able to express your knowledge and insight of the institutional aspects of the WTO;
• Understand the principles of dispute settlement system of the WTO;

 

WTO - since 1995

IS a FORUM for:

• Trade opening
• Governments to negotiate trade agreements
• Settle trade disputes

At the heart of it…

NEGOTIATIONS or

Negotiated Agreements

Created by: Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-94)

What is WTO?

Trade negotiations
Settling Disputes
WTO Agreements
Capacity Building
Monitoring and Surveillance
Cooperation with other IOs

WTO Objectives

Through

Progressive liberalization

of International Trade:

Raise living standards

• Raise living standards
• Ensure full employment
• Ensure a large and steady growing volume of real income and effective demand
• Expand the production of trade in goods and services while allowing for the optional use of the Worlds resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development