It is generally accepted that the world is complex, and for that matter so is the WTO. As a consequence the WTO has produced a booklet which tries to reflect the complex and dynamic nature of trade and the WTO’s trade rules. The booklet highlights benefits of the trading system, but it doesn’t claim that everything is perfect. According to the WTO, were it a perfect system, there would be no need for further negotiations and for the system to evolve and reform continually. The latest WTO publication replaces “10 Benefits of the WTO Trading System” and “10 Common Misunderstandings about the WTO”. In essence the 10 things that the WTO can do are: The WTO can ... cut living costs and raise living standards The WTO can ... settle disputes and reduce trade tensions The WTO can ... stimulate economic growth and employment The WTO can ... cut the cost of doing business internationally The WTO can ... encourage good governance The WTO can ... help countries develop The WTO can ... give the weak a stronger voice The WTO can ... support the environment and health The WTO can ... contribute to peace and stability The WTO can ... be effective without hitting the headlines It is well worth your while to get hold of a copy of the publication, be it in hardcopy or electronic.
