Customs

WTO issues 2021 Annual Report

On 09 July 2021, the World Trade Organization (WTO’) released its Annual Report which provides a comprehensive account of the organisation’s activities in 2020 and early 2021.

In her opening message, the WTO’s DG says:

The multilateral trading system has played an important part in efforts to fight COVID-19. Trade’s resilience represented a lifeline for millions, enabling access to food and other essential supplies. Now, the WTO can and must play a critical role in accelerating COVID-19 vaccine production and in ensuring a strong, sustained and inclusive global economic recovery.

"To live up to its founding objectives of using trade to help people – to raise living standards, create jobs and promote sustainable development – the WTO must deliver results this year. By responding together to a global crisis without precedent in our lifetimes, members can begin to rebuild the trust needed to address future challenges.”

The Annual Report is accessible at:

https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/anrep_e/anrep21_e.pdf

Story by: Riaan de Lange

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