The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. WTO agreements are negotiated and signed by the trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct and grow their business.
The Goal
To
Merchandise exports grew on average 6% annually Total trade in 1997 was 14 times the level of 1950 In 1997, 40 governments concluded negotiations for tariff free trade.
The Organization
Ministerial Conference GC: Trade Policy Review Body
Council for Trade in Goods General Council Council for Intellectual Property Rights in Trade
Committees Committees on Textiles Monitoring Body Trade and Environment Trade and Development Working parties on Working parties on Accessions Working groups
Monitoring
Technical assistance and training for developing countries Cooperation with other international organizations
The Quad
Some of the most difficult negotiations have needed an initial breakthrough in talks among the four largest members
tell us about yourself. Second, work out with us individually what you have to offer. (Country to country negotiations bilaterally.) Third, lets draft membership terms. Finally, the decision.
The WTO undermines state sovereignty It undermines representative democracy Member nations are prevented from protecting the environment Members are unable to uphold laws guaranteeing workers rights The WTO is controlled by the larger nations The WTO represents the interests of large corporations and wealthy citizens
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10mis_e/10m00_e.htm
Some protesters have arguments fully worthy of consideration. They deserve a better venue for hearing than the streets. Nihilistic anarchists usually capture the legal protest, along with lugubrious labor Luddites trade terrorists, and the clueless