Trade Policy Review Mechanism

What Does 2017 Mean for the WTO?

Last year ended with a whimper for the World Trade Organization (WTO).  The multilateral trade institution had hoped for several big announcements that would show the organization could do more than just fight trade disputes.  But as the last day fell in 2016, the countdown on the number of countries that have ratified with Bali Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) remained stubbornly stuck.  For the agreement to come into force, 108 members have to ratify it.  The countdown has now been changed to show that only six more ratifications are needed before TFA comes into force.