Regional Trade Policy Course for African Countries concludes in Rabat

The Regional Trade Policy Course for French-speaking African countries, organized by the WTO in partnership with Mohammed V ? Souissi University in Rabat, Morocco, concluded on 10 December 2004.
> News item

Appellate Body elects new chairman

The Members of the Appellate Body have elected Mr. Yasuhei Taniguchi to serve as Chairman of the Appellate Body from 17 December 2004 to 16 December 2005, following the expiry of Mr. Georges Abi-Saab's term as Chairman. (WT/DSB/38).
> More on Appellate Body members

Denmark to donate a total of 1.85 million Swiss Francs to three WTO technical assistance funds

The Government of Denmark pledged, on 20 December 2004, three new contributions totalling DKK 8.95 million (CHF 1.85 million) to the WTO technical assistance programmes.
> Press release

DSB grants Chile authorization to retaliate in Byrd Amendment case

At the same meeting, held on 17 December 2004, the Dispute Settlement Body adopted the Appellate Body and panel reports concerning anti-dumping measures applied by the United States on oil country tubular goods exported from Argentina.
> Summary of the meeting

Germany donates 250,000 euros to WTO technical assistance

The German Government made, on 14 December 2004, a contribution of 250,000 euros for 2005 and 2006 to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. This donation will be used to finance Trade Policy Reviews.
> Press release

Accession moves forward as members examine the terms

Viet Nam’s membership negotiations progressed further on 15 December 2004 as the working party examined the first draft of the report it will issue at the end of the negotiation.
> News item

DDG Rana opens JITAP management meeting

Deputy Director-General Dr. Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana, in his opening address on 15 December 2004, urged a JITAP schedule that will maximize beneficiary countries' participation in the Doha negotiations. JITAP is the joint technical assistance programme of the WTO, UNCTAD and the ITC.

Trade Policy Review: Switzerland/Liechtenstein

Further multilateral market opening would provide greater advantages.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Accession working parties established for Afghanistan, Iraq

The General Council, on 13 December 2004, established working parties to examine, respectively, the membership applications of Afghanistan and Iraq.
> News item

Dispute Settlement Body 13 December 2004

DSB agrees to extend period of appeal/adoption of the “sugar?panel report.
> Summary of the meeting

Arbitrator issues report noting parties' agreement on implementation in softwood lumber dispute

Arbitrator Mr. John Lockhart, on 13 December 2004, issued a report, but did not need to issue an award regarding the reasonable period of time to implement rulings and recommendations in the case United States ?Final Dumping Determination on Softwood Lumber from Canada (WT/DS264/13). Canada and the United States reached an agreement on the reasonable period of time during the course of the arbitral proceedings.
> Download the decision of the Arbitrator in Word format (4 pages; 51KB), in pdf format (4 pages; 13KB)
> All documentation on the case DS264
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

ITC helps textiles and clothing exporters respond to opening markets

Just a few weeks before the end of the WTO's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, 200 exporters of apparel and textiles goods from seven countries will meet in Mumbai for a training workshop to help them adapt to radically changed market prospects.
> ITC press release (pdf format; 2 pages; 136KB; opens in a new window)

DDG Rana cites China's role in trade talks

Deputy Director-General Dr. Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana, in a speech at the China WTO Forum in Beijing on 9 December 2004, said that “developing countries, like China, must use the Round to promote their development objectives and the July Decision of the General Council is exactly the basis to build upon?

Dr. Supachai pays tribute to textiles body at its final meeting

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his remarks on 9 December 2004, paid tribute to the Textiles Monitoring Body for its “very solid professional track record?in the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. He said that termination of the ATC on 1 January 2005 “will mark an important milestone in the development of international trade relations?

Second Specialized Course on Trade in Services opens in Geneva

The Second Specialized Course on Trade in Services, organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation and the Trade in Services Division of the WTO, was launched on 6 December 2004 in Geneva.
> News item

10th Anniversary ?Academic Groups to host conferences commemorating establishment of WTO Appellate Body

A series of regional conferences commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the WTO Dispute Settlement System and the establishment of the Appellate Body will be hosted by a number of academic institutions in 2005 and 2006.
> Press release

Dr. Supachai urges China to ensure further Doha momentum

WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a speech at the WTO Forum of the Sixth Shanghai International Industry Fair on 2 December 2004, called on China, as a major trading nation, to help “ensure further progressive momentum of the negotiations in 2005 that will pave the way for the final success of the Round in the near future?

First ITU-WTO Workshop for regulators on telecom and ICT takes place in Geneva

Forty-five officials from WTO Member and Observer governments and ITU Member States, on 1 December 2004, started a five-day training course on the WTO obligations and commitments relating to regulation of the Telecom and ICT (information and communications technology) sector.
> News item

The Netherlands pledges 900,000 euros for the Standards and Trade Development Facility

The Netherlands Government, on 29 November 2004, donated 900,000 euros over three years to a joint fund for the implementation of the Standards and Trade Development Facility in the sanitary and phytosanitary area.
> Press release

DSB authorizes suspension of concessions in the Byrd Amendment case

The Dispute Settlement Body, at a meeting held on 24 and 26 November 2004, authorized seven countries to suspend concessions and other obligations in the “Byrd Amendment?case.
> Summary of the meeting

Appellate Body issues report on Argentina ?US dispute

The Appellate Body, on 29 November 2004, issued its report on the complaint of Argentina against “United States ?Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina? (WT/DS268/AB/R).
> Download the Appellate Body Report in Word format (151 pages; 942KB), in pdf format (151 pages; 457KB)
> All documentation on the case DS268
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Trade Policy Review: Brazil

Brazil continues to liberalize; further steps would benefit the economy and world trade.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Report out on cigarette dispute

The WTO, on 26 November 2004, issued the report of a panel that had examined a complaint by Honduras against Dominican Republic ?Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes (DS302).
> Download the panel report in Word Format (224 pages, 1871KB), in pdf Format (224 pages, 827KB)
> All documentation on the case DS302
> More on Dispute Settlement

Sub-committee set up on cotton

WTO members on 19 November 2004 set up a body to focus on cotton as a specific issue in the agriculture talks, as required in the 1 August 2004 decision ?sometimes called the “July Package?? covering all the WTO negotiations.
> News item

WTO launches negotiations on trade facilitation

At the first meeting of the Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation held on 15 November 2004, Members agreed on a Work Plan and a schedule of meetings.
> Summary of the meeting

Tenth Specialized Course on WTO Dispute Settlement starts in Geneva

Twenty-nine government officials from WTO Member and Observer countries, on 15 November 2004, started a five-day immersion into the rules and procedures governing the WTO Dispute Settlement mechanism.
> News item

WTO issues panel report on gambling dispute

The WTO, on 10 November 2004, issued the report of a panel that had examined Antigua and Barbuda's complaint against United States ?Measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services (DS285).
> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS285
> More on Dispute Settlement

Arbitrator appointed in softwood lumber dispute

On 4 November 2004, Mr. John Lockhart accepted the appointment by Canada and the United States as arbitrator to determine the reasonable period of time to implement DSB recommendations and rulings in the case “United States ?Final Dumping Determination on Softwood Lumber from Canada?

Transition period extended for export subsidies of developing countries

The WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, on 4 November 2004, extended by another year (until end 2005) the transition period for the elimination of export subsidy programmes of 19 developing countries under the implementation decision adopted at the Doha Ministerial Conference.
> News item

Final OK for SPS special treatment decision

Developing countries?ability to respond to importing countries?sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures has been enhanced by a decision approved by WTO members, meeting as the SPS Committee on 27?8 October 2004.
> News Item

The Netherlands donates CHF 300,000 to WTO technical assistance

The Netherlands Government pledged, on 2 November 2004, a contribution of 300,000 Swiss Francs to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund.
> Press release

WTO holds first national workshop for journalists

The WTO Secretariat, on 25-26 October 2004, conducted its first national workshop for journalists in Windhoek upon the request of Namibia's Ministry of Trade and Industry.
> News Item

Laos: WTO membership will ‘accelerate economic reform?/p>

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) kicked off its membership negotiations on 28 October 2004 by outlining the reforms it has already undertaken and calling on members to take account of its status as a land-locked, least-developed country without a representative in Geneva.
> News Item

WTO Secretariat reports significant decline in new final anti-dumping measures

The WTO Secretariat reported on 1 November 2004 that the European Communities, India and the United States imposed the most new final anti-dumping measures during the first semester of 2004 while exports from China were once more the subject of the largest number of new final measures.
> Press release

European Communities Trade Policy Review

Members commend EC's liberalization but call for further steps in agriculture and technical barriers.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Ninth Geneva Week to be held 1-5 November 2004

Briefing sessions for WTO Members and Observers without representation in Geneva will be held at the WTO from 1 to 5 November 2004.
> News item

2004 trade growth to exceed 2003 despite higher oil prices

Despite the sharp rise in oil prices the volume of world trade is likely to grow by 8.5% in real terms by the end of 2004, a significant improvement over 2003, according to the WTO’s International Trade Statistics available on the this website from today (25 October 2004). “Strong demand is behind rising prices for oil and other commodities and markets appear to be handling this well,?said Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi.
> Press release

Bretton Woods chiefs underscore importance of Doha success for development

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, at the General Council meeting on Coherence in Global Economic Policy-making on 22 October 2004, thanked IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato and World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn for actively supporting the Doha negotiations. “Cooperation among the three major economic institutions has never been more critical,?he said.
> Opening remarks by the General Council Chairman
> Statement by the WTO Director-General
> Statement by the IMF Managing Director
> Statement by the World Bank President
> Coherence in Global Economic Policymaking (12 pages, 113 KB) (Note by the Secretariat)

US appeals panel report on cotton

At the DSB meeting on 18 October 2004, the Chairperson announced that the United States had notified the DSB of its decision to appeal the panel report on Brazil's complaint against United States ?Subsidies on upland cotton (WT/DS267/R).
> Summary of the meeting

Business and government leaders to discuss Doha talks

The International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO is organizing a meeting of senior-level delegations ?representing both public and private sectors from Asia and the Middle East ?on 21-22 October 2004 in Manila to see how they can work together to ensure the Doha talks produce a boost for their nations. WTO Deputy Director-General Rufus Yerxa will address the meeting on recent advances in the negotiations.
> ITC press release

Panel issues reports on sugar dispute

The WTO, on 15 October 2004, issued the reports of a panel that had examined complaints by Australia, Brazil and Thailand, respectively, against European Communities' export subsidies on sugar.
> Download the panel report:
 

> All documentation on the case DS265
> All documentation on the case DS266
> All documentation on the case DS283
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO commends Norway on its liberal trade regime

Members, in concluding their fourth trade policy review of Norway on 13 October, commended the country on its very liberal trade regime for non-agricultural products and on its advanced implementation of the textiles agreement. However, divergent views were expressed on its agricultural policy.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Cambodia raises WTO membership to 148

Cambodia became the WTO’s 148th member on 13 October 2004, almost 10 years after it first applied and just over a year after its membership package was approved at the Cancún Ministerial Conference.
> News item

WTO opens specialized course on trade negotiations

The director of the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation, Mr. Paul Rolian, on 11 October 2004, opened the 3rd Specialized Course on Trade Negotiations in which 24 government officials from developing countries, least-developed countries and economies in transition will have the opportunity to strengthen their negotiating skills and knowledge.
> News item

Working Procedures for Appellate Review to be amended

The Chairman of the Appellate Body, on 7 October 2004, sent a letter to the DSB Chair setting out additional amendments to the Working Procedures, which will enter into effect for appeals initiated after 1 January 2005. Among other things, these amendments will modify the required content of a Notice of Appeal, allow for a Notice of Other Appeal, and alter certain dates in the timetable for appeals.

Goods Council starts final review of textiles accord.

The WTO Council for Trade in Goods, on 1 October 2004, started its third and final review of the implementation of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, under which all remaining quota arrangements in the sector would be removed on 1 January 2005.
> Summary of the meeting

Dr. Supachai: “we are back on track and moving forward?/p>

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 4 October 2004, said that the July Decision on the Doha negotiations has “shown the scale of the potential gains and has provided a roadmap to their realization? He underlined the important role of parliamentarians in the WTO.

WTO launches trade policy course for African countries in Rabat

Twenty-six officials from 23 African countries participated in the launching, on 20 September 2004, of a regional trade policy course organized by the WTO in co-operation with the University of Mohammed V ?Souissi in Rabat, Morocco.
> News item

China’s regime discussed as others? notifications stay ‘disappointing?/p>

China’s import licensing regime in general and the affect on specific goods such as Japanese vehicles were among the topics discussed in the Import Licensing Committee on 30 September, which also approved its latest annual report and biennial review report.
> News item

WTO commends Rwanda's reform efforts

Members, in concluding their trade policy review of Rwanda on 30 September 2004, lauded the country's macroeconomic reform efforts, which have resulted in economic growth since the 1994 genocide. The Chairperson urged members to support Rwanda's reconstruction and to be attentive to its requests for technical assistance.
> Press release

The DSB establishes two panels and adopts findings in the Canada wheat case

At its meeting on 27 September 2004, the DSB established a compliance panel to review US implementation in the steel countervailing duties case (DS212), and a panel to examine Korea's anti-dumping duties on paper imports from Indonesia (DS312). The DSB also adopted the findings in the Canada wheat case (DS276).
> Summary of the meeting

30th WTO Trade Policy Course begins

Government officials from 19 countries ?mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean ?attended the opening session of the 30th WTO Trade Policy Course on 20 September 2004.
> News item

Arbitrator issues award in tariff preferences dispute

A WTO arbitrator, on 20 September 2004, issued an award on the reasonable period of time for the implementation of recommendations and rulings of the DSB regarding India's complaint against “European Communities ? Conditions for the Granting of Tariff Preferences to Developing Countries? (WT/DS246/14).
> Download the decision of the Arbitrator in Word format (31 pages; 204KB), in pdf format (31 pages; 96KB)
> All documentation on the case DS246
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO commends Korea's economic performance and reforms

WTO members, in concluding their fourth review of Korea's trade policies on 17 September 2004, noted the country's impressive economic performance, underpinned by on-going trade liberalization. They encouraged Korea to continue its market-oriented reforms.
> Press release

Impact of Domestic Policies on Trade the Focus of 2004 WTR

Benefits from good trade policy may be attenuated or even undermined if governments pursue deficient policies in other areas of economic activity, according to the 2004 World Trade Report published today (16 September 2004) by the WTO Secretariat. 
> Press release

DSB adopts reports on softwood lumber dispute

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 31 August 2004, adopted the Appellate Body and Panel reports on Canada's complaint concerning the United States' final duty determination on certain softwood lumber from Canada (WT/DS264).
> Summary of the meeting

Panel report out on cotton dispute

The WTO, on 8 September 2004, issued the report of the panel that had examined Brazil's complaint against United States ?Subsidies on upland cotton (WT/DS267/R).

> Download the panel report:

  
> All documentation on the case DS267
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO Asia-Pacific Regional Trade Policy Course concludes

The WTO Asia-Pacific Regional Trade Policy Course organized in partnership with the University of Hong Kong concluded on 27 August 2004 in Hong Kong, China.
> News item

Arbitrator issues awards on “Byrd Amendment?/p>

The WTO, on 31 August 2004, issued decisions by the arbitrator regarding the level of suspension of concessions and other obligations that Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Communities, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, may request to apply, respectively, in the case “United States ?Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000?
> Download the decision of the Arbitrator

> All documentation on the case DS217
> All documentation on the case DS234
> More on Dispute Settlement

Appellate Body issues report on wheat dispute

The Appellate Body, on 30 August 2004, issued its report on the United States' complaint against “Canada ?Measures Relating to Exports of Wheat and Treatment of Imported Grain? (WT/DS276/AB/R).
> Download the Appellate Body Report in Word format (83 pages; 529KB), in pdf format (83 pages; 259KB)
> All documentation on the case DS276
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Sixth introduction course on the WTO for LDCs concludes in Geneva

The sixth introduction course on the WTO for the least-developed countries (LDCs), organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation of the WTO, concluded on 30 July 2004 in Geneva.
> News item

Appellate Body issues report on softwood lumber dispute

The Appellate Body, on 11 August 2004, issued its report on Canada's complaint against “United States ?Final Dumping Determination on Softwood Lumber from Canada?(WT/DS264/AB/R).
> Download the Appellate Body Report in Word format (69 pages; 470KB), in pdf format (69 pages; 227KB)
> All documentation on the case DS264
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Supachai consults on possible emergency meeting for textiles and clothing adjustment challenges

WTO Director-General Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi held informal consultations on 3 August 2004 with a range of WTO Members on the request from Minister J K Cuttaree of Mauritius for an emergency meeting of the WTO Council for Trade in Goods (CTG) to examine the adjustment costs related to the quota abolition due to come into effect on 1 January 2005 under the WTO’s Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC).
> Press release

DG appoints arbitrator in tariff preferences dispute

On 4 August 2004, pursuant to the request by India of 26 July 2004, the Director-General appointed Mr. John Lockhart to act as arbitrator under Article 21.3(c) of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes in the matter “European Communities ?Conditions for the Granting of Tariff Preferences to Developing Countries?
> Download this document in Word format (1 page; 39KB)

The DSB establishes compliance panel to examine Japan's measures concerning apples and refers US request for sanctions to arbitration

At the DSB meeting on 30 July 2004, the US requested the establishment of a compliance panel to examine the WTO-consistency of the newly revised phytosanitary measures. Simultaneously, the US requested the authorization to suspend concessions.
> Summary of the meeting

Round-the-clock meetings produce ‘historic?breakthrough

The WTO’s 147 member governments approved on 31 July 2004 a package of framework and other agreements, which Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said will greatly enhance members?chances for successfully completing the important Doha negotiations.
> Summary of the meeting

Members comment on new draft as chair warns of overload

Most delegations described the second draft of the July package decision as broadly an improvement, but General Council chairperson Shotaro Oshima said he was concerned about the “sheer number?of comments to deal with in the limited amount of remaining time. 
> Summary of the meeting

Supachai welcomes input from the Five as a key first step

Agreement among five key members on the agriculture text is a welcome and important input into the talks, WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said on 29 July 2004. But he cautioned that no WTO agriculture framework deal is possible without support from the rest of the membership.
> News item

Chairs report progress as hours tick by

Consultations on the key issues in the “July package?are progressing gradually and a realistic estimate of when a revised draft text will be circulated is “very, very late?this evening, or early the following day, WTO members heard today, 28 July 2004.
> Summary of the meeting

Libya given green light to negotiate WTO membership

WTO members agreed on 27 July 2004 to start talks with Libya on its membership bid, bringing the current number of applicant countries to 25.
> News item

Brief report on on-going work, with revised text planned by Wednesday

General Council chairperson Shotaro Oshima and Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi reported briefly on work in key issues when heads of delegations met informally on Friday 23 July 2004.
> Summary of the meeting

First draft discussed as chairs warn of 30 July ‘drop dead?deadline

WTO members broadly welcomed the first draft of a package of “framework? agreements when they met on 19?0 July, although they had reservations ? sometimes serious ?about some parts of the text. However, General Council chairperson Shotaro Oshima warned that agreement would have to be reached by the “drop-dead?deadline of Friday 30 July, and WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi urged delegations not to make too many changes at this stage, but to leave other concerns for the next phase of negotiations.
> Summary of the meeting

DSB considers the United States?reports on implementing four dispute rulings

The Dispute Settlement Body considered, on 20 July 2004, status reports from the United States on progress in the implementation of recommendations or rulings that the body has adopted.
> Summary of the meeting

Supachai urges members to reach agreement as talks start on first draft Doha Agenda text

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi called on WTO member governments on 19 July 2004 to make every effort over the next two weeks to strike a deal on a framework accord in the Doha Development Agenda which would pave the way for the elimination of all forms of farm export subsidies, enhanced trading opportunities for all countries and more equitable rules for global trade.
> News item, press release, and draft text

Panel report out on Argentina-US anti-dumping dispute

The WTO, on 16 July 2004, released the report of the panel that had examined the dispute over “United States ?Sunset reviews of anti-dumping measures on oil country tubular goods from Argentina?(DS268).
> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS268
> More on Dispute Settlement

29th Trade Policy Course for officials ends

Twenty-five officials from developing countries and transition economies completed the 29th WTO Trade Policy Course on 16 July 2004. This 3-month course was in French; the next, starting in September, will be in Spanish.
> News item

Belize and Suriname praised for liberalization but urged to notify more

Belize and Suriname have been praised for their autonomous and regional liberalization and other reforms. But in their first trade policy review on 12 and 14 July 2004, WTO members also urged the two CARICOM countries to fulfil their outstanding WTO notification obligations, if necessary with the aid of the WTO Secretariat.
> Press release of Belize      > Press release of Suriname

Supachai Urges G-90 Ministers, All Ministers To Show Flexibility

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi urged Trade Ministers from the G-90 group of developing countries to adopt realistic and constructive negotiating proposals when they meet on 12 July 2004 in Mauritius and warned that all 147 WTO Members stand to lose a great deal should WTO Member governments fail to agree on a framework agreement later this month in the Doha Development Agenda round of global trade talks.
> Press release
> Director-General's statement distributed to G-90 Ministers

Spain donates 192,000 euros to WTO technical assistance

The Government of Spain, on 7 July 2004, pledged a contribution of 192,000 euros (CHF 290,000) to the WTO technical assistance fund.
> Press release

DSB establishes panel on Mexican tax measures on soft drinks and other beverages

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 6 July 2004, established a panel to examine the Mexican tax measures on soft drinks and other beverages (DS308).
> Summary of the meeting

Dr. Supachai: Ministerial support must be translated into Geneva progress

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his opening remarks to the Trade Negotiations Committee meeting on 30 June 2004, said that the many Ministers he had met since the last meeting have given strong political commitment to the success of the negotiations. “The onus is now fairly and squarely on negotiators in Geneva to do the deals that our political leaders clearly want us to achieve,?he said.

Members encourage Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali to move ahead with reforms

WTO members, at the conclusion of the trade policy reviews of Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali on 30 June 2004, emphasized trade as a tool for development and encouraged the three African countries to pursue the implementation of their reform programmes.
> Press release of Benin
> Press release of Burkina Faso
> Press release of Mali

WTO Secretariat publishes its first dispute-settlement guide

The WTO Secretariat, on 29 June 2004, published A Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System. “The primary purpose of this training guide is to explain the WTO dispute settlement system to an interested person with little or no knowledge of how this system functions,?according to WTO Legal Affairs Director, Mr. Bruce Wilson, in his preface.

WTO to hold IT symposium in October

The ITA Committee, on 28 June 2004, agreed to hold the WTO Information Technology Symposium on 18-19 October 2004 in Geneva.
> News item

DSB considers panel requests by the United States and Canada

The DSB, on 22 June 2004, considered for the first time two requests for panels: by the United States to examine Mexican tax measures on soft drinks and other beverages, and by Canada on US injury determination concerning hard red spring wheat from Canada. The two requests were blocked by the respondents.
> Summary of the meeting

Fifth introduction course on WTO for LDCs concludes in Geneva

The Fifth introduction course on WTO for the least-developed countries, organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation of the WTO, concluded on 11 June 2004 in Geneva.
> News item

Singapore commended as “exemplary?member

WTO members, in concluding their trade policy review of Singapore on 16 June 2004, said the openness of its economy has helped it weather recent economic shocks. They commended Singapore's continuing reforms aimed at promoting an economy that is “globalized, entrepreneurial and diversified?
> Press release

Members praise Viet Nam’s new offers, but seek improvements and more clarification

The 63 WTO members negotiating a membership package with Viet Nam praised the Southeast Asian country on 15 June 2004 for considerably improving its market access offers for goods and services, and its programme for applying WTO agreements.
> News item

Dr. Supachai calls on UNCTAD XI to deliver clear message in support of the Doha Round

WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a speech to UNCTAD XI in São Paulo, Brazil on 14 June 2004, stressed that “if we want trade to work as an engine for growth and development, it is indispensable that we succeed in the Doha Round? He added that the negotiations are at “a crossroads, and common ground must be found quickly?

WTO launches first Asia-Pacific trade course in Hong Kong, China

The WTO, in partnership with the University of Hong Kong, officially launched its first Regional Trade Policy Course for Asia-Pacific on 9 June 2004 in Hong Kong, China.
> News item

Supachai calls for constructive outcome from UNCTAD meeting

WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, on 11 June 2004, called on members of the XI meeting of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to use their upcoming meeting in Sao Paolo as a catalyst for progress in the Doha Development Agenda round of global trade negotiations.
> Press release

Report detects shifts in services and agricultural trade patterns

International trade patterns have changed in two significant areas over the past two decades with growth in services trade no longer clearly outstripping growth in goods, while agricultural trade has shifted away from commodities towards processed products, according to a WTO report released on 11 June 2004.
> Press release

Ten Years After Marrakesh: the WTO and Developing Countries

Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a speech to a conference hosted by the Moroccan authorities to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO said “we should be immensely proud of the achievements of the last decade. The trading system has shown its resilience in the face of financial turbulence and it has contained and resolved over 300 trade disputes between its Members, providing for greater stability and predictability in global commercial exchanges?

ITA membership expands with enlarged EC

The European Communities announced, at the meeting of the WTO Information Technology Agreement Committee on 4 June 2004, that its commitment on zero tariffs for ITA products extends to the enlarged EC membership, including Hungary and Malta, which were not previously participants to the ITA.
> News item

Supachai commends negotiators, urges more progress

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, on 4 June 2004, commended negotiators for their success in narrowing differences in critical agriculture negotiations during the week, but urged them to make every effort to build on this progress and cautioned that time is rapidly running out to achieve a framework agreement in farm trade by the end of July.
> Press release

DSB adopts panel report on US-Mexico telecoms dispute

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 1 June 2004, adopted the panel report on “Mexico ?Measures Affecting Telecommunications Services?(DS204).
> Summary of the meeting

Africa stands to gain from successful trade negotiations ?Dr. Supachai

Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a speech during the opening of the Conference of the African Union Ministers of Trade on 27 May 2004 in Kigali, Rwanda, said that the meeting will be “pivotal?in determining whether the trade negotiations “will take a substantial step forward by the end of July? He stressed that “no one questions?that development concerns must be reflected in the July package.
> Speech by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda

WTO publishes its 2004 annual report

Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his foreword to the WTO Annual Report 2004 issued on 26 May 2004, said that this and the organization's three other annual publications are “part of the WTO's continuing efforts to work in a manner which is transparent, informative and in tune with the expectations of the public around the world?

Dr. Supachai opens WTO public symposium

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his opening statement on 25 May 2004 at the WTO public symposium “Multilateralism at a Crossroads? said that trade negotiators are facing a “historic window of opportunity?and urged civil society to add their voice in WTO's work to “further improve and reform the multilateral system? 
> Programme

Fifth introduction course on the WTO for LDCs opens in Geneva

The 5th Introduction Course on the WTO for Least Developed Countries, organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of the WTO, opened on 24 May 2004 and will end on 11 June 2004.
> News item

Dr. Supachai welcomes “encouraging political signals?for Doha progress

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, at the General Council meeting on 17-18 May 2004, urged trade negotiators “to show the world that Geneva is capable of delivering significant results? He also assured close WTO co-operation in the IMF's new policy for developing countries.
> Opening and closing remarks by the Director-General and General Council Chairman (Word format 6 pages; 68 KB)
> Staterment by the Director-General
> Statement by the IMF

The United States pledges US$ 994,100 to WTO technical assistance

The United States Government, on 14 May 2004, pledged a contribution of US$ 994,100 (CHF 1.3 million) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund for 2004.
> Press release

WTO launches training courses over the Internet

The WTO is introducing online courses for governments officials from developing countries with the inaugural course “Introduction to the WTO and its Basic Principles?starting on 21 June 2004.
> News item

31 import licensing notifications reviewed amid concern that not enough received

The WTO Import Licensing Committee on 5 May 2004 reviewed 31 notifications submitted under various provisions of the agreement, a situation some members described as an improvement but still unsatisfactory.
> News item

Appellate Body issues first annual report

The WTO Appellate Body, on 7 May 2004, issued its Annual Report for 2003 (Word format, 43 pages, 698KB) containing information about changes in the composition of the Appellate Body, appeals filed, Reports circulated, participation of WTO members in appeals, amendments to the Working Procedures, technical assistance and other developments that took place last year. The Annual Report was accompanied by a Communication from the AB Chairman to the DSB Chair (Word format, 1 page, 41KB).

WTO Agreement extended to the 10 new member States of the European Union

Dr. Supachai underlines importance of Doha progress for LDCs

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his address to the Third LDC Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Dakar, Senegal on 4 May 2004, stressed that “now is the time for all WTO members to show realism, flexibility and a determination to make progress” in the negotiations. He warned that “a loss of momentum will have a direct impact on the areas in which LDCs have a key interest”.

GC Chairman urges “tangible outcome?in July

General Council Chairman Amb. Shotaro Oshima, during an informal meeting of Heads of Delegation on 29 April 2004, urged members to deliver concrete results by July to “ensure the continued progress in the negotiations?
> Chairman's speaking points
> DDG Rufus Yerxa's report

Goods Council agrees on chairpersons of subsidiary bodies

The Council for Trade in Goods, on 27 April 2004, agreed on a slate of chairpersons of its subsidiary bodies for this year.
> News item

Eighth Geneva Week to be held 10-14 May

Briefing sessions for WTO Members and Observers without representation in Geneva will be held at the WTO from 10 to 14 May 2004.
> News item

Dr. Supachai lauds IMF's new policy

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a statement before the International Monetary and Financial Committee in Washington on 24 April 2004, cited the IMF's Trade Integration Mechanism for developing countries as “a welcome contribution to the Doha Round, in particular to attaining ambitious market access results?

Korea contributes US$ 200,000 to WTO technical assistance

The Government of the Republic of Korea, on 27 April 2004, made a contribution of US$ 200,000 (CHF 250 000) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund.
> Press release

Three months of WTO training for 25 developing-country officials

Deputy Director-General Roderick Abbott, on 26 April 2004, launched the 29th WTO Trade Policy Course organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation.
> News item

WTO Caribbean Trade Policy Course concludes

Thirty-one government officials from 17 countries/territories attended on 22 April 2004 the closing ceremony marking the conclusion of the Caribbean Regional Trade Policy Course, organized by the WTO Secretariat in partnership with the University of the West Indies.
> News item

DSB adopts panel report on US investigation in softwood lumber from Canada

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 26 April 2004, adopted the panel report on “United States ?Investigation of the International Trade Commission in softwood lumber from Canada?(DS277).
> Summary of the meeting

WTO membership rises to 147

The Kingdom of Nepal, on 23 April 2004, became the 147th member of the World Trade Organization.
> News item

Appellate Body Chairman notes with sadness the passing of Dr. Said El-Naggar

The Chairman of the Appellate Body, Mr. Georges Abi-Saab, has noted with great sadness the passing on 11 April 2004 of Dr. Said El-Naggar, who was one of the original seven members of the Appellate Body.
> News item

Dr. Supachai: “We must redouble our efforts?/p>

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his remarks on 21 April 2004 as chairman of the Trade Negotiations Committee, warned negotiators that “the coming days and weeks are critical? He said Ministers “are more determined than ever to succeed,?and that “the onus is clearly on the negotiators in Geneva to turn this political will into concrete results?
> News item

DSB adopts reports on EC's GSP scheme

At its meeting on 20 April 2004, the Dispute Settlement Body adopted the Appellate Body and panel reports on India's complaint concerning the EC's GSP scheme (DS246).
> News item

WTO Secretariat reports significant decline in new anti-dumping investigations

The WTO Secretariat reported, on 20 April 2004, that in the period 1 July-31 December 2003, 14 Members initiated 115 anti-dumping investigations against exports from a total of 30 different countries or customs territories. This represents a significant decline from the corresponding period of 2002.
> Press release

Third Regional Trade Policy Course in Nairobi starts

Twenty-four government officials from 22 African countries attended on 14 April 2004 the opening ceremony for the Third Regional Trade Policy Course, organized by the WTO Secretariat in partnership with the University of Nairobi.
> News item

Amendments proposed to the Working Procedures for Appellate Review

The Chairman of the Appellate Body, on 8 April 2004, sent a letter to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body requesting comments from Members on a number of possible amendments to the Working Procedures for Appellate Review.
> News item

Panel report out on Canada-US softwood lumber dispute

The WTO, on 13 April 2004, issued the report of the panel that had examined Canada's complaint regarding “United States ? Final dumping determination on softwood lumber from Canada?(DS/264/R).
> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS264
> More on Dispute Settlement

Appellate Body issues report on EC tariff preferences

The Appellate Body, on 7 April 2004, issued its report on India's complaint against the EC in “European Communities ? Conditions for the Granting of Tariff Preferences to Developing Countries?(WT/DS246/AB/R).
> Download the Appellate Body Report in Word format (88 pages; 606KB), in pdf format (88 pages; 284KB)
> All documentation on the case DS246
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Panel reports out on US-Canada wheat dispute

The WTO issued, on 6 April 2004, the reports of a panel that had examined a United States’ complaint against “Canada — Measures relating to exports of wheat and treatment of imported grain” (WT/DS276/R).
> Download the panel report: