The WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

About WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

What is the WTO?

• Who we are
  The WTO has many roles: it operates a global system of trade rules, it acts as a forum for negotiating trade agreements, it settles trade disputes between its members and it supports the needs of developing countries.
• What we do
  All major decisions are made by the WTO’s member governments: either by ministers (who usually meet at least every two years) or by their ambassadors or delegates (who meet regularly in Geneva).
• What we stand for
  A number of simple, fundamental principles form the foundation of the multilateral trading system.
• Overview
  The primary purpose of the WTO is to open trade for the benefit of all.

  How to contact us

  General enquiries

  For all general enquiries, please include your full name and contact details – postal address,

  email address and daytime telephone number.  We will not reply to anonymous correspondence.

  +41 (0)22 739 51 11
  enquiries@wto.org

  Media enquiries

  Media enquiries should be addressed to the Press Unit of the Information and External Relations Division:

  +41 (0)22 739 50 07
  enquiries@wto.org

  Publications enquiries

  Publications enquiries should be addressed to the Publications Unit:

  +41 (0)22 739 52 08 / 739 53 08
  publications@wto.org

  Postal address

  Written correspondence should be addressed to:

  Centre William Rappard
  Rue de Lausanne, 154
  Case postale
  1211 Genève 2
  Switzerland