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