How does a country become a member of the WTO?
Any country or customs territory which is autonomous as far as trade is concerned can join the WTO. The application is a four stage process: • First, the government applying for membership has to describe all aspects of its trade and economic policies that have a bearing on WTO agreements. This is submitted to the WTO and examined by a working party made up of members. • After polices have been examined, parallel bilateral talks begin between the prospective new member and individual countries. These talks cover tariffs and access to markets, and other policies in goods and services. Though they are negotiated bilaterally, a new members commitments apply equally to all WTO members under normal non-discrimination rules (see below). • Once the working party has completed its examination of the applicants trade system, and the bilateral negotiations are complete, the working party finalizes the terms of membership in a draft membership treaty (called the protocol of accession) and lists t
Related Questions
- How can the WTO help me to maintain market access for my garments in a country where it is alleged that dye stuffs dangerous to human health have been used in the production of the garments?
- Does a government have the right to apply lower customs duties than those bound in the countrys WTO schedule of concessions?
- What are the WTO provisions relating to the protection of the balance of payments situation of a country?
