Is the world trade organization effective?

World Trade Organization

• What are the requirmnets for nations to Join the World Trade organization. I need a complete list.

• Answer:

  Hello nedgold~ According to the World Trade Organization?s website, ?Any state or customs territory having full autonomy in the conduct of its trade policies may join (?accede to?) the WTO.? (?Membership, alliances and bureaucracy,? WTO: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org3_e.htm#join ) However, all applying nations must agree on terms. Here is the process for becoming a member: 1. The government applying to WTO must first describe to WTO ?all aspects of its trade and economic policies that have a bearing on WTO agreements.? 2. Next, bilateral talks begin between WTO and the country in question take place. ?These talks cover tariff rates and specific market access commitments, and other policies in goods and services...the talks determine the benefits (in the form of export opportunities and guarantees) other WTO members can expect when the new member joins.? 3. ?Once the...examination of the applicant?s trade regime, and the parallel bilateral market access negotiations are complete,? WTO finalizes the terms of membership. 4. Finally, a report is produced by WTO, which includes a protocol, and lists of commitments for the applying nation. This is ?presented to the WTO General Council or the Ministerial Conference. If a two-thirds majority of WTO members vote in favour, the applicant is free to sign the protocol and to accede to the organization. In many cases, the country?s own parliament or legislature has to ratify the agreement before membership is complete.? For a thorough run down of the membership (or ?accession?) process, please see ?How to become a member of the WTO,? WTO: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/acces_e.htm For a discussion of WTO?s provisions about new members, see ?Relevant WTO Provisions,? WTO: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/acc7_3_e.htm To view a WTO video on becoming a member, see: http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm#acc , ?Accessions.? Finally, this WTO page with links about accessions may prove helpful: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/docum_e.htm Kind regards, Kriswrite RESEARCH STRATEGY: A search of the World Trade Organization?s website