How Many Agreements Are There in Wto

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that aims to promote global trade and economic cooperation. The WTO was established in 1995 and has since grown to include 164 member countries. One of the most common questions people ask about the WTO is how many agreements are there in the organization? In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with a comprehensive answer.

The WTO has a wide range of agreements that are designed to regulate various areas of international trade. These agreements cover issues such as tariffs, intellectual property rights, and subsidies. In total, there are 17 agreements in the WTO. These agreements are divided into three broad categories: The agreements that deal with trade in goods, the agreements that deal with trade in services, and the agreements that deal with intellectual property.

The agreements that deal with trade in goods include the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which is the foundational agreement in the WTO. This agreement regulates tariffs on goods and sets out principles for international trade. Other agreements that fall under this category include agreements on agriculture, textiles, and anti-dumping.

The agreements that deal with trade in services include the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), which regulates trade in services such as banking, telecommunications, and transport. The GATS is designed to remove barriers to trade in services and create a level playing field for service providers.

The agreements that deal with intellectual property include the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This agreement sets out minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

In addition to these 17 agreements, the WTO also has a number of other important documents that provide guidance on trade-related issues. These documents include the Ministerial Declarations, which are statements made by member countries at WTO meetings on various trade-related issues.

In conclusion, the WTO has 17 agreements that regulate various aspects of international trade. These agreements cover trade in goods, trade in services, and intellectual property. By understanding these agreements, you can gain a better understanding of the rules that govern global trade and the role that the WTO plays in promoting economic cooperation among nations.