In his meeting with DG Azevêdo, Mr Beyer signalled BusinessEurope’s willingness to engage further in the work of the WTO. The group has shown a particular interest in engaging on issues such as the digital economy, investment, and transparency in procurement practices.

Based in Brussels, BusinessEurope has 41 member organizations (business associations) in 35 countries throughout Europe and has been active on trade issues. The group is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system.

After the success of the WTO’s Ministerial Conferences in 2013 and 2015 which delivered a number of economically significant trade agreements, the interest of the private sector in the organisation has increased significantly. The Director-General has warmly welcomed this growing engagement. Reflecting this trend, the International Chamber of Commerce and the B20 (the private sector arm of the G20 group of nations) recently asked the WTO to provide a platform for businesspeople to discuss a range of current trade issues. This request was accepted and that meeting will take place at the WTO on Monday 30 May, with over 60 businesses, large and small, taking part from all around the world.