In Rio de Janeiro, DG Azevêdo met with business leaders and gave a keynote speech about the future of global trade at an event organized by FIRJAN, the Industry Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The Director-General also visited Salvador, where he addressed the 17th International Arbitration Conference.

After his speech at FIRJAN the Director-General said:

“These are testing times for the trading system. Trade tensions are on the rise. Continued escalation risks a major economic impact, threatening jobs and growth in all countries. We need to respond urgently to these challenges and ensure that the WTO can help members address their concerns and ease tensions.

“It's encouraging that Brazilian stakeholders are interested in discussing ways to leverage trade to improve Brazil's integration in the global economy and also to strengthen the WTO. A strong rules-based trading system is ultimately in all of our interests.”