WTO, HEI to Hold Conference on Regional Trade Accords

The first two days of the conference will consider how a multilateral approach to regionalism could ensure greater predictability, cooperation and transparency to what is currently a fragmented and often inconsistent system of regional and bilateral pacts. The final day will be dedicated to a high level, policy-oriented discussion of regionalism and what the future may hold in terms of re-defining trade co-operation.

“Regional and bilateral agreements can make a contribution provided they are complementary to the multilateral trading system and not a substitute for it,” said WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy. “This conference will raise public understanding on the need for a more co-ordinated approach to trade liberalisation and how it can best be implemented.”

A detailed programme is attached (English only). Documents will be made available from the WTO website after the conference. The high-level panel discussion on 12 September will be podcast on the WTO website: http://www.wto.org.