The World Trade Organisation remains central to the functioning of the global trade system. Increased trade and associated benefits, since the inception of the WTO and GATT before it, are clearly attributable to the rules-based trade system.

 Despite huge challenges, the WTO remains a critically important forum where economies can raise trade concerns and work towards solutions. Current discussions go to the heart of the emissions reduction challenge, geopolitical tensions, increased trade protectionism, and the expansion of industry policy.

 Australia has long played an important role in promoting the rules-based system. That role continues today and, in someways, has never been more important.

 ACITI spoke to Australia's Ambassador to the WTO, Mr James Baxter, on current issues occupying negotiators. To provide Australians with regular updates on developments in the WTO – from an Australian perspective - this will be the first of an ongoing series of webinars on current issues in the WTO.

Check out the recording HERE.

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