World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization dealing with the "rules of trade" between its member states. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. The head (director-general) is [Mike Moore]?.

History

January 1, 1995 - WTO came into existence, following the Marrakech Agreement.

May 1, 1995 - [Renato Ruggiero]? becomes director-general for 4 year term.

Sept 1, 1999 - Mike Moore becomes director-general.

Nov 30, 1999 - 3rd ministerial conference in Seattle, USA. The conference itself ended in failure, but the riots were spectacular.

Nov 9 - 13, 2001 - 4th ministerial conference in Doha?, Qatar.

Dec 11, 2001 - China joins WTO after long negotiation.