Answer WTO Members evaluate China's compliance with WTO commitments every year; this is part of China,s WTO accession terms; China has made huge efforst and members recognise this. As with any member, there is room for improvement. The annual reviews are meant to help China and its many local and regional authorities implement WTO comitments to their benefit and that of the entire multilateral system.
Question: The WTO has worked hard to shepherd global free trade, yet seems to have a serious worldwide public relations problem. What can the WTO do to turn its image around and change public perception and overall confidence in your mission?
Answer Your diagnosis is right, Doctor! as for the medicine: more transparency, more debate, more engagement with various stakeholders who do not always feel well represented by their government although this is our rule: WTO is Member driven. Today's chat is part of this endeavour.
Question: Are you concerned about the pace of bilateral/regional trade agreements concluded by major trade players and what role do you think the WTO Director-General can play in a way to strenghten the multilateral trading system?
Answer I would be an ostrich with its head in the sand if I wasn't concerned, and I think we have to work towards greater coherence. The fundamental answer to rising regionalism is for the WTO to move its agenda ahead.
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