WTO holds talks on global trade tensions

The World Trade Organization (WTO) said that discussions on global trade tensions were “constructive” following a meeting in Geneva, which was dominated by concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Ismaila Dieng, WTO Spokesperson said on Feb. 19 that the majority of countries participating in the talks—focused on trade disruptions—expressed concerns over the escalation of trade tensions and called for restraint, according to Reuters.

In the same vein, the WTO General Council meeting on Feb. 18-19 highlighted the need to deepen discussions on WTO reform and consider substantial changes in how it operates in light of current challenges.

Saudi Ambassador to WTO, Saqer Al-Moqbel, who assumed the presidency of the General Council at the conclusion of the meeting, said that the global trade landscape is undergoing profound changes, driven by economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts, necessitating efforts to uphold the multilateral trading system.

Several member states confirmed the need to accelerate and deepen reforms as the WTO celebrates its 30th anniversary.