The Ministerial Conference, which is the topmost decision-making body of the WTO, usually meets every two years. It comprises all members of the WTO, which can be either countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference is responsible for making all decisions related to the multilateral trade agreements of the WTO.
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The Ministerial Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the World Trade Organization (WTO). From 1996 to 2022, there have been twelve such conferences, generally held biennially. Here are some brief details about all the twelve conferences that have taken place so far:
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Afghanistan is the newest member, joining effective 29 July 2016. Russia was one of the only two large economies outside of the WTO after Saudi Arabia joined in 2005. It had begun negotiating to join the WTO’s predecessor in 1993.
How many countries are members of the WTO in 2021?
159 countries are currently members of the WTO.
What are the two main functions of WTO?
The WTO’s main functions are: It administers the WTO agreements. It reviews trade policies of member states acting as a forum for the resolution of international trade disputes.