Since 1950 global trade has increased 15 fold, providing a powerful engine for economic growth across the planet. Thanks to the WTO and its rules-based system, these markets were left open and countries in financial turmoil were able to use existing trading opportunities to recover economically. Much of the criticism aimed at the WTO melts away as people come to understand exactly what the WTO is and what it stands for. The WTO is an inter-governmental organization. Governments meet in Geneva to discuss trade issues, to negotiate rules for the further liberalization of trade, to settle disputes.
Governments deal directly with each other, face to face.
The 530 person Secretariat, which I head, has virtually no power to determine the policies of governments. Government spending on the multilateral trading system is just one third of what the public pays to finance the activities of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. All of our agreements are reached through consensus of the member governments. All of our agreements are subject to ratification by Congresses and Parliaments. Consensus of our 136 member governments is required before any agreement can be approved and this will not change.