What are the prospects for reform of the WTO; and how best to ensure that reform is supported by all?

Moderator:

Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute

Speakers:

Ignacio Garcia Bercero, Director, Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission

Jennifer Hillman, Professor from Practice, Georgetown Law, Institute of International Economic Law; Former Member, WTO Appellate Body

Tetsuya Watanabe, Vice President, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)

This podcast episode was recorded on 13th April 2021.

The AIG Global Trade Series 2021 examines the ongoing transformation of the world’s multilateral trading system.

All eyes are on the WTO’s new leadership to jump-start trade multilateralism. But can global trade rules be updated? And if so, which rules should be fixed first?

In this podcast, moderator Rem Korteweg of the Clingendael Institute is joined by Ignacio Garcia Bercero, Director, Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission; Jennifer Hillman, Professor from Practice, Georgetown Law, Institute of International Economic Law; Former Member, WTO Appellate Body; and Tetsuya Watanabe, Vice President, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI). Listen as they discuss the prospects for reform at the WTO, which is now a top global political priority.

The pandemic has unlevelled the global playing field due to widespread use of subsidies and state intervention. Can the WTO play a role to address these imbalances, and make rules fit for purpose to respond to modern challenges? How should the WTO ensure that a reform package will be supported by all members to prevent a collapse of the rules-based trading system?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of American International Group, Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliates (“AIG”). Any content provided by our speakers are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. AIG makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, or validity of any information provided during this podcast series and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses injuries, or damages arising from its use