What Is WTO And Its Purpose? 10 Key Questions Answered

Last Updated:September 01, 2025, 18:44 IST

At the SCO summit, the WTO became a key focus as member countries highlighted growing global trade challenges, including unilateral tariffs, trade wars and rule violations

China and other nations urge stronger WTO rules for fair and balanced global trade. (Representative/AP)

At the recent SCO summit, China called on member nations to strengthen the rules and principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO), stressing that lowering tariffs and trade barriers could boost trade and investment. The push has renewed focus on understanding the WTO, its formation, purpose, and key functions.

The WTO took centre stage at the SCO summit as member countries recognized the challenges facing the global trade system. Unilateral tariffs, trade wars, and rule violations are disrupting supply chains and threatening economic stability. In response, China and other nations stressed the need to reinforce WTO rules and uphold a multilateral trade system to ensure fair, balanced, and sustainable trade among members.

In this context, it becomes important to understand some fundamental facts about WTO:

1. When was the WTO established?Answer: The WTO (World Trade Organization) was established on 1 January 1995.
2. Which organisation did the WTO replace?Answer: The WTO replaced GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), which had been operating since 1948.
3. Where is the headquarters of the WTO?Answer: The headquarters of the WTO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
4. What is the main objective of the WTO?Answer: The main objective of the WTO is to promote international trade, reduce tariff and trade barriers, and balance trade relations among member countries.
5. Who was the first Director-General of the WTO?Answer: The first Director-General of the WTO was Peter Sutherland.
6. How many member countries are there in the WTO at present?Answer: Currently, the WTO has 164 member countries (as of September 2025).
7. When did India join the WTO?Answer: India became a founding member of the WTO on 1 January 1995.
8. Who is the current Director-General of the WTO?Answer: The current Director-General is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who took office on March 1, 2021. She is the first woman and first African Director-General of the WTO.
9. What are the official languages of the WTO?Answer: The WTO has three official languages – English, French, and Spanish.
10. How often does the WTO Ministerial Conference take place?Answer: The WTO Ministerial Conference is held every two years and is its highest decision-making body.

Location :

First Published:

September 01, 2025, 18:44 IST

News india What Is WTO And Its Purpose? 10 Key Questions Answered

Read More