WTO Reform: A China Round?

The Institute for International Trade (IIT), invite you to join us for an informative discussion on
 “WTO Reform: A China Round?”

In recent years, discussions on WTO reform has gained momentum. This is confirmed by the Outcome Document adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference, where WTO Members agreed to “work towards necessary reform of the WTO”. The reform discussions mainly focus on improving rule-making on substantive issues; strengthening the regular work of WTO bodies; rethinking special and differential treatment; and overhauling dispute settlement.

While no specific Member is named in the reform proposals, it is commonly understood that the process was largely triggered by the China challenge. In this talk Professor Henry Gao, a leading expert on China and the WTO, will discuss the concerns Members have on China and China’s reactions to the current reform proposals. He will also provide his thoughts on how the reform discussions will move forward at MC13 and beyond.

GUEST SPEAKER
Henry Gao -Professor of Law; Lee Kong Chian Fellow
Singapore Management University

Henry Gao is Professor of Law at Singapore Management University and Senior Fellow at the Canada-based Centre for International Governance Innovation. With law degrees from three continents, he started his career as the first Chinese lawyer at the WTO Secretariat. He has been an advisor on trade issues for many national governments as well as the WTO, UN, World Bank, ADB, APEC, ASEAN and the World Economic Forum. He is widely published on China and the WTO, and digital trade issues.