Where Is The Headquarters Of The World Trade Organisation?

The World Trade Organisation is based in Geneva, Switzerland.  It was established on the 1st of January 1995, as a result of international talks which had taken place since 1986.  In 2006, the WTO has 149 member countries and the work it does is carried out by a staff team of 635 with a budget of 175 million Swiss Francs.

The WTO has as its central aim to provide the framework and ground rules for international commerce and ensure that countries can trade with each other.

It handles disputes between member countries and also is responsible for administering trade agreements.  It also monitors national trade policies.

In addition the WTO has a programme for providing technical assistance and training for developing countries.  In this way it aims to ensure that developing countries can develop skills and resources to be able to enter the global market and thereby reduce the overall aid relief required for these countries.