After MC14: Realistic WTO reform essential for institutional renewal

WTO Chief Economist Robert Staiger reflects on the 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaoundé, examining members’ consensus that WTO value persists but reform is essential. Key concerns identified include negotiating function effectiveness, trade measure transparency, development priorities, dispute settlement credibility, and foundational principle strain. The analysis emphasizes that realistic reform must preserve institutional strengths while addressing contemporary economic distortions and transparency challenges.