On the occasion of the WTO Public Forum.

As defenders and advocates of people’s rights, parliamentarians must play a decisive role in promoting trade as an engine of growth. The Parliamentary Conference on the WTO (PCWTO), jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament, provides an ideal forum for parliamentarians to make this substantial contribution. Since its inception, the PCWTO continues to enhance the transparency, inclusiveness and oversight of the multilateral trading system through its active engagement with the WTO. The Conference convenes legislators from around the world to bring national perspectives directly into WTO discourse. 

This year’s parliamentary session at the WTO Public Forum is entitled Engaging parliamentarians in sustainable trade in services. While trade in services has grown considerably, the costs of trading services are about twice as high as the trade costs for goods. The trade costs for services can be reduced by tackling regulatory barriers, while promoting transparency and predictability. The PCWTO will explore ways and means to reduce these costs while encouraging the joining of initiatives such as the Services Domestic Regulation.

The parliamentary session will be addressed by parliamentarians from the IPU Member Parliaments and the European Parliament, as well as representatives of the digital industry, and will be moderated by the co-Chairs of the PCWTO Steering Committee. 

Detailed information on the Public Forum is available on the WTO website. 

Participants are required to register online here.