
The WTO is an organisation of 152 member governments that negotiate together to liberalise international trade and establish international trade rules. Through its WTO membership, New Zealand benefits from clear trade rules that are applicable to all.
The WTO assists New Zealand in making trade deals with larger economies. With the weight of other member countries in support, New Zealand can make broader and more ambitious multilateral trade gains.
The Doha Round of WTO trade negotiations commenced in 2001. This Round, also known as the Doha Development Round, aims to reduce trade barriers and assist developing countries through trade liberalisation. more
The major focus of negotiations at the WTO is to facilitate trade liberalisation through the opening of markets and the removal of trade barriers. more
Another important aim of the WTO is to clarify and strengthen the rules used to govern international trade. more
New Zealand is committed to pursuing high standards in a number of areas related to trade. Many of these issues form part of WTO negotiations, and may also at times be included in free trade agreement negotiations. more