A realization is building that real reforms to the WTO are needed, according to Director General Roberto Azevedo.
“The reality is we need very significant changes,” Azevedo said. “A few coats of paint will not be enough.”
In remarks to the Washington International Trade Association (WITA), Azevedo touched on the dispute settlement process at the WTO and the appellate body, the source of U.S. complaints about the WTO process.
“In my mind, I can see a much better functioning dispute settlement system, but my mind is not enough,” Azevedo said.
While he did not meet with either U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer nor President Donald Trump in his visit this week, Azevedo noted he has been engaging with U.S. officials on a consistent basis. But he emphasized, “What we need to do is transform those ideas into concrete action.”
As for not meeting with Lighthizer or Trump, the WTO chief said, “It does not mean that I cannot come back. I need somebody to tell me – ‘This is the time.’”
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