The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an independent international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, that sets and maintains the rules of global trade . Representatives from 146 member countries use the WTO framework to negotiate trade agreements, adjudicate trade disputes, and review national trade policies. By having a standard set of consistent and enforceable ground rules, international trade can prosper without facing barriers such as excessive tariffs, unfair regulations, and other obstacles. Joining the WTO requires countries to negotiate their entry into the organization, and their entire trade regime is carefully examined. It is not uncommon for countries to change or adapt their trade policies to be able to join the WTO.  Because WTO members account for 97percent of world trade, countries participating in this freer global trade environment help expand the world economy and increase their own citizens’ level of prosperity.
 

Structure

Every member country has an equal vote in the organization's decision-making structure, although to date, every decision made has been achieved through consensus. 

The organization's highest decision-making body, the Ministerial Conference, must meet every two years, and the Hong Kong meeting is one of these meetings. Conference participants will make the overall decisions that will set the tone and structure of future negotiations and decisions.

The organization's General Council meets regularly in Geneva to continue negotiations and work on the details of decisions and negotiations made during Ministerial Conferences, review trade policies and settle disputes.

The WTO is composed of various committees, councils, and working groups that report to the General Council. 

The WTO Web site has an organization chart that shows the how these groups relate. 
 

Disputes

The WTO offers a clear system for adjudicating trade disputes when WTO members believe that they are being adversely affected by other members who are violating the organization's rules. Typically, members will first try to resolve these matters between themselves, but if they fail to reach an agreement, the dispute resolution process can begin.

Dispute resolution is one of the most important contributions the WTO makes to ensuring greater global trade. By providing a clear and fair set of rules, adjudication procedures, penalties, and remedies, the WTO enables its members to trade and negotiate with confidence.