World Trade Organization

Ex-president Jiang Zemin who transformed China dies at 96

Jiang Zemin became the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in 1989 and went on to become the president of the Asian country in 1993.

WTO deal for Covid jab IP waiver could take months despite US backing

The World Trade Organization has been facing calls to temporarily lift intellectual property protections on Covid-19 vaccines but pharmaceutical giants and their host countries have fiercely opposed the idea.

US backs global waiver on Covid vaccine patents to boost pandemic fight

By joining calls to share technology behind Covid-19 jabs, the Biden administration will add heft to a growing group of leaders who believe there is an urgent, if temporary, need for wider access to treatments if the world wants to end the pandemic.

Covid-19: For Western countries, sanctity of capitalism trumps human life

The global pandemic has been a boon for the pharmaceutical industry, which stands to make billions. But first, it's trying to throttle poorer countries’ access to the vaccine.

Will intellectual property take precedence over vaccine distribution?

South Africa and India have pushed for a TRIPS waiver to temporarily allow states to produce Covid-19 technologies without fear of IP infringement. But it faces pressure from rich countries, who want to protect their pharmaceutical industries.

Okonjo-Iweala makes history as first woman and African boss of WTO

As director-general, the 66-year-old Nigerian's top priority would be to ensure the trade body does more to address the Covid-19 pandemic. She says the WTO "does not want to see business as usual."

Hopes dim as UK, EU see no deal on post-Brexit trade

Both sides say they want to agree arrangements to cover nearly $1 trillion in annual trade but talks are at an impasse, with Britain standing to lose zero-tariff and zero-quota access to huge European single market.

Nigeria to lobby for its WTO candidate despite US opposition

Washington has spurned Nigerian former finance minister's candidature despite World Trade Organization's recommendation that she lead the trade watchdog as the first African and first woman head.

South Korea, China hold high-level talks

In a long-anticipated bilateral event, the two sides discussing cooperation on fighting covid-19, boosting economic ties and enhancing cultural ties.

Global goods trade hits record low as Covid-19 takes its toll

Data released by the World Trade Organization suggests merchandise trade registered a historic second-quarter fall.

US says China agreed to abandon some export subsidies

US says China will leave some export subsidies ranging from metals to agriculture and textiles