Chinanews.com, Beijing, December 16 (Yang Shihan) In the 20 years since joining the World Trade Organization, China has actively fulfilled its WTO commitments, continued to expand its degree of independent openness, and deeply and comprehensively participate in global economic cooperation.
Recently, the Globalization Think Tank, the Global Economic and Trade Governance Research Network, and the China World Trade Organization Research Institute of the University of International Business and Economics jointly organized the "20th Anniversary of China’s Accession to the World Trade Organization" international seminar, focusing on the current initiatives that China is participating in and promoting in the World Trade Organization and looking forward to it future.
Accession to the WTO is undoubtedly a milestone in China's economic reform and opening up. The total economic volume has risen to the second place in the world, the level of poverty has been declining, and the realization of common prosperity steadily and steadily.
As the main hub and trade powerhouse of the global value chain in the new era, China's total volume of merchandise imports and exports has doubled.
Yi Xiaozhun, the former Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, said bluntly: "China has officially become the engine of global development."
Anabel Gonzalez, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, spoke highly of China's contribution.
She said that China's accession to the WTO is a huge benefit for countless other economies in the world.
China's accession to the WTO has enhanced the credibility of the World Trade Organization and is conducive to popularizing the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, and cooperation on a global scale.
China's achievements have also encouraged other developing countries to join, especially providing impetus for southern developing countries to promote trade multilateralism.
Zhang Yuejiao, dean of the Institute of International Dispute Resolution of Tsinghua University and former chairman of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization, China is very serious and serious in the implementation of international commitments, and has done a good job in enforcing rulings. Regardless of the rulings, China has seriously fulfilled its international obligations. Won a good reputation.
She further stated that the judges of the WTO Appellate Body praised and affirmed the Chinese government's compliance with international law and its active participation in the formulation of international law, which has also played a leading role in promoting the international construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Zhang Yuejiao also mentioned that China continues to improve its business environment to obtain goods and services from abroad.
For foreign companies and investors, openness and transparency are very important.
The recently released system provides a guarantee for the “one-stop registration” of enterprises. Local governments ensure that the entire registration process is completed within a few hours, with more open windows and shorter processes, which will bring major benefits to foreign companies and investors.
However, protectionism and unilateralism have risen in recent years, which has dragged down the role and influence of the WTO.
Alan Wolff, the former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, warned that the WTO is in crisis.
He emphasized the power of unity and believed that China should play a more active and even leading role in the WTO.
China should be with the United States.
The EU, Japan and other major partners work together to ensure that the WTO accepts objective, neutral and strong leadership.
Arancha Gonzalez Laya, the former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, believes that China's accession to the WTO 20 years ago is a "porcelain marriage". Porcelain is precious and strong, but it is also fragile.
Affected by the epidemic, world trade is in the darkest moment, and WTO members have the responsibility to turn the tide.
She pointed out that there are three "vulnerabilities" that need to be resolved urgently in the future.
In order to adapt to the latest situation, the WTO should actively change to ensure that China is not only a participant in the dialogue, but also a decision maker of changes, creating a more level playing field.
"Openness is the most important thing." In Yi Xiaozhun's view, the WTO must improve the lack of leadership.
Multilateral trade principles are irreplaceable for the well-being of China and the world in modern society.
He said that China is very actively participating in various reforms, taking many concrete measures to show its firm determination, putting forward its own suggestions and initiatives, and actively conducting consultations and discussions with other members.
From these perspectives, China has played a constructive role in the reform of the WTO. There are now numerous initiatives to discuss and negotiate with the WTO.
Only when the major powers are back on the right track of mutual benefit and win-win will there be hope for WTO reforms and the multilateral trading system will be able to get back on track.
Zhang Yuejiao also believes that China should continue to actively participate in WTO reforms, actively participate in the negotiation and accession of regional free trade agreements, successfully run the “Belt and Road” projects with high quality, promote the healthy development of international trade and investment facilitation, and safeguard the international trade and investment facilitation. The multilateral system plays a greater role in promoting international economic governance and promoting the development of international trade.
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