Question: How Does a Country Become a WTO Member?
Answer: There is a four-step process
- The country submits an application which is reviewed by a committee of any country who wishes to be on it.
- The country negotiates bilateral trade agreements with any country it wishes. The terms of these bilateral agreements will automatically apply to all WTO members.
- The WTO review committee drafts the terms of membership which includes all changes to its trade policies that the country must put in place.
- Two-thirds of the WTO members must vote that the country can become a member. The country then must ratify the agreement and “Voila!” it is a member.
