The World Trade Organization (WTO) , GATT .

               The World Trade Organization  (WTO)  is the only global international  organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations .   At its heart world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments.  The goal is to help producers of goods and services ,  exporters ,  and importers conduct their business .  


               The WTO's   rules  the  agreements  are  the  result of  negotiations  between  the  members . 
The  current  set were  the  outcome  of  the  1986-94  Uruguay Round  negotiations which  included  a  major  revision  of  the  original  General  Agreement  on  Tariffs  and  Trade  ( GATT ) .  


                Through  these  agreements  ,  WTO  members  operate  a  non-discriminatory  trading  system  that  spells  out  their  rights and  their  oblegations .   Each  country  receives  guarantees  that  its  exports  will  be  treated  fairly  and  consistently  in  other  countries'  markets .  Each  promises  to  do  the  same  for  imports  into  its  own  market  .   The  system  also  gives  developing  countries  some  flexibility  in  implementing  their  commitments .  


                Bamks ,  insurance firms ,  telecommunications  companies ,  tour  operators ,  hotel  chains  and  transport  companies  looking  to  do  business  abroad  can  now  enjoy  the  same  principles  of  free   and   fair trade  that  originally  only  applied  to  trade  in  goods .


                The  system  encourages  countries  to  settle  their  differences  through  consultation .   Failing  that ,  they  can  follow  a  carefully  mapped  out ,  stage-by-stage  procedure  that  includes  the  possibility  of  a  ruling  by  a  panel of  experts ,  and  the  chance to  appeal  the ruling  on  legal  grounds .