The World Trade Organization's Ministerial Conference of 1996 was held in Singapore on December 9 - December 13, 1996. The inaugural meeting for the organisation since its formation. The event was hosted by the government of Singapore at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Suntec City. The conference established four permanent working groups, covering transparency in government procurement, trade facilitation (customs issues), trade and investment, and trade and competition. The purpose of the first of these groups was to conduct "a study on transparency in government procurement practices, taking into account national policies and, based on this study, to develop elements for inclusion in an appropriate agreement". The topics covered by these groups collectively are called the Singapore issues. References External links http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min96_e/min96_e.htm 1996 in Asia 1996 conferences World Trade Organization ministerial conferences Economic history of Singapore Diplomatic conferences in Singapore 20th-century diplomatic conferences 1996 in international relations December 1996 events in Asia