At Singapore, proposals are expected for WTO members to begin work on the next generation of trade issues. However, because these issues include areas heretofore outside the scope of detailed trade negotiations—environmental protection, investment rules, competition policy, labor standards, and bribery and corruption—it is unlikely members will reach consensus on the WTO’s role. Early meetings of some WTO committees were focused on establishing new working procedures and work agendas necessary to implement the Uruguay Round agreements. Notifications take many forms. Limitations in members’ reporting may make it difficult for the ministers to assess progress in some areas. It is unclear to what extent the ministers at the WTO Singapore meeting will analyze the implementation of the new dispute settlement process and what criteria they would use to do so. Implementation of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing

example, increase market access in key sectors and improve protection of intellectual property rights. Implementation of Agricultural Commitments

Liberalizing agricultural trade was a key U.S. objective during the Uruguay Round. implementation of the agreement, preparing for negotiations to resume is also important. Trade and Investment Rules

specific service sectors, including business services and construction and engineering services. On the other hand, the United States and other nations would like to continue focusing on the OECD negotiations rather than negotiating in the WTO, believing that (1) the OECD has the potential to achieve a higher standard of liberalization (that is, on a par with NAFTA and U.S. bilateral investment treaties) than the WTO could and (2) some WTO members are not ready for such an agreement.
Why GAO Did This Study

GAO discussed the implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements and the World Trade Organization's (WTO) operations in the context of the upcoming Singapore ministerial meeting.

What GAO Found

GAO noted that: (1) implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements is complex, and the Singapore meeting will provide WTO member countries with the opportunity to take stock of their implementation efforts; (2) limitations and variations in the amount of information reported by member countries has made it difficult for WTO committees and working groups to oversee implementation of the agreements and a new dispute settlement mechanism; (3) implementation of the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing has been a major area of contention between exporting and importing countries; (4) the United States has many concerns regarding the implementation of commitments to liberalize agricultural trade, and has indicated that it will propose further agricultural reform negotiations; (5) it is not clear whether efforts to liberalize trade in the services sector will be successful, since WTO member countries have been unable to reach final agreements covering some sectors; and (6) it is expected that WTO members will begin work on the next generation of trade issues in such areas as environmental protection, investment rules, competition policy, labor standards, and bribery and corruption at the Singapore meeting.