The rules-based trading system is predicated on transparency and openness among the WTO Membership regarding their trade policies. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that the record on providing full, timely, and accurate transparency is often lacking.

Drawing from global initiatives to ban corporate corruption, introduce fairness into public procurement and promote government policy transparency more generally, the purpose of this panel is to identify and evaluate tangible options for improving the transparency of the world trading system.

Promoting transparency is not limited to trade policy and the trade policy community could benefit from exchanges with experts promoting transparency in other fields.

Key questions:

1. Where is WTO transparency and monitoring performing effectively and where is it falling short, and what are some of the consequences?
2. What are other fields where transparency shortfalls are a challenge and how have policymakers and other actors tackled them?
3. What are some practical steps WTO Members can take to enhance the transparency around commercial policies and their effects?

In the second portion of the session, the floor will open for a moderated audience discussion guided by the questions:

1. What transparency practices could the WTO adopt or adapt that have been tried elsewhere?
2. Realistically, can an international organisation be effective at both convening national governments and monitoring them?
   • What constructive precedents can guide WTO reform?

Continue the conversation in the dedicated chat on the Beyond Trade Network.

This session will be simultaneously translated into French, Spanish and English (when needed) via the Interactio application, by entering the code GTW2020 (please use headphones). Open the application in your Web browser or download it for iOS Mobile App or for Android App.