The WTO has several basic principles.

Basic principles of the World Trade Organization:

1, the principle of reciprocity, also known as reciprocity, means that two members give each other preferential treatment in international trade. It clarifies the basic positions that member countries must take in tariff and trade negotiations and what kind of trade relations must be established between them.

2. The principle of transparency means that members of the World Trade Organization should publish the trade measures formulated and implemented and their changes, and unpublished measures may not be implemented. At the same time, they should also inform the World Trade Organization of these trade measures and their changes. In addition, international agreements that affect international trade policies to which members are parties should also be published and notified to the World Trade Organization in a timely manner.

3. The market access principle of WTO is obvious and developing day by day. It aims to require countries to open their markets in a planned, step-by-step and phased manner to achieve maximum trade liberalization. The main contents of market access principle include tariff protection and concession, lifting quantitative restrictions and transparency principle. The World Trade Organization advocates the ultimate elimination of all trade barriers, including tariff and non-tariff barriers. Although tariff barriers are still the legal protection means allowed by the World Trade Organization, the tariff level is definitely declining.

4. The World Trade Organization does not allow countries to engage in unfair competition by unfair trade means, especially prohibits the export of goods in the form of dumping and subsidies, and has made clear provisions on dumping and subsidies and formulated specific and detailed implementation measures. The World Trade Organization advocates fair competition by means of fair trade.

Also known as the principle of encouraging economic development and economic reform, this principle aims to help and promote the rapid economic development of developing countries. It is formulated for developing countries and countries with similar economies. It is a special preferential treatment given to these countries, such as the "government-aided economic development" clause that allows developing countries to limit the number of imports or raise tariffs within a certain range, and the "trade and development clause" that only requires developed countries to undertake obligations unilaterally and developing countries to enjoy certain preferential treatment free of charge.

6. The principle of non-discrimination includes two aspects, one is most-favored-nation treatment, and the other is national treatment. Members generally cannot discriminate against trading partners; Preferential treatment given to one member should also be given to other members. This is MFN treatment.

Tips: The above contents are for reference only.

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