The world needs more trade and more cooperation.

　　The 2023 Annual Forum of the World Trade Organization was held in Geneva, Switzerland a few days ago. The theme of this year’s forum is "Action Now". Participants focused on the role of the service sector in sustainable trade and inclusive policies to promote green trade. The World Trade Report 2023 released during the meeting emphasized that global problems need global solutions, and today’s world needs more cooperation. It is essential to revitalize the multilateral trading system under the coordination of the WTO.

　　According to the World Trade Report 2023, more than 70 years ago, the world multilateral trading system was established based on the idea that interdependence and cooperation contribute to peace and common prosperity. At present, new challenges such as geopolitical tension, increasing inequality and climate change affect trade flows. "Early signs of trade fragmentation have appeared, which may drag down global economic growth". In his report, WTO Director-General Ivira pointed out that the openness and predictability of the global economy are challenged, and the international community should continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system.

　　According to the report, despite some signs of trade fragmentation, on the whole, international trade is still booming, and the remarks of de-globalization are generally not supported by data. Trade has a positive impact on poverty reduction, keeping trade open helps to reduce the possibility of conflict, and the technological progress brought by trade has a great impact on reducing carbon emissions. According to the report, in 2022, the global trade volume of digital services was 6.8 trillion US dollars, up 15% year-on-year, among which the export share of digital services in developing economies increased by 3 percentage points, and the trade volume of environmental products quadrupled since 2000.

　　The report holds that trade integration is a powerful tool to improve people’s living standards in all countries and help hundreds of millions of people get rid of poverty. Trade integration should be extended to more economies so that more people can enjoy the fruits of trade integration.

　　In its report, the WTO called for more trade and cooperation around the world in order to effectively solve major issues such as security, inclusive growth and climate change. The WTO believes that bringing more people and economies into global trade and strengthening multilateral cooperation are effective solutions to global challenges and help the global economy develop in a safer, more inclusive and more sustainable direction. "If we want to overcome the most urgent challenges we face at present, we need to embrace trade instead of rejecting it." Ossa, chief economist of WTO, said.

　　Ossa said that China is a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system and economic globalization. Thanks to its active participation in the multilateral trading system, China has achieved remarkable economic growth and brought hope to developing countries.