Building on the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) long-standing support for the World  Trade Organization (WTO) and the multilateral trading system, this paper is intended to set out a  holistic vision for WTO reform from the perspective of the global business community. 

It is based on extensive consultations with ICC’s business network across all continents and all  levels of development, which includes businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, as well as with a  wide and representative range of WTO members in Geneva. In addressing reform issues and  appraising systemic challenges, this paper focuses on dysfunctions and shortcomings. However,  this must not detract from the tremendous value of the WTO institutional and legal infrastructure,  the likes of which would be extremely difficult to recreate in today’s world of geopolitical tensions. 

It is precisely because of this value that the WTO system must be preserved and updated to meet  the challenges of the 21st century.

This paper does not attempt to set out solutions to technical reform issues, such as those relating  to the dispute settlement function, delve into the detail of negotiating agenda items, nor assume that  all reform matters will be addressed at the same time. Rather it is intended to encourage WTO  members to align behind a common purpose and vision and develop a comprehensive work  programme on WTO reform.