China can play crucial role in advancing reform of multilateral trading system: WTO chief

China

China can play crucial role in advancing reform of multilateral trading system: WTO chief

2026-01-22 14:29 Last Updated At：01-23 00:47

Noting that the multilateral trading system has demonstrated resilience amid shocks to global trade rules and a rise in protectionism and it is now in urgent need of reform to solidify its foundations, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said China can play a crucial role in this regard.

In a recent interview with the China Media Group on the sidelines of the ongoing annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the necessity of reforming the global multilateral system.

"In spite of these disruptions, the system is remaining resilient. So, prior to the tariffs from the U.S., 80 percent of world trade was on WTO most-favored-nation terms. After the tariffs, the system has been impacted, but 72 percent of world trade is still on WTO terms. So there's resilience in the system. But obviously, there's room for improvement, for reforms to further strengthen the system and I believe these reforms have to be done by WTO members," the WTO chief said.

Speaking on China's role within the multilateral trading framework, she noted that China has always been an important participant and a steadfast supporter of the multilateral trading system, playing an active and constructive part in advancing WTO reform.

"China has been a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system. And -- the WTO -- we are pleased that China supports the system. China made an important decision to withdraw from access to special and differential treatment. They have decided to withdraw (from it) in future agreements and I think this is excellent. It sets a good example. But we need reform at the WTO, and we need China to support very strongly these reforms. The indication we have from China is that it is very supportive," she said.

The five-day WEF annual meeting opened in the Swiss Alpine town on Monday, gathering 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide to discuss pressing global challenges including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

WEF President speaks highly of Chinese President's 2017 WEF speech

The keynote speech delivered by the Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 2017 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is of profound significance, said Borge Brende, president of the WEF in an exclusive interview with China Media Group.

Back in 2017, when Xi made the clarion call for economic globalization, the world witnessed a fresh surge of trade protectionism. And over the years, protectionism and economic nationalism have continued to cast a shadow over the struggling global economy.

Xi offered China's proposals in the 2017 WEF speech. He stressed the importance of developing a dynamic innovation-driven growth model, a model of open and win-win cooperation, a model of fair and equitable governance, and a balanced, equitable and inclusive development model.

Brende described that speech as transcending time and space, contributing wisdom and strength to solving the common problems facing humanity, and providing precious certainty and stability to a world beset by turmoil and strife.

"It is significant that a big nation and a big economy like China is sending so strong signals that it doesn't only want to operate alone, because it's so big, but wants to have influence through working with others but also upholding the institutions that we built since 1945. And you know, things do change for the moment. Things can also change our time and also be ready for other sentiments that might come in the future. So it's important that China is sending this signal," said Brende.