WTO pushes for reform, warns multilateralism 'under attack'

The World Trade Organization pushed for reform at a high-level ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi Monday, warning that economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions are threatening global commerce and multilateral trading systems.

The WTO's 13th ministerial conference (MC13), scheduled to run until Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the first in two years.

The WTO is hoping for progress, particularly on fishing, agriculture and electronic commerce.  Speaking on the first day of MC13, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that "multilateralism is under attack from all sides," highlighting a need to "reform the multilateral trading system" and boost international cooperation.