World Trade Organization Timeline of Events

Home / Timelines / World Trade Organization

World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization is an organization that intends to supervise and liberalize international trade. The organization officially commenced on January 1, 1995 under the Marrakech Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade , which commenced in 1948...

Timeline of Events

1994

4.15.1994

Representatives of 124 countries and the European Communities sign the Marrakesh Agreements revising the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and initiating the World Trade Organization (effective January 1, 1995).

1995

1.1.1995

The World Trade Organization goes into effect.

1997

1.1.1997

The Republic of Zaïre officially joins the World Trade Organization, as ''Zaïre''.

1999

11.30.1999

In Seattle, Washington, United States, protests against the WTO meeting by anti-globalization protesters catch police unprepared and force the cancellation of opening ceremonies.

2001

12.11.2001

The People's Republic of China joins the World Trade Organization.

2002

1.1.2002

Taiwan officially joins the World Trade Organization, as Chinese Taipei.