WTO Law Foundations for Government Officials

Our workshops are designed for both government officials and business representatives, offering standardized and tailored training on WTO and international trade law. From foundational principles to advanced dispute settlement, our courses provide participants with the knowledge needed to leverage WTO rules and agreements to make informed and optimal trade decisions in a competitive global environment.

Overview

This five-day course is specifically designed for government officials, diplomats, and trade policymakers seeking to deepen their understanding of WTO law. The program explores the rights and obligations of WTO members under the WTO agreements and examines their impact in global trade governance. Through expert-led sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of core WTO principles, including market access, non-discrimination, exceptions to trade rules, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This course equips attendees with the tools to effectively navigate international trade policy and governance challenges.

Course structure

Day 1: Foundations of Trade Policy and the WTO Framework

This intensive two-day program focuses on the legal framework governing trade remedies under WTO law, including antidumping measures, countervailing duties, and safeguards. Designed for investigating authorities and business representatives, the course provides participants with the knowledge and tools to address unfair trade practices effectively. Attendees will learn how to navigate complex trade remedy investigations and actions while ensuring compliance with WTO obligations.

Day 2: Core Principles – Quantitative Restrictions, Internal Measures & General Exceptions

This advanced-level course offers an in-depth examination of the procedural and substantive aspects of the WTO’s dispute settlement system. Ideal for legal professionals, diplomats, and policymakers, the program addresses advanced topics such as compliance proceedings, appellate review processes, cross-retaliation, and selected evidentiary issues of WTO dispute resolution. By the end of this course, participants will have gained mastery of the most advanced topics in WTO dispute settlement.

Day 3: Specialized Topics – SPS Measures, TBTs & National Security

This advanced program examines the dispute settlement mechanisms under the USMCA in detail, including state-to-state disputes, labor-specific complaints, and investor-state dispute resolution. Designed for legal practitioners and trade policymakers, this course provides participants with the tools to navigate and resolve disputes under North America’s modernized trade framework.

Day 4: Day 4: Trade Remedies – Antidumping, Subsidies & Safeguards

This advanced course is tailored for government officials, diplomats, and business leaders involved in trade negotiations. It offers practical insights into negotiation strategies, tactics, and drafting techniques for trade agreements. Participants will learn how to achieve favorable outcomes while balancing competing interests in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.

Day 5: Beyond Goods – Services, Intellectual Property & Developing Countries

This advanced course is tailored for government officials, diplomats, and business leaders involved in trade negotiations. It offers practical insights into negotiation strategies, tactics, and drafting techniques for trade agreements. Participants will learn how to achieve favorable outcomes while balancing competing interests in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.

Instructor(s)

Dr. Manuel Sanchez Miranda

Partner, International Trade

smiranda@deminimislaw.com

+41 (0)78 694 1217

workshops and training

WTO / International Trade Law for Governments