How can you succeed in the multilateral trading system?

2 Build coalitions

The second step to succeed in the multilateral trading system is to build coalitions with other countries that share your interests and goals. The WTO has 164 members, each with its own trade policy and priorities. It can be difficult to achieve consensus and progress in such a diverse and complex setting. Therefore, you need to find allies and partners that can support your position and voice your concerns. You can join or form coalitions based on geographical, economic, or thematic criteria, such as the African Group, the Cairns Group, or the Friends of E-commerce for Development. Building coalitions will help you increase your bargaining power, influence the agenda, and advance your interests.

3 Engage stakeholders

The third step to succeed in the multilateral trading system is to engage stakeholders that are affected by or involved in your trade activities. The multilateral trading system is not only about governments, but also about businesses, consumers, workers, civil society, and academia. You need to consult and communicate with these stakeholders to understand their needs, expectations, and perspectives. You also need to inform and educate them about the benefits and challenges of the system, and how they can participate and contribute. Engaging stakeholders will help you gain legitimacy, accountability, and support for your trade policy and actions.

4 Adapt to changes

The fourth step to succeed in the multilateral trading system is to adapt to changes that occur in the global trade environment. The multilateral trading system is constantly evolving and facing new issues and challenges, such as digitalization, climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. You need to monitor and analyze these changes and their impact on your trade interests and objectives. You also need to be flexible and innovative in finding solutions and opportunities that can enhance your trade performance and competitiveness. Adapting to changes will help you cope with uncertainty, resilience, and dynamism in the system.

5 Seek cooperation

The fifth step to succeed in the multilateral trading system is to seek cooperation with other countries and organizations that can help you achieve your trade goals. The multilateral trading system is based on the idea that trade is not a zero-sum game, but a win-win situation for all parties. You need to cooperate with other countries and organizations to address common challenges, share best practices, and create synergies. You can cooperate through various mechanisms, such as trade negotiations, dispute settlement, policy review, technical assistance, and capacity building. Seeking cooperation will help you foster trust, dialogue, and mutual benefit in the system.

6 Learn from experience

The sixth step to succeed in the multilateral trading system is to learn from experience and improve your trade skills and knowledge. The multilateral trading system is a complex and dynamic learning process, where you can gain valuable insights and lessons from your own and others' trade practices and outcomes. You need to evaluate and review your trade performance and results, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You also need to learn from the best practices and experiences of other countries and organizations, and adopt or adapt them to your own context. Learning from experience will help you enhance your trade capabilities, strategies, and effectiveness in the system.