Barbados has signed the protocol to become a member of the Advisory Centre on the WTO Law (ACWL).
The ACWL is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and advises its developing country Members and least-developed countries on all issues relating to World Trade Organization (WTO) law. It provides free legal advice and training on WTO law and provides support in WTO dispute settlement proceedings at discounted rates.
Training opportunities and internships are also provided by the ACWL, and now that Barbados has become a member, its legal fraternity can benefit.
The Norwegian government has agreed to fund the membership of the ACWL of some developing countries, including Barbados, in an effort to support and encourage them to better understand the WTO’s dispute settlement system, develop capacity building on trade law, and provide legal support.
Ambassador of Barbados to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other International Organizations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, applauded the ACWL for its outstanding reputation, and stated that Barbados is proud to be a member.
Executive Director of the ACWL, Niall Meagher, congratulated Barbados on becoming a member of the ACWL and expressed gratitude to Ambassador Wilson for ensuring that the signing of the protocol came to fruition.
The next step will be for Barbados to ratify the Agreement, but in the interim, the country can enjoy all of the benefits of membership, such as having young Barbadian lawyers intern at the ACWL, as well as receiving technical assistance and capacity building support on legal aspects of trade law, including WTO law.
The signing took place on December 17.
(BGIS)
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