WTO: The impact of AI on global trade under discussion at World Trade and Tech Day -

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Technology and International Trade

The World Trade Organization will hold its first conference on technology and trade on September 14 in Geneva. The event, focused on artificial intelligence, will bring together political and business leaders to discuss how to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks in global business.

La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) has announced the celebration of the first World Trade and Tech Day (World Trade and Technology Day) on September 14 at its headquarters in GinebraThe meeting will bring together trade and information technology (ICT) policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to discuss how strategies for Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimize the benefits of international trade for global economies.

under the motto «AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress» (AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress), the day will focus on exploring practical ways to harness the economic benefits of AI, paying special attention to the political, regulatory and economic considerations associated with its adoption and its implications for development and international cooperation.

Potential and challenges of AI in global trade

According to report data World Trade Report 2025 of own OMCArtificial intelligence could increase global GDP by 13% and global trade by up to 37% by 2040. However, this potential is contingent upon addressing critical challenges such as uneven technology adoption, disruptions to the labor market, and the inequitable distribution of its benefits. The event's discussions will focus on how governments can capitalize on these projections while tackling these challenges.

Indicator	Projection (2040)	Source
Increase in global GDP	+ 13 %	World Trade Report 2025 (OMC)
Increase in global trade	+ 37 %	World Trade Report 2025 (OMC)

'World Trade and Tech Day' agenda

The event program will include a welcome speech by the Director General of the OMC, Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaA ministerial dialogue will then be held to address why AI is a fundamental issue in current trade policy, followed by a discussion with private sector leaders and a keynote address by a senior executive.

In addition, several roundtables have been scheduled that will examine the role of AI in the reduction of commercial costsThe event will also address support for the participation of developing economies in the value chain of this technology, enabling digital trade through services, promoting innovation through intellectual property, and the role of international standards. It will conclude with an exhibition and a session on... pitching where case studies on the application of AI in foreign trade will be presented.