A sign of the WTO on its headquarters in Geneva Photo: VCG

In a recent review, the World Trade Organization praised China's trade practices since it joined the WTO in 2001, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday. 

Members firmly recognized China's role as a major driver of global growth, and country's contributions in lifting up other developing and under developed countries out of poverty, and expressed their gratitude over China's help in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic in its eighth review of China's trade policies and practices held from Wednesday to Friday. 

They also recognized China's efforts in upholding the multilateral trading system, promoting trade and investment liberalization, committing to proactive opening up and practices as part of  the Belt and Road initiative. 

The trade policy review is a regular process mandated by WTO agreements, in which member countries' trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals.

Attending the WTO meeting on Wednesday via video link, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao introduced to WTO members the opportunities created by China's economic development and its effort to support international cooperation against the pandemic and multilateral trade system. He also called on members jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Athaliah Molokomme, who chaired the meeting, said in conclusive remarks that the members appreciated the tremendous achievements China has made since its accession to the WTO and looked forward to China playing a bigger role in global cooperation.

Global Times