Question map
Which one of the following sequences is in correct chronological order that ultimately lead to the setting up of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
Explanation
The establishment of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) followed a specific historical sequence. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1948 to liberalize world trade [c4, c5]. The Uruguay Round, the 8th round of multilateral trade negotiations under GATT, was launched in 1986 to expand trade rules [t2, t8]. During these negotiations, GATT Director-General Arthur Dunkel submitted a 'Draft Final Act' on December 20, 1991, known as the Dunkel Draft, to resolve deadlocks in the Uruguay Round [t1, t4, t6]. These negotiations culminated in the signing of the Marrakesh Treaty (or Marrakesh Agreement) on April 15, 1994, in Morocco [c1, t5]. This treaty formally established the WTO, which officially replaced GATT on January 1, 1995 [c5, t3]. Therefore, the correct chronological order is GATT (1948), Uruguay Rounds (1986–1994), Dunkel Draft (1991), and Marrakesh Treaty (1994).
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) > p. 50
- [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: International Trade > World Trade Or rade Organisation > p. 74
- [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_Round
- [5] https://search.library.doc.gov/discovery/fulldisplay/alma991000406489804716/01USDOC_INST:01USDOC
- [6] https://www.wto.org/gatt_docs/English/SULPDF/91670028.pdf
- [7] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Uruguay/ Eighth Round (Sept 1986 - April 1994) > p. 377