GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Trade Organization will host its inaugural World Trade and Tech Day on September 14 at its Geneva headquarters, uniting trade officials, technology policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The event’s theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” will steer discussions on artificial intelligence’s role in shaping international commerce. The agenda emphasizes policies that broaden access to AI tools and promote more inclusive global trade.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. A ministerial dialogue will explore why artificial intelligence has become a key trade policy issue. The program also features a keynote speech and a panel with private-sector representatives, addressing topics such as digital services, intellectual property, technical standards, and the involvement of developing economies in AI-driven value chains. These sessions aim to connect technology policy with the practical needs of cross-border trade.
The World Trade Report 2025 will serve as a crucial reference during the event. WTO modeling suggests that artificial intelligence could boost global trade by up to 37% by 2040, with global gross domestic product potentially increasing by as much as 13%. Such gains depend heavily on infrastructure, skills, technology uptake, and policy frameworks. The report also highlights that unequal access could hinder participation for lower-income economies.
Trade policy in the spotlight
Sessions will explore how AI may reduce costs associated with international trade. Participants will review digital tools that assist companies with document processing, compliance management, and supply chain analysis. Additional discussions will cover digital services, intellectual property treatment, and how technical standards can ensure market compatibility. These topics mirror AI’s expanding use in customs, logistics, finance, and other trade services.
Barriers to broader AI adoption will also be addressed. Many businesses face challenges such as unreliable connectivity, limited computing capacity, shortages of skilled workers, and high costs of financing. Smaller firms often encounter additional legal and technical hurdles in digital markets. The WTO’s small-business group examined these issues during a June AI and trade discussion, highlighting how new tools can improve market research, reduce expenses, and enhance access to trade information.
Showcasing AI innovations for trade
An exhibition at World Trade and Tech Day will present artificial intelligence applications designed for international commerce. A pitching session will showcase tools aimed at companies, government agencies, and trade organizations. These demonstrations will bridge policy conversations with real-world applications of AI, illustrating how the technology supports supply-chain analysis, regulatory processes, and market data access. Attendees will see examples of AI systems already in use for trade-related functions.
The event on September 14 will be held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. Its program combines ministerial discussions, input from the business sector, policy insights, and technology showcases. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, trade costs, digital services, and economic participation, along with the infrastructure and skills necessary for wider adoption. Details about registration and online participation are available on the official event page.