GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Trade Organization is set to hold its inaugural World Trade and Tech Day on September 14 at its Geneva headquarters. The event will gather trade officials, technology policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders. Its central theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” will steer discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on global commerce. The focus will be on policies that broaden access to AI tools and promote a more inclusive approach to international trade.
The event will commence with opening remarks from Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. A ministerial dialogue will explore why artificial intelligence has emerged as a critical issue within trade policy. The agenda will feature a keynote speech and a panel discussion with private-sector representatives. Topics will include digital services, intellectual property, technical standards, and the role of developing economies in AI-driven value chains. These sessions aim to connect technology policy with the practical needs of cross-border trade activities.
The upcoming World Trade Report 2025 will serve as a key resource during the event. WTO research indicates that artificial intelligence has the potential to boost global trade by as much as 37% by 2040, with an estimated increase in global gross domestic product of up to 13%. However, the realization of these gains depends heavily on infrastructure, skills, technology adoption, and policy frameworks. The report also highlights that uneven access could hinder participation from lower-income economies.
Trade policy takes center stage
A number of sessions will analyze how AI can reduce costs associated with international trade. Attendees will review tools that assist companies in document processing, compliance management, and supply chain analysis. The program will further explore digitally delivered services and the treatment of intellectual property rights. Additionally, discussions will focus on how technical standards can facilitate compatibility among different markets. These themes reflect the increasing integration of AI into customs, logistics, finance, and other trade-related sectors.
Barriers impeding wider AI adoption will also be addressed. Many businesses still struggle with unreliable connectivity, limited computing capacity, a shortage of skilled workers, and lack of affordable financing. Smaller enterprises often face additional legal and technical hurdles when entering digital markets. The WTO’s small-business group examined these issues in a June discussion on AI and trade, reviewing how innovative tools can enhance market research, reduce costs, and improve access to trade information.
Showcasing AI innovations for global commerce
An exhibition at World Trade and Tech Day will feature a variety of AI applications tailored for international trade. A pitching session will showcase tools designed for companies, public agencies, and trade organizations. These demonstrations will bridge policy discussions with real-world applications, illustrating how AI can support supply-chain management, regulatory processes, and access to market data. Participants will have the opportunity to see examples of systems already being used in trade-related operations.
Scheduled for September 14 at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, this event will combine ministerial panels, business contributions, policy analysis, and live technology demonstrations. It aims to address artificial intelligence, trade costs, digital services, and economic inclusion. The agenda will also consider the infrastructure and skills necessary for broader AI adoption. Details on registration and online participation are available on the official event page.