GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Trade Organization will hold its first-ever World Trade and Tech Day on September 14 at its headquarters in Geneva. This event aims to gather trade officials, technology policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and international commerce. Under the theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” conversations will center on policies that broaden access to AI tools and promote more inclusive global trade practices.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. A ministerial dialogue will explore the reasons why artificial intelligence has become a key issue in trade policy. The day’s program includes a keynote speech and a panel discussion featuring private-sector representatives. Topics will include digital services, intellectual property, technical standards, and the role of developing economies within AI-driven value chains. These sessions aim to connect technology policy with the real-world needs of international business.
The World Trade Report 2025 will serve as an important reference for the event. According to WTO modeling, artificial intelligence has the potential to boost global trade by as much as 37% by 2040 and increase worldwide gross domestic product by up to 13%. However, the extent of these benefits depends heavily on infrastructure, skills, technology adoption, and policy frameworks. The report also highlights that unequal access to AI could restrict participation, especially among lower-income economies.
Trade policy in the spotlight
A series of sessions will analyze how AI can reduce the costs associated with international trade. Discussions will include tools that assist companies with document processing, compliance management, and supply chain analysis. The agenda also covers digital services delivery and the handling of intellectual property rights. An additional session will focus on how technical standards can facilitate compatibility across different markets. These topics underscore the increasing role of AI in customs, logistics, finance, and other trade-related sectors.
The event will also confront obstacles hampering broader AI adoption. Many businesses still lack dependable connectivity, adequate computing resources, skilled personnel, and affordable financing options. Smaller firms often encounter legal and technical hurdles when entering digital markets. During a June discussion on AI and trade, the WTO’s small-business group examined these issues, exploring how new AI tools can improve market research, lower operational costs, and enhance access to trade information.
Showcasing practical AI applications
World Trade and Tech Day will include an exhibition highlighting AI solutions relevant to international commerce. A pitching session will feature tools created for companies, public agencies, and trade organizations. These demonstrations aim to bridge the gap between policy discussions and real-world applications, illustrating how AI supports supply-chain analysis, regulatory tasks, and market data access. The event will showcase existing systems that already serve trade-related functions.
Scheduled for September 14, the event will take place at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. Its agenda combines ministerial panels, business contributions, policy analysis, and technology demonstrations. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, trade cost reduction, digital services, and economic inclusion. Additionally, the program will address infrastructure and skill requirements to enable wider AI adoption. Details regarding registration and online participation are available on the official event webpage.