GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – On September 14, the World Trade Organization will hold its inaugural World Trade and Tech Day at its Geneva headquarters. This event will assemble trade officials, policymakers in technology, business leaders, and various participants. Its central theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” aims to steer conversations around artificial intelligence and international commerce. The focus will be on policies promoting broader access to AI tools and fostering more inclusive global trade practices.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. A ministerial dialogue is scheduled to explore why artificial intelligence has become a key issue in trade policy. The agenda includes a keynote speech and a panel discussion featuring private-sector representatives. Topics addressed will include digital services, intellectual property, technical standards, and the role of developing economies within AI-related value chains. These sessions will connect technological policy with the practical needs of cross-border trade.
The event will reference the World Trade Report 2025, which serves as a critical resource. According to WTO modeling, artificial intelligence could boost global trade by up to 37% by 2040, with potential increases in global gross domestic product reaching 13%. The extent of these benefits depends heavily on infrastructure, skills, technology adoption, and policy environments. The report also highlights that unequal access to AI could hinder participation, particularly among lower-income economies.
Focus shifts to trade policy implications
Multiple sessions will explore how AI can reduce the costs associated with international trade. Attendees will examine tools that assist companies in processing documents, ensuring compliance, and analyzing supply chains. The agenda will additionally cover digitally delivered services and the management of intellectual property. Another discussion will look into how technical standards can facilitate compatibility among different markets. These topics reflect the increasing integration of AI into customs, logistics, finance, and other trade-related sectors.
Barriers to wider AI adoption will also come under review. Many businesses still lack reliable internet connectivity, sufficient computing resources, skilled personnel, and affordable financing options. Smaller enterprises often encounter additional legal and technical hurdles when trying to access digital markets. In June, the WTO’s small-business group examined these issues during a discussion on AI and trade. The participants considered how emerging tools could improve market research, cut costs, and enhance access to trade information.
Showcasing practical AI solutions
An exhibition will be part of World Trade and Tech Day, showcasing AI applications relevant to international trade. A pitching session will feature tools aimed at companies, government agencies, and trade organizations. These demonstrations will bridge policy discussions with real-world applications, illustrating how AI supports supply-chain management, regulatory processes, and access to market data. The event aims to give attendees concrete examples of AI systems already operational in trade contexts.
Scheduled for September 14, the event will be hosted at the World Trade Organization’s headquarters in Geneva. Its program will combine ministerial dialogues, business input, policy analyses, and technological demonstrations. Focus areas will include artificial intelligence, trade costs, digital services, and economic inclusion. It will also address the infrastructure and skill sets necessary for wider AI adoption. Details on registration and online participation are available on the official event page.