As the host of the upcoming G-20 event, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe informed media sources that he plans to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform discussions. The G-20 will hold its 14th meeting on June 28-29, 2019 in Osaka, Japan. The Prime Minister made the comments during a joint news event with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa, Canada.
The Trump Administration has voiced its concerns and lack of trust in the WTO organization and appellate process. Abe said that Japan has also filed complaints with the WTO, and the WTO appellate body “tends to offer conclusions that do not help resolve the problem.” Abe added that it is imperative for the WTO to be reformed to resolve disputes in a manner that creates a framework that better matches the reality of updated changes in the world economy.