Geneva, 21 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) – The Union of the Comoros, an Indian Ocean island state, has joined the World Trade Organization as its 165th member, following 17 years of negotiations, the WTO announced in Geneva.

East Timor is to become the 166th in a few days.

"Comoros can use WTO accession as a vehicle for modernization, economic transformation and a complement to the country's regional integration agenda on the African continent," WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.

The WTO promotes sustainable global trade through treaties and easing technical barriers to trade. It also supports low-income countries in setting up customs authorities and other institutions.

The Comoros is the 10th country from the group of more than 40 least developed countries (LDCs) to join the WTO. The UN provides special programmes for these countries.

A further 22 countries are still in negotiations to join the WTO.

Photo: WTO