Legal and Regulatory Framework - Norway

Norway is one of the ten developed countries, which have joined the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) and contribute to its finances. The ACWL is a Geneva-based intergovernmental organization, established in 2001 to ensure that Members of the WTO have a full understanding of their rights and obligations under WTO law and equal opportunity to defend their interests in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. It provides legal advice on WTO law, support in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and training in WTO law to developing countries. One of its main tasks is the provision of legal advice and support in the Dispute Settlement Body.

Norway has contributed to this trust fund, which provides assistance to countries for WTO accession. Its activities are aimed at enabling developing countries, including LDCs and countries with economies in transition, to accede to the WTO on terms commensurate with their level of development and their ability to adhere to the obligations associated with WTO membership. It provides support for the negotiating teams and government officials of accession countries through: (i) advisory missions and training on WTO-related issues, both in the field and in Geneva; (ii) support with the preparation of accession-related documentation (memorandum of foreign trade regime, market access offers and requests), simulation of working party discussions, and technical consultations; and (iii) procurement of information technology equipment and the provision of consultants in specific areas.