In an address to the French National Assembly in Paris on 21 May 2019, Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said that the multilateral trading system has proven to be essential for supporting growth and development globally. He acknowledged France’s vocal support for the trading system and stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the system so that it can continue to respond effectively to the challenges of today’s world. He concluded: “We have an opportunity to make some essential changes to the trading system. … It is in the interests of everybody that we preserve and strengthen this essential public good.”
