RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship of the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body reflects its international standing, economic weight, and the confidence of the international community, an official said. Saqer Abdullah Al-Moqbel, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the WTO, emphasized that Saudi Arabia spearheaded the call for essential reforms within the organization in an interview with Al-Ekhbariya TV. He added that these adjustments were aimed at improving the flow of trade and facilitating the seamless, efficient exchange of goods and services. Al-Moqbel, installed as the chair of the DSB for 2024-2025 in March, noted that WTO member states have the autonomy to utilize the dispute settlement mechanism and benefit from it without seeking approval from the opposing party, namely the other government. “This exception in arbitration and international adjudication underscores its importance and value compared to any other dispute settlement mechanism,” the ambassador said. He further emphasized that the organization has established comprehensive mechanisms for dispute settlements and always encourages members to participate actively in discussions and mediations. However, he added, should negotiations fail to yield a compromise, associates can file complaints with the DSB, where cases follow their legal course. He also stated that the WTO, as a governmental body, embraces clear international trade rules binding on all parties, regardless of their economic stature. According to the official website, resolving trade disputes is one of the organization’s major activities. Since 1995, 622 arguments have been brought to the WTO and over 350 rulings have been issued. The DSB has the authority to establish dispute settlements, refer matters to arbitration, adopt panel and appellate body and mediation reports as well as maintain surveillance over the implementation of recommendations and rulings contained in such statements. The body can also authorize suspension of concessions in the event of non-compliance with those recommendations and rulings. The WTO, headquartered in Geneva, stands as the world’s largest international economic organization. Its mission is to regulate and facilitate global business exchanges among its 164 member states, representing over 98 percent of multinational trade and gross domestic product.