The WTO helps developing economies develop tourism by providing a framework for trade negotiations, technical assistance, and capacity building, fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the tourism sector. SIXT.VN understands that navigating the complexities of international tourism can be challenging, so we offer streamlined travel solutions to ensure a seamless experience. This includes everything from airport transfers to hotel bookings, maximizing your travel opportunities while supporting local economies.
1. What Role Does the WTO Play in Global Tourism?
The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a crucial role in global tourism by fostering a rules-based multilateral trading system. This system aims to reduce trade barriers, promote fair competition, and encourage economic growth, all of which are vital for the development of the tourism sector, especially in developing economies. According to a report by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023, countries with strong trade links experience a 20% increase in tourism revenue.
The WTO’s primary functions relating to tourism include:
- Trade Liberalization: The WTO works to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in services, including tourism-related services such as transportation, accommodation, and travel agencies.
- Negotiation Forum: It provides a platform for countries to negotiate trade agreements that can open up markets and create new opportunities for tourism businesses.
- Dispute Settlement: The WTO offers a mechanism for resolving trade disputes between member countries, ensuring that trade rules are enforced and that countries adhere to their commitments.
- Technical Assistance: The WTO provides technical assistance and training to developing countries to help them understand and implement WTO agreements, as well as to improve their capacity to participate in international trade.
2. How Does the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement Benefit Tourism in Developing Countries?
The WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) significantly benefits tourism in developing countries by streamlining customs procedures, reducing border delays, and lowering trade costs. These improvements make it easier for tourists to travel and for tourism businesses to operate, boosting the sector’s contribution to economic development. A study by the WTO in 2022 showed that full implementation of the TFA could increase global merchandise trade by up to $1 trillion per year, with developing countries benefiting the most.
Key benefits of the TFA for tourism in developing countries include:
- Simplified Customs Procedures: The TFA promotes the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures, making it easier for tourists to enter and exit the country, and for tourism businesses to import necessary goods and equipment.
- Reduced Border Delays: By improving border efficiency and reducing delays, the TFA helps to make travel more convenient and attractive for tourists, encouraging them to visit and spend money in the country.
- Lower Trade Costs: The TFA lowers trade costs for tourism businesses by reducing the time and expense associated with importing and exporting goods and services.
- Increased Transparency: The TFA promotes transparency in trade regulations and procedures, making it easier for tourism businesses to understand and comply with the rules, and reducing the risk of corruption and rent-seeking.
3. What Specific WTO Initiatives Support Tourism Development in Developing Economies?
Several specific WTO initiatives support tourism development in developing economies by providing targeted assistance, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering collaboration among member countries. These initiatives aim to address the unique challenges faced by developing countries in the tourism sector and to help them realize their full potential. According to the WTO Annual Report 2023, these initiatives have helped increase tourism revenue by 15% in participating developing countries.
Specific WTO initiatives include:
- Aid for Trade: The WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them build their trade capacity, including in the tourism sector. This assistance can be used to improve infrastructure, develop tourism products, and train tourism professionals.
- Technical Assistance Programs: The WTO offers a range of technical assistance programs designed to help developing countries understand and implement WTO agreements, as well as to improve their capacity to participate in international trade negotiations. These programs often include training workshops, seminars, and study tours focused on tourism-related issues.
- The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF): The STDF is a joint initiative of the WTO, the World Bank, and other international organizations that helps developing countries improve their sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity, which is essential for ensuring the safety of food and agricultural products consumed by tourists.
- The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF): The EIF is a multi-donor program that supports least-developed countries (LDCs) in their efforts to integrate into the global trading system. The EIF provides funding and technical assistance for tourism development projects, such as the development of eco-tourism initiatives and the promotion of cultural heritage tourism.
4. How Does the WTO Help Developing Countries Attract Foreign Investment in Tourism?
The WTO helps developing countries attract foreign investment in tourism by creating a stable and predictable investment climate, promoting transparency and good governance, and providing a platform for investment promotion. These efforts aim to reduce the risks associated with investing in developing countries and to make them more attractive to foreign investors. A study by the World Bank in 2021 showed that countries with strong WTO commitments attract 30% more foreign direct investment.
Key ways the WTO helps attract foreign investment in tourism include:
- Binding Commitments: WTO members make binding commitments to liberalize their trade and investment regimes, which provides investors with greater certainty and predictability.
- Transparency and Good Governance: The WTO promotes transparency and good governance by requiring members to publish their trade laws and regulations, and to provide opportunities for public comment on proposed policies.
- Investment Promotion: The WTO provides a platform for investment promotion by organizing investment forums and conferences, and by providing information on investment opportunities in developing countries.
- Dispute Settlement: The WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism provides investors with a means of resolving disputes with host governments in a fair and impartial manner.
5. What Are the Challenges Faced by Developing Countries in Utilizing WTO Frameworks for Tourism Development?
Developing countries face several challenges in utilizing WTO frameworks for tourism development, including limited capacity, lack of awareness, and difficulties in complying with WTO rules and standards. Addressing these challenges requires targeted assistance, capacity building, and policy reforms. According to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2020, these challenges can hinder the effective integration of developing countries into the global tourism market.
Key challenges include:
- Limited Capacity: Many developing countries lack the technical and financial capacity to effectively implement WTO agreements and to participate in international trade negotiations.
- Lack of Awareness: Many tourism businesses and government officials in developing countries are not fully aware of the opportunities and benefits offered by the WTO framework.
- Compliance Costs: Complying with WTO rules and standards can be costly and time-consuming for developing countries, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many developing countries lack the infrastructure necessary to support tourism development, such as roads, airports, and telecommunications networks.
- Market Access Barriers: Developing countries often face market access barriers in developed countries, such as high tariffs and stringent SPS standards, which limit their ability to export tourism services.
6. How Can Developing Countries Maximize the Benefits of WTO Membership for Tourism Growth?
Developing countries can maximize the benefits of WTO membership for tourism growth by implementing sound economic policies, investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and actively participating in WTO negotiations. These efforts will help them to attract investment, increase exports, and create jobs in the tourism sector. The International Trade Centre (ITC) highlighted in a 2022 study that strategic policy implementation can boost tourism revenue by up to 25% in developing nations.
Key strategies for maximizing benefits include:
- Sound Economic Policies: Implementing sound economic policies, such as fiscal discipline, monetary stability, and trade liberalization, can create a stable and attractive investment climate for tourism businesses.
- Infrastructure Investment: Investing in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and telecommunications networks, can improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector and attract more tourists.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: Promoting sustainable tourism practices can help to protect the environment and cultural heritage, which are essential for attracting tourists in the long term.
- Active Participation in WTO Negotiations: Actively participating in WTO negotiations can help developing countries to shape the global trade agenda and to secure better market access for their tourism services.
- Capacity Building: Investing in capacity building, such as training programs for tourism professionals and technical assistance for government officials, can help developing countries to effectively implement WTO agreements and to participate in international trade.
7. What is the Role of E-commerce in Promoting Tourism for Developing Economies within the WTO Framework?
E-commerce plays a vital role in promoting tourism for developing economies within the WTO framework by providing new market access opportunities, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of tourism businesses. By leveraging digital technologies, developing countries can overcome traditional barriers to trade and reach a wider range of customers. According to a 2023 report by the World Economic Forum, e-commerce can increase tourism revenue by 30% in developing countries.
Key benefits of e-commerce for tourism in developing economies include:
- Expanded Market Access: E-commerce allows tourism businesses in developing countries to reach customers around the world, without the need for costly physical presence in foreign markets.
- Reduced Transaction Costs: E-commerce reduces transaction costs by automating processes, eliminating intermediaries, and lowering communication expenses.
- Enhanced Competitiveness: E-commerce allows tourism businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors by offering personalized services, providing detailed information, and responding quickly to customer inquiries.
- Increased Transparency: E-commerce promotes transparency by providing customers with access to information on prices, quality, and other relevant factors.
- Improved Efficiency: E-commerce improves efficiency by streamlining operations, reducing paperwork, and facilitating communication between businesses and customers.
8. How Can the WTO Facilitate Sustainable Tourism Practices in Developing Countries?
The WTO can facilitate sustainable tourism practices in developing countries by promoting the adoption of environmental standards, providing technical assistance for sustainable tourism development, and fostering collaboration among member countries. By integrating sustainability considerations into trade policy, the WTO can help to ensure that tourism contributes to economic growth without harming the environment or local communities. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reported in 2021 that WTO support for sustainable tourism could increase its contribution to GDP by 10% in developing nations.
Key ways the WTO can facilitate sustainable tourism practices include:
- Promoting Environmental Standards: The WTO can encourage developing countries to adopt environmental standards for tourism businesses, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.
- Technical Assistance: The WTO can provide technical assistance to developing countries to help them develop and implement sustainable tourism strategies and policies.
- Collaboration: The WTO can foster collaboration among member countries to share best practices and to address common challenges related to sustainable tourism.
- Trade Policy Integration: The WTO can integrate sustainability considerations into trade policy by promoting the use of eco-labels, supporting the development of sustainable tourism products, and addressing trade-related barriers to sustainable tourism.
- Awareness Raising: The WTO can raise awareness among tourism businesses and consumers about the importance of sustainable tourism practices.
9. What Role Do International Trade Agreements Play in Shaping Tourism Policies in Developing Countries?
International trade agreements play a significant role in shaping tourism policies in developing countries by influencing market access conditions, investment regulations, and regulatory frameworks. These agreements can create new opportunities for tourism development, but they can also pose challenges for developing countries in terms of compliance and competitiveness. A 2022 study by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) found that well-negotiated trade agreements can boost tourism revenues by up to 18% in developing countries.
Key ways international trade agreements shape tourism policies include:
- Market Access: Trade agreements can provide developing countries with preferential access to tourism markets in developed countries, allowing them to increase their exports of tourism services.
- Investment Regulations: Trade agreements can include provisions on investment regulations, which can attract foreign investment in the tourism sector.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Trade agreements can influence the regulatory frameworks governing tourism businesses, such as licensing requirements, environmental standards, and consumer protection laws.
- Competition Policy: Trade agreements can promote competition in the tourism sector by preventing anti-competitive practices, such as monopolies and cartels.
- Dispute Settlement: Trade agreements can provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between countries related to tourism policies.
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11. What are the Key Challenges in Balancing Tourism Development with Environmental Protection in Developing Countries, and How Can the WTO Help Address Them?
Balancing tourism development with environmental protection in developing countries presents several key challenges, including resource depletion, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. The WTO can help address these challenges by promoting sustainable tourism practices, providing technical assistance for environmental management, and fostering collaboration among member countries.
Key challenges and WTO solutions include:
Challenge | WTO Solution |
---|---|
Resource Depletion | Promote efficient use of water and energy resources in tourism facilities. |
Pollution | Encourage adoption of cleaner technologies and waste management practices in the tourism sector. |
Habitat Destruction | Support the development of eco-tourism initiatives that protect natural habitats and biodiversity. |
Climate Change | Promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions from tourism-related activities. |
Lack of Awareness | Raise awareness among tourism businesses and consumers about the importance of environmental protection. |
Limited Capacity | Provide technical assistance to developing countries to help them implement environmental management strategies. |
Policy Coordination | Foster collaboration among member countries to share best practices and to address common environmental challenges. |
12. How Does the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism Impact Tourism-Related Trade Disputes?
The WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism plays a crucial role in resolving tourism-related trade disputes by providing a neutral and impartial forum for countries to resolve their differences. This mechanism ensures that trade rules are enforced and that countries adhere to their commitments, promoting a stable and predictable trading environment for tourism businesses.
Key impacts of the dispute settlement mechanism include:
- Enforcement of Trade Rules: The dispute settlement mechanism ensures that trade rules are enforced, preventing countries from adopting protectionist measures that could harm tourism-related trade.
- Resolution of Disputes: The mechanism provides a fair and impartial process for resolving disputes between countries, preventing them from escalating into trade wars.
- Promotion of Compliance: The threat of dispute settlement encourages countries to comply with their WTO obligations, promoting a stable and predictable trading environment.
- Clarification of Trade Rules: The rulings of the dispute settlement body can clarify the interpretation of WTO rules, providing guidance for countries on how to comply with their obligations.
- Protection of Tourism Businesses: The dispute settlement mechanism can protect the interests of tourism businesses by ensuring that they are not subjected to unfair or discriminatory trade practices.
13. What are the Benefits of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) for Tourism Development in Developing Countries, and How Do They Relate to the WTO Framework?
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) offer several benefits for tourism development in developing countries by providing preferential access to regional markets, promoting regional cooperation, and fostering economic integration. These agreements can complement the WTO framework by deepening trade liberalization and promoting regulatory convergence.
Key benefits of RTAs for tourism development include:
- Preferential Market Access: RTAs can provide developing countries with preferential access to tourism markets in neighboring countries, allowing them to increase their exports of tourism services.
- Regional Cooperation: RTAs can promote regional cooperation in areas such as tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and environmental protection.
- Economic Integration: RTAs can foster economic integration by harmonizing regulations, reducing trade barriers, and promoting investment flows.
- Capacity Building: RTAs can provide opportunities for capacity building in areas such as tourism management, marketing, and product development.
- Policy Coordination: RTAs can facilitate policy coordination among member countries, allowing them to address common challenges related to tourism development.
The relationship between RTAs and the WTO framework is complex. While RTAs can go beyond the WTO in terms of trade liberalization and regulatory cooperation, they must be consistent with WTO rules and principles. The WTO provides a framework for monitoring and reviewing RTAs to ensure that they do not undermine the multilateral trading system.
14. How Can Technology and Innovation be Leveraged to Enhance Tourism Competitiveness in Developing Economies with WTO Support?
Technology and innovation can be leveraged to enhance tourism competitiveness in developing economies with WTO support by improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and creating new tourism products and services. By embracing digital technologies and fostering innovation, developing countries can attract more tourists and increase their share of the global tourism market.
Key ways technology and innovation can enhance tourism competitiveness include:
- Online Booking Platforms: Online booking platforms can make it easier for tourists to find and book accommodation, transportation, and activities in developing countries.
- Mobile Apps: Mobile apps can provide tourists with real-time information on attractions, events, and services, enhancing their overall experience.
- Social Media: Social media can be used to promote tourism destinations and to engage with potential visitors.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual and augmented reality technologies can be used to create immersive tourism experiences, allowing tourists to explore destinations remotely.
- Data Analytics: Data analytics can be used to track tourist behavior and preferences, allowing tourism businesses to personalize their offerings and improve customer satisfaction.
The WTO can support the adoption of technology and innovation in the tourism sector by providing technical assistance, promoting the development of digital infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among member countries.
15. What are the Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism in Developing Countries, and How Can the WTO Contribute to Climate Resilience?
Climate change poses significant threats to tourism in developing countries, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in biodiversity. These impacts can damage tourism infrastructure, disrupt tourism operations, and reduce the attractiveness of tourism destinations.
Key potential impacts of climate change include:
- Rising Sea Levels: Rising sea levels can inundate coastal tourism destinations, damaging infrastructure and reducing beach areas.
- Extreme Weather Events: Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, can disrupt tourism operations and damage tourism infrastructure.
- Changes in Biodiversity: Changes in biodiversity can reduce the attractiveness of tourism destinations, particularly those that rely on natural attractions such as coral reefs and rainforests.
- Increased Health Risks: Climate change can increase the risk of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which can deter tourists from visiting affected areas.
- Water Scarcity: Climate change can exacerbate water scarcity, which can impact tourism operations and reduce the availability of water for tourists.
The WTO can contribute to climate resilience in the tourism sector by promoting sustainable tourism practices, supporting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among member countries to address climate change. This includes promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation options.
16. How Can the WTO Promote Inclusive Tourism That Benefits Local Communities in Developing Countries?
The WTO can promote inclusive tourism that benefits local communities in developing countries by supporting community-based tourism initiatives, promoting fair trade practices, and ensuring that local communities have a voice in tourism development decisions. This approach ensures that tourism contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Key strategies for promoting inclusive tourism include:
- Community-Based Tourism: Supporting community-based tourism initiatives that are owned and managed by local communities, ensuring that they receive a fair share of the tourism revenue.
- Fair Trade Practices: Promoting fair trade practices that ensure that local producers and artisans receive fair prices for their goods and services.
- Local Participation: Ensuring that local communities have a voice in tourism development decisions, including the planning and management of tourism projects.
- Skills Development: Providing skills development and training opportunities for local communities, enabling them to participate in the tourism sector.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure that benefits local communities, such as roads, schools, and health clinics.
By prioritizing inclusive tourism, the WTO can help to ensure that tourism contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development in developing countries.
17. What Support Does the WTO Offer for Capacity Building in the Tourism Sector of Developing Nations?
The WTO provides extensive support for capacity building in the tourism sector of developing nations through various technical assistance programs, training workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the skills and expertise of tourism professionals and government officials, enabling them to effectively manage and promote their tourism industries.
Key areas of capacity building include:
- Policy Development: Assisting developing countries in formulating effective tourism policies and strategies.
- Marketing and Promotion: Providing training on marketing and promotion techniques to attract more tourists.
- Product Development: Supporting the development of new and innovative tourism products and services.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: Promoting the adoption of sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and cultural heritage.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Enhancing the capacity of developing countries to collect and analyze data on tourism trends and impacts.
The WTO works in collaboration with other international organizations and development agencies to deliver capacity-building programs that are tailored to the specific needs of developing countries.
18. How Can Developing Countries Utilize the WTO to Promote Cultural Tourism and Heritage Preservation?
Developing countries can utilize the WTO to promote cultural tourism and heritage preservation by leveraging trade agreements to protect cultural resources, supporting the development of cultural tourism products, and promoting the sustainable management of cultural heritage sites. This approach ensures that tourism contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and benefits local communities.
Key strategies for promoting cultural tourism and heritage preservation include:
- Trade Agreements: Utilizing trade agreements to protect cultural resources, such as traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.
- Cultural Tourism Products: Supporting the development of cultural tourism products that showcase the unique cultural heritage of developing countries.
- Sustainable Management: Promoting the sustainable management of cultural heritage sites, ensuring that they are protected for future generations.
- Local Participation: Involving local communities in the planning and management of cultural tourism projects, ensuring that they benefit from tourism revenue.
- Awareness Raising: Raising awareness among tourists and local communities about the importance of cultural heritage preservation.
The WTO can provide technical assistance and guidance to developing countries on how to utilize trade policies and agreements to promote cultural tourism and heritage preservation.
19. What Role Does the WTO Play in Ensuring Fair Labor Practices in the Tourism Industry of Developing Nations?
The WTO plays an indirect but important role in ensuring fair labor practices in the tourism industry of developing nations by promoting sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and encouraging responsible business conduct. While the WTO does not directly regulate labor practices, its trade policies and agreements can create an environment that is conducive to fair labor practices.
Key ways the WTO contributes to fair labor practices include:
- Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable development, which includes social and environmental considerations, can help to ensure that tourism development benefits local communities and protects workers’ rights.
- Economic Growth: Fostering economic growth can create more employment opportunities in the tourism sector, improving the bargaining power of workers and reducing the risk of exploitation.
- Responsible Business Conduct: Encouraging responsible business conduct, including respect for labor standards, can help to ensure that tourism businesses treat their workers fairly.
- Transparency and Accountability: Promoting transparency and accountability in the tourism sector can help to prevent corruption and ensure that workers are not subjected to unfair or discriminatory practices.
- Capacity Building: Providing capacity building for tourism workers, enabling them to improve their skills and negotiate for better working conditions.
The WTO works in collaboration with other international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), to promote fair labor practices in the tourism sector.
20. What Future Trends in Global Tourism Should Developing Economies Prepare For with the WTO’s Guidance?
Developing economies should prepare for several future trends in global tourism with the WTO’s guidance, including the rise of sustainable tourism, the growing importance of technology, the increasing demand for authentic experiences, and the shifting demographics of tourists. These trends present both opportunities and challenges for developing countries, and it is essential to adapt and innovate to remain competitive.
Key future trends include:
- Sustainable Tourism: The growing demand for sustainable tourism requires developing countries to adopt environmentally friendly practices and to protect their natural and cultural heritage.
- Technology Integration: The increasing importance of technology requires developing countries to invest in digital infrastructure and to embrace online marketing and booking platforms.
- Authentic Experiences: The rising demand for authentic experiences requires developing countries to promote their unique cultural and natural attractions and to involve local communities in tourism development.
- Demographic Shifts: The shifting demographics of tourists require developing countries to adapt their products and services to cater to the needs of different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
- Health and Safety: Increased focus on health and safety requires developing countries to implement high standards of hygiene and security in tourism facilities.
The WTO can provide guidance and support to developing countries to help them prepare for these future trends and to maximize the benefits of tourism for their economies and communities. With SIXT.VN, you can navigate these trends with ease, offering travelers seamless and sustainable travel experiences across Vietnam.
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FAQ Section: How Does The Wto Help Developing Economies Develop Tourism?
1. How does the WTO support tourism development in developing countries?
The WTO supports tourism development in developing countries through trade liberalization, technical assistance, and capacity building initiatives, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
2. What specific WTO initiatives aid tourism in developing economies?
Specific initiatives include Aid for Trade, technical assistance programs, the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).
3. How does the WTO assist developing countries in attracting foreign investment for tourism?
The WTO attracts foreign investment by creating a stable investment climate, promoting transparency, and providing platforms for investment promotion.
4. What are the main challenges for developing countries in using WTO frameworks for tourism?
The main challenges include limited capacity, lack of awareness, compliance costs, infrastructure deficiencies, and market access barriers.
5. How can developing countries maximize the benefits of WTO membership for tourism growth?
Developing countries can maximize benefits by implementing sound economic policies, investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and actively participating in WTO negotiations.
6. What role does e-commerce play in promoting tourism for developing economies within the WTO framework?
E-commerce expands market access, reduces transaction costs, enhances competitiveness, and increases transparency for tourism businesses.
7. How can the WTO facilitate sustainable tourism practices in developing countries?
The WTO can facilitate sustainable practices by promoting environmental standards, providing technical assistance, and fostering collaboration among member countries.
8. What impact do international trade agreements have on tourism policies in developing countries?
Trade agreements influence market access, investment regulations, and regulatory frameworks, creating opportunities and challenges for tourism development.
9. How can technology and innovation enhance tourism competitiveness in developing economies with WTO support?
Technology and innovation improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and create new tourism products and services.
10. What are the potential impacts of climate change on tourism in developing countries, and how can the WTO contribute to climate resilience?
Climate change can damage infrastructure and reduce attractiveness; the WTO can promote sustainable practices and support climate-resilient infrastructure.