Blog: Leveraging AI to enhance trade negotiations at the WTO - A Commonwealth developing country perspective

A blog by Collin Zhuawu, Acting Head and Adviser, Multilateral Trade, International Trade Policy Team, Commonwealth Secretariat.

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the World Trade Organization (WTO) continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering cooperation among its 166 members. The Commonwealth, representing 56 diverse nations, many of which are developing economies, recognises the WTO’s key role in promoting stability, predictability, and fairness in global trade.

For Commonwealth developing countries, active participation in WTO negotiations is not just strategic; it is essential for integration into global markets, advancing sustainable development, and reducing poverty.

Spotlight on AI: From Potential to Practice

As trade negotiations grow increasingly complex, influenced by legal frameworks, decision-making procedures, and the balance of power among nations, new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), offer promising tools for enhancing outcomes.

AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics, can support every phase of the negotiation process. From preparing negotiating positions to analysing outcomes post-agreement, these tools can help streamline dialogue, generate innovative solutions, and improve decision-making (Meltzer, 2018; Jensen, 2024). AI’s ability to rapidly process large volumes of data can also be particularly valuable in multi-party WTO negotiations and dispute resolution (Abad, 2024).

Moreover, AI can:

Assist in defining strategic objectives
Evaluate trade-offs and model negotiation scenarios
Enhance communication through improved language translation
Provide timely, data-driven insights for real-time responses

These capabilities not only improve efficiency but also support more inclusive and transparent negotiations, critical priorities for developing countries.

Upcoming Commonwealth Dialogue on Digital Transformation

These issues will be highlighted during the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) and the Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), taking place in Namibia from 18–20 June 2025. While ministers at the CTMM will reflect on how AI and digital transformation are influencing goods and services trade, the CBS will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts from across the Commonwealth to explore investment opportunities, drive digital innovation, and strengthen supply chains. Together, these events provide a critical platform for shaping a coordinated Commonwealth approach to the evolving global trade landscape.

Challenges for Commonwealth Developing Countries

Despite the clear potential of AI, several barriers hinder adoption:

Many developing countries lack access to reliable internet, electricity, and digital infrastructure (Fan and Qiang, 2024)
Financial limitations restrict investment in AI tools, training, and infrastructure
AI systems often operate with limited transparency, reinforcing existing biases (Barrd AI, 2023)
Data protection and privacy concerns are heightened in sensitive trade negotiations (WTO, 2024)

Closing the digital divide will be essential if all Commonwealth members are to benefit from AI-enhanced trade engagement.

A Balanced Approach

AI should augment, not replace, human negotiation. While it can improve accuracy and strategy, the nuances of international trade, especially at the WTO, demand ethical judgment and political context that only human negotiators can provide.

AI presents a real opportunity to strengthen WTO trade negotiations and boost the participation of developing countries. As the Commonwealth prepares to engage on these issues at the highest levels in Namibia, now is the time to invest in capacity, infrastructure, and cooperation, ensuring all members can benefit from the digital transformation shaping the future of global trade.