The document summarizes the history and objectives of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It discusses how GATT was created in 1947 with 23 members to liberalize trade and establish rules, and how the WTO was established in 1995 with more comprehensive global trade agreements and more members. The key principles of the WTO are non-discrimination, reciprocity, binding and enforceable commitments, transparency, and safety valves to restrict trade in certain circumstances. The major agreements covered by the WTO relate to goods, services, intellectual property, agriculture, textiles and other areas.