Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Roberto Azevêdo and Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have underlined their support for efforts to ensure the normal cross-border flow of vital medical supplies and other goods and services. 

Trade in medical products which have now been described as critical and in severe shortage during the COVID-19 crisis totalled about US$ 597 billion in 2019, accounting for 1.7 percent of total world merchandise trade, according to a new report.

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevêdo and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Secretary-General John Denton on Thursday called for more dialogue with business to maximise the effectiveness of public policies to mitigate the economic damage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with regards to trade.