Expanding the contribution of trade to global prosperity and a healthy environment

The world economy has changed profoundly over the past 60 years. The world’s population has more than doubled to 7.6 billion today, from around 3 billion in 1960, while average income has almost tripled. During this period, the world economy has become ever more integrated due to advances in communication and information technologies, along with lower barriers to global trade and investment. These developments have made it possible for companies to co-ordinate complex activities at a distance cheaply and safely.