Affiliated to Ministry of Commerce, I.R.Iran Office of Trade Representative formed in 1996 to pursue accession of I.R.Iran to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The office follows five main lines of activities:

1. Trade Negotiations
2. Education, Training and Public Awareness
3. National Co-ordinations
4. Research and Consultations
5. International Relations

WTO supplanted GATT in January 1^st 1995 and currently is the most influential institution whose rules regulate more than 95% of the world’s trade. Considering   accession to this organization a major element in its development agenda, I.R.Iran submitted its application to the WTO secretariat in 1996, which was ultimately accepted on May 26^th 2005 granting I.R.Iran observer status.

Upon the establishment of the accession working group .I.R.Iran starts its negotiations with interested members toward its full-fledged membership.