1994    Representatives of 124 countries and the European Communities sign the Marrakesh Agreements revising the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and initiating the World Trade Organization (effective January 1, 1995).

1995    The World Trade Organization goes into effect.

1997    The Republic of Zaïre officially joins the World Trade Organization, as ''Zaïre''.

1999    In Seattle, Washington, United States, protests against the WTO meeting by anti-globalization protesters catch police unprepared and force the cancellation of opening ceremonies.

2001    The People's Republic of China joins the World Trade Organization.

2002    Taiwan officially joins the World Trade Organization, as Chinese Taipei.