The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was a multilateral agreement between countries aimed at reducing trade barriers and promoting international trade. It was in effect from 1948 until 1995, when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO). While the GATT and WTO are similar in many ways, there are some key differences between them.

One of the main differences between the GATT and WTO is the scope of their coverage. The GATT was primarily focused on reducing tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods. The WTO, on the other hand, covers a much broader range of issues, including trade in services, intellectual property rights, investment, and the environment.

Another difference is the dispute resolution mechanism. Under the GATT, disputes between member countries were resolved through a process of consultation and negotiation. If these efforts failed, the complaining country could impose retaliatory measures, such as tariffs or quotas, against the offending country. However, the WTO has a more formal dispute settlement system, which includes panels of experts who can make binding rulings on disputes.

A third difference is the level of participation. The GATT had a relatively small membership of around 23 countries, mainly developed economies. The WTO, on the other hand, has a much larger membership of over 160 countries, including many developing economies. This broader participation reflects the growing importance of international trade in the global economy.

Overall, while the GATT and WTO share many common goals and principles, the WTO represents a more comprehensive and robust framework for promoting international trade and resolving disputes between member countries. As the global economy continues to evolve, it will be important for the WTO to adapt and modernize in order to remain relevant and effective.