The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995 with the primary aim of promoting international trade and reducing trade barriers. It replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that was established in 1948. The WTO currently has 164 member countries, and its agreements are based on the principle of non-discrimination.

The principle of non-discrimination is the cornerstone of WTO agreements. It requires that member countries treat all other member countries equally in terms of trade without discrimination or preference. This principle is embodied in two fundamental agreements: the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) principle and the National Treatment (NT) principle.

The MFN principle requires that each member country treats all other member countries equally in trade matters. In other words, if a country grants favorable terms or concessions to one member country, it must apply the same treatment to all other member countries. This principle ensures that all WTO member countries have equal access to each other`s markets.

The NT principle requires that each member country treats imported goods and services the same as it would treat its own domestically produced goods and services. This principle is designed to prevent discrimination against foreign goods and services in favor of domestic ones. For example, if a country imposes a tax on imported goods, it must also impose the same tax on domestically produced goods.

Additionally, WTO agreements also cover areas such as intellectual property, trade in services and agriculture. These agreements aim to promote fair and transparent trade practices, reduce trade barriers and create a level playing field for all WTO members.

In conclusion, the WTO is based on the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that all member countries are treated equally in terms of trade without discrimination or preference. This principle is embodied in the MFN and NT principles, which ensure that all WTO member countries have equal access to each other`s markets and that foreign goods and services are treated the same as domestic ones. The WTO is committed to promoting free, fair, and transparent trade practices for the benefit of all its member countries.