Answer:

Introduction:

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade between nations. It was established on January 1, 1995, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The primary purpose of the WTO is to promote free trade and reduce barriers to trade among its member countries.

Number of Member Countries:

As of 2021, the WTO has 164 member countries. However, up to 2006, the number of member countries was 149. The correct answer to the given question is option B, which is 149.

WTO Membership Expansion:

The WTO has undergone several membership expansions over the years. The first expansion took place in 1995, when the WTO was established, and 128 countries became its members. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have taken place to expand the membership of the WTO.

In 1999, China became a member of the WTO, which was a significant milestone for the organization. China is the world's most populous country and one of the largest economies. Its accession to the WTO opened up new opportunities for trade and investment.

In 2001, the Doha Development Agenda was launched, which aimed to further reduce trade barriers and promote free trade among member countries. However, the negotiations have been stalled since 2008 due to disagreements among member countries.

In recent years, several countries have expressed interest in joining the WTO. Currently, 24 countries are in the process of negotiating their accession to the organization.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the correct answer to the given question is option B, which is 149. The WTO has undergone several membership expansions over the years, and currently, it has 164 member countries. The organization aims to promote free trade and reduce barriers to trade among its member countries.