DOHA, Nov 11: Taiwan secured admission to the World Trade Organization on Sunday, gaining the unanimous approval of WTO members barely 24 hours after China.

Qatari Economy Minister Youssef Kamal, the chairman of a WTO conference under way in the capital Doha, formally approved Taiwan’s entrance with the bang of a gavel.

“After 12 long years of hard work we were finally able to see your gavel coming down and hear its firm and clear sound,” Taiwan Economy Minister Lin Hsin-I said.

“This is indeed an exciting, historic moment.”

Countries in the 142-member WTO approved Taiwan’s membership without the need for a vote. Instead, countries showed their agreement by making no objection to Taiwan’s application.—AFP