World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meetings should take place annually, rather than every two years, a panel of experts has concluded.
Business leaders and economists have been reviewing the future of the WTO as the group marks its 10th anniversary.
The Geneva-based body also needs more political backing if its aim of promoting global free trade is to be met, the panel's report says.
It says expectations at WTO meetings are sometimes too high.
"They should not be required to pursue lengthy agendas and conclude ground breaking agendas every time," the report concludes.
Consultative committee
The panel, headed, headed by former WTO director general Peter Sutherland, also suggests a summit involving world leaders should be held every five years.
Recent WTO gatherings have faced anti-globalisation protests.
WTO members have come under pressure after failing to build on an accord on trade liberalisation at Doha, Qatar, in 2001, amid disputes between rich and poor nations over agriculture concessions.
The next WTO summit take place in Hong Kong in December.
The report seeks to stimulate debate within the 148-nation WTO, although its conclusions are not binding.
Among its other recommendations are a call to clarify the role of the Director General, to give the position more weight in the negotiation process.
A "consultative committee" made up of a limited number of members, which could meet every three to six months has also been suggested as a way of strengthening links between the WTO and governments.
Political agenda
Bilateral and regional trade pacts endanger multilateral deals promoted by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the report adds.
Such agreements frequently follow a political agenda rather than boosting free trade, it says.
The US Trade Representative office welcomed the conclusions of the panel.
USTR spokesman Richard Mills said in a statement that "it is important for new agreements - including those negotiated among developing countries - to be consistent with the WTO and its principles, so as to promote global trade and openness".
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©