The WTO's mission is to open markets gradually while ensuring that rules are respected. The origin of the organization dates back to the end of World War II when the idea of peaceful cooperation among peoples was emerging. In 1947, a number of countries decided to open up their markets on the basis of common principles, and founded the WTO's predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). In the current round of trade negotiations, the WTO is seeking to make further advances in equitable trade.