The development element within the World Trade Organisation

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine what has been done, what is being done and what should be done at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) level with a view to foster the economic development of developing countries through the increase of their capability to trade. This is a serious source of concern and one of the major challenges for the WTO. The poorest countries on the planet need help, but even though the leaders of the wealthiest nations persist in proclaiming that they are pro-development, the truth is that they keep on protecting themselves while leaving developing countries and least developed countries behind. The WTO agreements are full of provisions aimed at alleviating poverty; however, in reality, these fit into a trend of one-size-fits-all which does not work, since different countries have different needs. This thesis argues that important lessons are to be learnt; that is, that developing countries need constant support, market access and the elimination of trade barriers. It also focuses on the way forward for developing countries. At present, the Doha Development Round is in a state of stalemate. Developing countries appear to have been completely side-lined by global powers. This thesis thus intends to identify the main reasons why the Doha Rounds are static, and attempts to examine the WTO’s special and differential treatment provisions in the context of developing countries. The WTO has failed to live up to its promises over the past years, which exposes a wider problem in the global community. Proper and long-lasting solutions to global economic problems can only be realised once global competitiveness between countries is genuine; that is, when global interest overrides self-interest.