infonet-economy

Looking back over the first four years of negotiation of the Doha Round this paper identifies and discusses a number of factors that are shaping negotiations among WTO members as they try to fulfil the development mandate for this multilateral trade negotiation. These factors are not just diplomatic in nature, indeed many relate to changes in how many view the potential impact of further multilateral trade rules and the "legacy" effects of existing rules. Some of the proposed changes to WTO governance processes are assessed in the light of these considerations, and many are found wanting. The paper concludes that the fundamental implications of adopting a development mandate have not yet been comprehensively taken on board by WTO members and their officials.