Make extortion history: the case for development-friendly WTO accession for the world’s poorest countries

Make extortion history: the case for development-friendly WTO accession for the world’s poorest countries

Published Jan 2005

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Revising the accession process to the WTO for least developed countries

This briefing paper aims to make the case for a complete overhaul of the way in which Least-Developed Country (LDC) applicants hoping for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) are treated by the WTO itself, and by the member countries that elect to join the working party dealing with the accession application.

The paper argues that a new, objective process is needed for determining the appropriate level of commitments for each LDC applicant. Such a system would address the major difficulties created by the power imbalance inherent in the current system and should include the following features:

  • the WTO Secretariat should provide resources to help implement the Decision on the Accession of Least-Developed Countries, and should also provide the services of impartial experts
  • the WTO should develop a fair and objective system that will enable LDC accession packages to reflect the development needs of the acceding country, rather than the demands of Working Party members
  • there should be full recognition that LDCs are entitled the full benefit of Special and Differential Treatment, all extended implementation periods and all exemptions enjoyed by founding member LDCs
  • LDCs that are in the process of acceding should be allowed to take full advantage of the new process, if necessary by retracting any "LDC-plus" concessions already made in bi-lateral or multi-lateral negotiations.

[adapted from author]

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