WTO contributions, dilemmas, and controversies.

The World Trade Organization was established in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The purpose of the organization is to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers so as to increase international trade. The 146 member states meet in ministerial sessions at least once every two years. The poor countries fear that further liberalization of trade will only benefit rich countries. WTO negotiations favor the interests of investors and neglect agricultural protectionism by rich …

…Odell, 'The Strict Distributive Strategy for a Bargaining Coalition: The Like Minded Group in the World Trade Organization', in John Odell (Ed), Developing Countries and the Trade Negotiation Process 7.<Tab/>Interviews, Geneva, 28 November 2002. 8.<Tab/>IISD Viewpoint WTO Fourth Ministerial Conference Published by International Institute for Sustainable Development August 2001 9.<Tab/>IISD Viewpoint WTO Fourth Ministerial Conference Published by International Institute for Sustainable Development August 2001