The Cancun flop in September has slowed down global trade talks,
complicating the agenda and rendering the future uncertain. Although some
delegates left the WTO ministerial meeting hoping that the delay was not
significant, most observers think it will take a fair amount of political
will -- especially from Europe and the United States -- to put the Doha
Round of negotiations back on track. In the meantime, the 2004 presidential
elections in the United States and the expansion of the EU are expected to
distract the two trade powers, making the talks a second priority. What is
at stake for developing countries? How will they use their newfound
consensus? Read IPS to find out. |
