Despite signs of modest progress in recent weeks, the WTO Doha negotiations are facing serious difficulties. Political leaders around the globe, including Canada, have expressed a commitment to an ambitious deal. However, after more than five years of negotiations, major differences remain and there is no sign of a breakthrough. The next few months may decide the success or failure of the Doha Round.
Why has it been so difficult to get a deal? What is at stake if the negotiations succeed or fail? What can we expect in the coming weeks and months?
Perspectives on the Doha Negotiations
The difficulties in the Doha Round can be traced to its launching in November 2001 - the ninth such round of trade liberalizing negotiations since the international trading system was founded in 1947. A central goal of the "Doha Development Agenda" is to address the needs of developing countries by promoting economic development and alleviating poverty. The commencement of the Doha Round was
