Methods of Assessment in Identifying Developing Country Members in WTO

Since the developing members of the WTO can benefit from special and differential treatment (SDT), diagnosis of these countries has always been of great importance. The WTO has no well-defined definition of developing country members. This study seeks to examine all types of identification methods. The results indicate that self-designation by grantees is the most common and selection by grantors is the most effective method. In this regard, there is concern that developed countries are not binding themselves to grant preferences and they are only committed to best-endeavor. They will always have discretion to identify who are the developing countries which can be granted SDT in the application of the measure. In the definition of developing member it should be noted that all aspects of development especially social aspects are taken into consideration.