AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF DEVELOPED AND LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

The least developed and developing countries constitute two third of the members the World Trade Organizations (WTO). These groups of countries have different views and concerns on international trade issues. As far as development is concerned, they have different needs and their economic system is often weak and fragile and therefore, they need extra protection. The WTO agreements contain special provisions for special and favorable treatment for these countries. The treatment includes longer terms for the implementation of the obligations under the WTO agreements, special measures for facilitation and expansion of the trade opportunities and technical assistance. The policy of special treatment is theoretically a right approach for the process of integration of the developing and least developed countries into this integrated and multilateral trade arrangement which allows more interactions among the members of the WTO. However, the experience of the last decade shows that there are serious challenges for the implementation of this policy. The rules for preferential treatment are not very clear and require more clarification to make them more practical and enforceable.