Trade Hot Topics Issue#66: The Emerging Role of LDCs in WTO Decision-making Process

Of the 49 least developed countries (LDCs) in the world today, none was a founder member of GATT 1947, but today, 32 are members of the World Trade Organization while 10 more are negotiating accession. The LDCs, therefore, constitute a significant and important constituency in the WTO’s 153-strong membership. The practice of decision-making by consensus in the WTO aims to provide every member an opportunity to be heard and to get its concerns addressed before rules are agreed to. Equally, members need to make more effort to achieve their negotiating objectives, as they require every member’s support to see their proposals through.

It follows that introducing proposals and positions as a group rather than individually makes that task easier. Many coalitions have emerged in the WTO decision-making processes as a consequence. LDCs have also made proposals, on their own as well as by joining larger coalitions, to achieve their negotiating objectives. While it is not clear whether and when the ongoing Doha Round of negotiations will conclude, these emerging coalitions have provided a new dimension to WTO decision-making processes.