By Sylvia Ostry
From The Centre for International Studies
Abstract: The goal of this briefing is to provide a general overview of the current negotiations of the World Trade Organization and some suggestions for moving them forward. As I am a devotee of brevity, my temptation was to summarize the current situation with one word: dismal. I recognize, however, that more is required to substantiate this description. I will place the issue of the Doha Round of negotiations in a broader historical context, and will argue that the Hong Kong Ministerial meeting in December is crucial but not final. The real due date is June 2006 when the trade promotion authority granted by Congress to President Bush expires, for it is unlikely to be renewed anytime soon after.