§ 24. Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her policy in respect of the current WTO regime as it affects developing countries. [79127]
§ Clare ShortThe WTO provides a forum for all countries to participate in a global trading system which is rules based and which operates in an open and transparent way. All decisions are taken by consensus. This is particularly important for developing countries, who are sometimes at a disadvantage in negotiations with the developed world. My Department is working to strengthen the capacity of developing countries so that they can participate effectively in the existing system and in future negotiations. A copy of a recent speech in which I outlined our thinking on developing countries and the WTO will be sent to the hon. Gentleman. I will also place a copy in the Library of the House.