Question: Dear mr. Lamy, both theory and practice learn us that trade is not inherently good for everyone. Especially poor people and weaker parties in the market suffer if no measures are taken. It is by now well known and acknlowledged by many large IGO's that women tend to suffer more (or benefit less, if you like) then men from trade. Do you think that the WTO has any responsibilities in this?
Answer There is always some differnce between theory and practice....but if a lot of theory points to something, as is the case for the benefits accruing from trade, then we know the direction is right....but at the same time because countries are at such inherently different levels of development, the benefits that they can take out from the system also differs...it is for this reason that we have to take specific measures, including in the area of market access, to ensure that developing countries, and especially the poor in these countries benefit.....this is a tall order and the WTO can only do its bit...other players also have to do their bit to ensure that trade leads to growth and development....as for the gender issue, while critical, it is still much more of a national issue ans countries would have to take steps to mainstream gender issues into trade policy.
Question: But at this point of time, if big players talk about walking out, isn't it a bad sign for the future of the talks?
Answer Tactics, tactics. Maybe thats what you would do if you were a clever negotiator.
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