But too often, development interests seem to be equated with the right to exclude oneself from global markets.
This does not accord with experience, which suggests that active trade integration offers the best hopes for spurring economic growth.
Negotiators should consider the lessons from successful development in defining their positions in the coming months.
"The IMF, together with the World Bank, has committed to providing assistance in order to help countries build capacity to implement trade agreements, create capacity to take advantage of the opportunities of open trade, and help them cope with adjustment costs.
In Hong Kong, there were encouraging signs that bilateral donors are willing as well, to scale up aid for trade considerably in the period ahead.
While an important complement to an eventual WTO agreement, this aid for trade is neither a substitute for an ambitious round, nor should it be made subject to the negotiations themselves.
"The ministerial declaration calls on the WTO Director General to consult with the Fund and other institutions with a view to reporting to the WTO General Council on appropriate mechanisms to secure additional financial resources for aid for trade.
They are fully committed to contributing to this process and look forward to these consultations," de Rato stated.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization of 184 member countries.
It was established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment.
International Monetary Fund
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