World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conferences take place at least once every two years. They are the WTO’s highest policy-making forum and set the direction of the organisation for the coming period.

The forthcoming ministerial session has the task of preparing the ground for decisions on the Doha Development Agenda, due to be agreed by the end of 2006. The ‘Doha Round’ was launched in November 2001 and was intended to prioritise development issues, placing the interests and needs of developing countries “at the heart of the work programme”.

Changes in international trade rules could make a major contribution to eradicating poverty and generating sustainable development, thereby improving the lives of millions of the world’s poorest people.

At present, developed countries apply trade tariffs and export subsidies that make it impossible for poorer nations to compete, while at the same time demanding far-reaching liberalisation and access to markets in the developing world. Hong Kong will be the make-or-break opportunity for rich countries to show they are serious about achieving sustainable development for all.