The very origin of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is shrouded in controversies on the very shape and character of the organisation. It has been about seven years since the final agreement was signed and WTO came into existence. But there are no signs that the implementation of these agreements is likely to be smooth. The reasons are many. There are doubts about the spirit of inclusion and exclusion of certain provisions, which amount to fears of vitiating_fair trade in the name of ‘Free Trade’. Most of the agreements like GATS, TRIPS, TRIMS and AOA are full of controversial provisions. The rich countries’ resolve to bring in many more ‘non-trade issues’ like environment, labour standards, investment, competition policy, etc. are highly contentious–a clear asymmetry of concerns between the rich and poor members of the WTO. The complexity of issues involved and the centrality that WTO has assumed in the present phase of globalisation needs informed debate. The present volume is a modest attempt at pointing out certain inequities, elimination of which should become the focus of future negotiations. The book, it is hoped, will contribute towards an understanding of the political economy of the WTO regime and some aspects of globalisation and governance, especially the issue of policy autonomy, as seen by the Third World Countries.
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