P/L/26. WTO Special Provisions for Developing Countries: The Results of the Uruguay Round

Special provisions in favour of developing countries have been included in the WTO agreements, including provisions
- aimed at increasing trade opportunities for developing countries;
- requiring WTO Members to safeguard the interests of developing country members when adopting protective measures;
- allowing flexibility to developing countries in the use of economic and commercial policy instruments;
- granting longer transitional periods for the implementation by developing countries of various commitments flowing from these agreements; and
- for technical assistance in the implementation of their commitments
The paper assesses the extent to which these provisions have allowed developing countries to reap the full benefits from the results of the Uruguay Round.