Ironically, more trade will actually foster the goals of those demonstrating here this week. Trade is one of the best antidotes to poverty and one of the most crucial ingredients to sustainable development. It creates new middle classes, for example in East Asia and Latin America, with rising wages and enhanced environmental interest, and a commitment to political openness and democracy. It is not a coincidence that new democracies of the '80's and '90's from South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand to Argentina and most of Latin America have developed as trade and openness to the world created newly empowered middle classes with a democratic consciousness. An open, fair trading system for agriculture is among the world's strongest defenses against hunger.
Competition leads to more efficient use of scarce resources.
At the same time, it is important that we hear each other's messages. Mainstream NGOs are right that the WTO should be more transparent, and should give increased attention to the environment and workers rights. I would like to say a few words about each of the five challenges I mentioned above. These are some of the issues on which we need your help this week. We are also going to need your help in promoting the open markets agenda next year.