Stanford University economist Anne Kreuger, who led the world's most comprehensive analysis of the effects of trade liberalization, has said that replacing protectionist import substitution policies with trade liberalization helps spur economic growth. This means significant improvement in living standards, even over a generation. The WTO and development institutions such as the World Bank must work together more closely to accomplish mutually supporting goals. All citizens of developing countries must share the fruits of economic growth. In addition, market economies and pluralistic democracies go hand in hand.
Democracy promotes a sustainable consensus for economic reform.
Greater economic openness creates pressure for more pluralistic approaches. This is an area where governments, labor, business and agricultural associations, and NGOs can work together productively. Your influence may reach to places ours does not. Whether you are trying to open the energy sector in China for U.S. investment or promoting human rights and rule of law in Indonesia, you are contributing to the creation of market-oriented, democratic societies. This is a tribute to the success of the more open trading system we put in place with the conclusion of the Uruguay Round.