Free trade can increase earnings in traditionally depressed, localized sectors, and specifically in agriculture. The achievements of these past two years following the conclusion of the Uruguay Round have been generally positive. Much of the buoyancy of world trade is the result of the removal of tariff barriers negotiated in that Round. For developing countries, and Ecuador in particular, it is of fundamental importance that the commitments agreed should be respected and that there should be no disguised forms of protectionism, linked to labour standards or to environmental protection, for example. Free trade can be developed further, provided that we promote agreements based on equity rather than the pursuit of unlimited protection that only serves the interests of some countries considered in isolation.
Economic globalization means cooperation rather than confrontation.
The world of the future calls for consensus. The polarization of interests can exacerbate conflicts and, in the case of the international trade of goods and services, this could have very negative consequences. As we approach the twenty-first century, we the developing countries demand that priority be given to economic and social development. Here, the goal must be increased trade, within a system that is constantly being improved and made more equitable. Against this background, I shall outline my country's position on several issues that will be decisive for the future progress of the WTO and for the attainment of its objectives.