In the case of agriculture, they could be downright harmful. These were two areas left unresolved after the Uruguay Round ended. Farm groups are calling for an end to tariffs and duties on food products. In addition, they are seeking an end to subsidies, mostly in the European Union, and some controls on state-controlled enterprises such as the Canadian Wheat Board. Much of the state's wheat, apples, hops and cherries are exported.
Electronic commerce is the big issue for the state, along with intellectual-property rights.
The United States, the undisputed leader in electronic commerce, wants to keep it that way, but developing countries just hopping on the Web wagon are wary of giving away too much too soon. The WTO has a study group on the link between trade and the environment but no specific plans to make the environment part of a review of trade laws. Similar to the environment. Standards are opposed by developing countries. A key issue is making dispute-resolution hearings accessible to other groups that may have a stake in the outcome.