We will have failed. The objective of ensuring that the fruits of the system are widely shared is not a matter of altruism. It is in everybody's self-interest. There should be no mistake about this. There are many reasons why the LDCs have yet to share fully in the benefits of globalization, and some of it begins at home.
History is a grim master.
How can we in all conscience refuse products from a country which has inherited a debt service burden nine times larger than what it spends each year on health in the midst of an Aids epidemic. We know how crucial sound domestic policies are, and how good governance is a fundamental determinant of progress. The trading system cannot diminish these challenges. Indeed, an Agreement on Transparency in Government Procurement would be a modest start albeit with a profound message. Yet there is something of significant value that we can do.