One message Egypt is almost certain to deliver is that it will remain unwilling to embark on discussions aimed at further liberalisation until existing WTO agreements are carried out. Developing nations have been given no reason, said the diplomat, not to think of the developed world as bullies, seeking to run the entire show for their benefit. They pressure developing countries to lower tariffs and liberalise their markets while refusing to open their own markets to those goods, such as textiles and agricultural products, in which developing countries enjoy a competitive advantage. Barriers against textile imports to the European Union, for example, were supposed to be lifted over four phases. The timetable for the first two has passed, yet the restrictions remain fully in place.
Textiles are only one bone of contention.
Developed countries have instigated a number of protectionist measures in the guise of anti-dumping legislation, or by demanding compliance with environmental and labour codes of practice. Meanwhile, they refuse to implement agreements already made over financial and technical assistance to the developing world. The results of the new round will dictate policies for the next three years, during which developed countries want to see ever increasing liberalisation of international trade. They will push for further reductions in tariffs, and push for greater access to the service sector and agricultural markets. Protection of intellectual property rights is likely to be high on the developed world's agenda, as well as investment, electronic commerce and government procurement regulations.