The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) asserts that the 48 poorest nations of the world, including 33 in Africa, are failing to benefit from globalization and freer trade. In fact, there is evidence that poverty is worsening in many of these countries. What can be done to improve the effect of free trade on these impoverished countries? Should the WTO take a greater role in obtaining preferential tariff treatment for goods exported from these countries?

How can developed countries continue to justify protection of domestic industries such as agriculture and textiles through the granting of subsidies?