Debunking the myth of welfare and development benefit the WTO’s Special and Differential Treatment for Least Developed and Developing Countries

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3809_LRPP13.61

Authors: Prof. Dr. Omphemetse Sibanda

Abstract:
The issue of the interplay between special and differential treatment (SDT) to developing and least developed countries (LDCs), and achievement of trade adjustment and sustainable economic development remains one of the topical issues in international trade arena. The impact of SDT on developing countries and LDCs has been examined over years by scholars and has engendered divergent views and conclusions. Whereas the utility of SDT in the post-war multilateral trade environment may find a lot of support in respect to its positive contribution, albeit not always merited, its utility within the framework of the current trade dynamics is questionable. There is thus the need to re-think the continued use of SDT as a tool for trade adjustment and development

Keywords:
World Trade Organisation, Least Developed Countries, Trade adjustment; Sustainable development, Special and differential treatment