ABSTRACT
The 1947 to 1962 period predates the formation of the G7 and the Quad, and the OECD was established at the end of this period. This chapter discusses two plurilateral groupings established by developed countries during this early period, in which they could confer on their trade-related interests: the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) which was established in 1948, and the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO's) Consultative Subcommittee on Surplus Disposal (CSD) which was formed in 1954. This chapter also discusses the origins of the European Community, because it has become one of the two most important actors in the global trade regime. It outlines the divisions resulting from the association linkages of EC members with their former colonies. The EC, the United States, and Canada all perceived that the formation of a broader OECD extending beyond Europe was in their interests. From 1947 to 1962 the GATT was a relatively small club-like organisation dominated by the developed countries.
