ABSTRACT
I am delighted to join this auspicious gathering. Sometimes it may appear that we economists devote too little of our attention to really analyse and discuss criticisms levelled at the benefits of freer trade and its role in globalization. But I believe that a debate of this nature is both timely and essential. Trade policy and the multilateral trading system have taken centre stage in both the media and the public eye. No doubt this scrutiny will intensify over the course of this year. Not only are we at a critical phase in the Doha Development Agenda round of trade negotiations, but this year we are also celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the World Trade Organization. This anniversary has already stimulated a good deal of reflection about the multilateral trading system’s benefits and challenges.
