ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development dimension of international trade through a focus on the institutional character of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The emergence of a 'development consciousness' in the international trading system has been slow and incremental. Development as an objective within the framework of international trade, let alone a force, only began to appear in its discourse, exceptionally and even somewhat controversially. The legal analysis of the character of the WTO as an institution involves an interpretation of the constitution of the WTO; against the background of a concept of 'development'. The denial that the WTO is not a 'development institution' therefore does not appear to stand the test of comparison with international organizations engaged in facilitating development. The WTO has a function as a development institution. The organization does betray some of the indicia of a development institution.
