An opportunity for the WTO

ONTARIO

THIS December, trade ministers from around the world will converge in Buenos Aires for the World Trade Organization's 11th Ministerial Conference. With the United States, which has historically led the world towards trade liberalisation, now actively stoking trade tensions, the meeting is set to be unlike any other.

The WTO's ministerial gatherings are never easy. Some kind of agreement is usually delivered, but only at the last minute, and its language is often vague. This time, however, the outcome might be even more disappointing, with delegates unable to reach even a symbolic agreement that they can tout with an aggressive marketing campaign.