Today the real dynamism in trade is to be found in the developing world, where Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand all posted double digit growth in exports. Not only have these emerging markets flexed their growing muscles in the global market place, but Africa too has staked its claim to a bigger share of the pie by posting export growth in excess of 25% in each of the past three years, says the Director General.

Concerning the role of developing countries, Lamy mentions the formation of powerful negotiating groups like the G-90, the G-33 and the G-20 that illustrate that this is an organization in which all Members can not only state their case, but can achieve meaningful objectives on their path towards development.

The new edition of the Annual Report presents an overview of the activities of the WTO from the latest Ministerial Conference to the work of the different committees and bodies, and also facts and figures to illustrate the functioning of the Organization.