Scholars International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice (SIJLCJ)
Volume-8 | Issue-06 | 135-145
Review Article
A Legal Appraisal of the Contributions of WTO Towards Enhancing Trade in Developing Countries
Nkambeh Allen Ghaseh
Published : June 25, 2025
Abstract
This work is set out to make an appraisal of the contributions of World Trade Organization (WTO) towards enhancing trade in developing countries. Many developing countries have joined the WTO in order to protect themselves against the unfair market practices common in international trade. Developing countries represent the majority members of the institution and participate actively in the WTO trading system. The WTO has provided in its agreements, some Special and Differential (S&D) treatment to developing countries. It is rather a paradox that most of these provisions to a greater extent have not been effective towards enhancing trade in developing countries. The objective of this work is to examine the extent to which the WTO has contributed towards enhancing trade in developing-member countries. The method adopted in this research is doctrinal wherein, both primary and secondary sources of data were collected. The findings reveal among others that, the S&D treatment provisions accorded to developing countries who are vulnerable members of the institution have not been effectively implemented. The WTO lacks an efficient mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of its rules. It is therefore recommended that, the WTO should put in place an effective mechanism to ensure that developed member countries comply with the S&D treatment accorded to developing countries. The organization should equally provide more assistance (tariffs reduction) to developing countries to enable them achieve their economic growth and development. Developing countries on the other hand should establish transparent domestic trade policies necessary to implement the WTO rules.