Foreword by the WTO Director-General

Since the start of the millennium we have seen strong evidence of how trade, as a critical component of economic growth and development, can make a positive difference in people’s lives. Rapid economic growth in many developing economies over this period has been combined with deeper integration into the global trading system. This experience has highlighted the role that trade can play in boosting per capita incomes, helping developing countries to achieve wider societal goals, and in improving access to advanced technologies and knowledge, thereby setting the stage for future growth.