South Centre Working Document, 15 July 2025

WTO Reform: Structuring a Positive Agenda for Developing Countries

A Working Document on Structuring Reform Around Legal Principles and Development Priorities, 15 July 2025

By Vahini Naidu, Trade for Development Programme, South Centre

This Working Document outlines a structured contribution to the WTO reform process from a legal and developmental perspective. It organises the wide range of reform issues into seven categories, based on their legal character, institutional handling, and the procedural steps required for meaningful resolution. The aim is to support a more coherent and inclusive reform process by offering a logical framework grounded in the Marrakesh Agreement and reflective of the WTO’s foundational principles. It is intended to assist Members in navigating reform discussions in a manner that is principled, transparent, and responsive to the priorities of developing countries.

Download:

WTO Reform: Structuring a Positive Agenda for Developing Countries