Investigates the extent to which recent progress in reducing impediments and distortions to trade has levelled the playing field for developing country exports. Finds that the competitive situation remains severely distorted by high protection rates in developed countries to domestic producers in agriculture, consumer goods and other industries. Identifies other instruments to reduce competition from developing country exports such as budget subsidies and enforcement of anti-competitive practices. Emphasizes that even if developing countires enjoyed favourable market accesss for their products, the unequal competitive strength of their firms should not be overlooked during multilateral trade negotiations.

7/9/01 M2L