Development in World Trade Law

Trade continues to expand at an unprecedented pace under the WTO regime and isa prime vehicle for development. Yet the gap between rich and poor countries continues to widen.This paper aims to ascertain the true meaning and purpose of development in WTO law. Itdemonstrates that despite constant mention of ‘development’ in several provisions, there isvagueness or uncertainty in the use, meaning, and purpose of development in WTO law. It arguesthat this definitional anomaly lends development or the pursuit of development objectives an uneasyalliance with trade discipline, and thereby with its developing trading partners. It recommends anappreciable definition of development from a trade perspective