SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 14. Can developing countries defend their interests in trade negotiations?
Developing countries can defend their interests in trade negotiations through a variety of ways, depending upon how they define them. In order to best do so, they must participate actively in such negotiations on the basis of clearly defined priorities and national interests. Only in this manner are their government representatives able to clearly express and defend a coherent national position. Such a national position needs to be developed for services through an extensive process of consultation with the stakeholders involved in each of the various service sectors, including government ministries, private sector service providers and regulators. It is important that the government act to protect the interests of the consumers and not those of the national service suppliers when it undertakes negotiations. Developing countries interests can be advanced if they undertake proper preparation for the liberalization process and for the increased competition which will result from greater
