The terrorist attacks on the United States have led to anticipations of tremendous and radical changes in our way of life. However, the attacks were used by some to serve certain interests with direct influence on our region and economy. For instance, the efforts to relocate the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference from Qatar to Singapore. In fact, Qatar has welcomed the conference and attained the support of other members despite the possibility of disturbances as happened at previous meetings and also despite the possibility of regional political pressure. The US vice-president responded to Qatar’s arguments that moving the conference would have a negative impact on the Islamic nations supporting the war on terrorism. In the end the US suggested that the participation in Qatar be reduced by half in order to ensure the participants’ safety.

Underdeveloped countries were originally pessimistic about the possibility of reaching an acceptable solution with the industrialized nations, and especially the US, on real free trade principles for their products in acceptable quantities and for competitive prices, free of tariff barriers and strict product standards. These nations are now less pessimistic following the terrorist attacks and now expect greater understanding from major economies to raise them from poverty and economic problems that could be the source of hatred for the West. India, along with a number of East Asian countries, sees the necessity of abolishing trade barriers and increasing quotas imposed by industrial nations, especially on textiles as well as easing restrictions on patents related to medicines for HIV and TB. There are thus two fronts: the first one represented by the US and the EU who are the powerful minority and the second one representing the poor countries that are the majority but with limited financial resources and clout.

The East Asian bloc, headed by Malaysia, expressed its willingness to consider a balanced agenda proposed by the industrialized nations that would include items in their interest that have been suspended since the Uruguay meeting in 1995. These items include secondary ones such as the manpower levels, environment, agricultural products, competition and investment. The eleven WTO members from Arab countries should present their points of view on the services sector collectively because of the importance to their economy in the near future. Observers, however, fear that this may not happen. The United Arab Emirates Industrial Bank published a report in which it warned that the position of the Arab countries with regard to the opening of the services sector is not in their favor and will weaken their negotiating position with the WTO. The same report also encouraged the Gulf states to try to include oil in the WTO products list and seek clarification on the position of petrochemicals which represent the majority of exports from Gulf countries. In addition, the report emphasized the importance of opening European markets to other exports from Gulf countries such as aluminum, petrochemicals, raw materials and agricultural products. Personally, I believe this would require collective endeavors and should be coordinated with other countries in Asia and Africa.

The Arab group should not occupy itself with Israel’s attendance but should dedicate more time and effort to tackling important items. Israel has already participated in a number of events and meetings where there was an Arab presence. These include meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The expectations about the current WTO meeting vary since some see the terrorist attacks as the straw that broke the camel’s back whereas others believe that the 600 participants from countries not in the WTO will enhance the underdeveloped countries’ positions.

There is adequate information about the agenda of the Arab group within or outside the WTO but we will be looking forward to learning more about this — either directly from them or through other organizations such as the Arab League or the Gulf Cooperation Council.