A'Doha Round" of WTO multinational trade negotiations (2001-2008) failed to produce a workable agreement on trade in agricultural and food products.
The WTO describes itself as a "democratic" organization that seeks to "improve the welfare of peoples of member countries" through trade liberalization. But the WTO's highest decision-making body is its Ministerial Conference, which includes member nations trade representatives.
Anti-globalization groups-a mix of labor, environmental, and human rights groups have
mounted demonstrations at various WTO meetings. They charge the WTO has failed failed to enforce labor rights or correct labor abuses, that it has failed to protect the environment, and that it disadvantages poorer, less-developed countries.