WTO MINISTERIAL MEETINGS
Nov-Dec 1999 Seattle
First attempt to launch a new trade round fails amid violent clashes between police and anti-globalisation protesters
Nov 2001 Doha
Round launched in surge of solidarity following September 11 terrorist attacks on the US
Sep 2003 Cancun
WTO members fail to agree a blueprint - known in WTO jargon as ‘modalities’ - for concluding the talks by the original deadline of end-2004
Jul 2004 Geneva
Framework agreement is approved laying down some broad principles for negotiation of modalities
Dec 2005 Hong Kong
Members must decide upon a new deadline early next year for agreeing modalities and approve a “development package” for the poorest countries
