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