It has become a familiar sight. Two beaming trade ministers side-by-side at a table sign a weighty dossier of papers in the glare of television lights. Banalities are exchanged about the bonds of commerce and friendship that link whichever two great nations it is this time. Occasionally, real live business executives from each country are brought out to sign a contract as evidence that the deal actually means something.

Then the media and the politicians pack up, everyone goes home and the actual world trading system carries on much as before.