About two thirds of the 164 members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are developing countries. They play an increasingly important and active role in the WTO because of their numbers, because they are becoming more important in the global economy, and because they increasingly look to trade as a vital tool in their development efforts. Developing countries are a highly diverse group often with very different views and concerns. In view of the above: 1) Why are there special provisions in WTO agreements for developing countries? 2) Do these provisions provide a solution to the issue of the effective participation of developing countries in WTO decision-making? 3) Is it justifiable for developing countries to benefit from special treatment while seeking equal participation in WTO decision-making?