LDCs’ Accession to the WTO : Should Doha Round Negotiations Allow LDCs to Invoke Article XI.2 of the WTO Agreement in Accession Negotiations?

The existing practice of accession to the World Trade Organization by the least-developed countries (LDCs) is frequently criticized for being overly onerous. Critics and academics have explained the onerous nature of the accession process in several ways. This article draws attention to the gaps in invocation of Article XI.2 in conjunction with Article XII.1 of the WTO Agreement. Until now, accession negotiations have been accomplished without invoking Article XI.2. This practice has often raised questions on the legitimate rights and expectations of LDCs. Against this background, this article examines the legal nature of Article XI.2, possible ways of invoking Article XI.2 in conjunction with Article XII.1, and the possible implications of the use of Article XI.2. It recommends that the necessary measures be taken during the Doha Round negotiations or by the General Council of the WTO to ensure a harmonious application of articles XI.2 and XII.1