Foreword

The World Trade Report 2005 follows the pattern established in previous years and takes up a number of key trade policy issues facing the international trading system for analysis and discussion. The underlying objective of the Report is to contribute to a deeper understanding of trade policy issues facing governments. The core topic in this year’s report is standards and international trade. Shorter essays have been prepared on three other topics – the use of quantitative economic analysis in WTO dispute settlement, international trade in air transport services, and offshoring services.