Foreword

Fifteen years ago, 28 WTO members and acceding members overcame numerous political and technical obstacles, and agreed to work together for the expansion of trade in information technology (IT) products through the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). This landmark agreement demonstrates not only that developed and developing countries can work together in a mutually beneficial manner, but also that the WTO could serve as an effective forum to promote trade opening beyond what was achieved during the Uruguay Round.