MANILA -- Developing Asia has a vital stake in the outcome of the troubled Doha "development round" of trade negotiations. The ingredients of a good deal would include: a reduction of tariffs on manufactured goods by developing countries, a meaningful reduction in agricultural protection by developed countries, an opening of trade in commercial services by all, and a format that limits special-treatment and protection measures such as antidumping.
Movement on "aid for trade" and assistance that helps developing countries get their goods to market -- more easily, more cheaply -- would also be a big step in the right direction. A recent Asian Development Bank study estimated, for example, that improvements to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh could cut costs for Bangladeshi textile and clothing producers by 30 percent.
Four compelling interests shape developing Asia's stake in an ambitious Doha outcome.