1.   Chavez has said Venezuela may not join the pact, arguing lowering trade barriers could ruin poor nations by forcing their struggling industries to compete with rich countries.

2.   The GATT agreement is opposed by pro-labor Democrats who worry that lowering trade barriers will mean the loss of U.S. jobs.

3.   Turkey and the EU recently signed a pact with the union lowering trade barriers.

4.   The trade liberalisation deal garnered little sympathy among left-wing Filipinos who charge lowering trade barriers will harm the poor in a country that relies heavily on agriculture.

5.   It also establishes lowering trade barriers as a goal and the promotion of investment.