The ambitious Doha Development Agenda of WTO started in mid-1990s in a world much different from today. The mood was very positive. It was probably the most vibrant, peaceful time that the world has experienced in living memory. Ideological differences and the Cold War were set aside. The rich and the less fortunate were busy with joint ventures and investments. Financial and fiscal discipline in governments was the gospel.

Though a long road still lies ahead, Iran has made noticeable progress with reform of its regulatory structure and has diversified its economy. Revised and simplified tax, currency, import and foreign investment laws are some of the results. A privatization program is in progress to reduce state ownership in the economy and open the market to competition.

Iran's state-planned economy is now self-sufficient or a net exporter of items that were on its import roster merely a decade ago: grains, cars, steel, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and many industrial products. As a trader and producer, Iran is gaining market share in other (non-WTO) markets such as Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iraq, Russia and Syria. Export sales supplement dynamic demand at home where more than 30% of Iranian population is less than 30 years old. Despite all foreign pressures, Iranian GDP growth ranks along with China, India and Turkey.

Success of globalization is pegged to reduced political tensions. Sustained purchasing power and jobs in meaningful production must overcome cultural rifts and prejudices focused on immigration. It is necessary to maintain trade and interaction in our highly interconnected world, be it in the Middle East, North America or Europe.