"It is a systemic problem," he said. "By
next year there will be 4,000 to 5,000 of
them - it is becoming utterly complex.
"All these preferences are related to the
MFNs (Most Favored Nations). Given that
so many countries are receiving special
treatment in bilateral agreements, the MFNs should actually be called LFNs or Least Favored Nations."
Speaking during the coffee break between the conference's morning sessions, the affable author held forth on many of the topics addressed in his book: the benefits of globalization for women, the importance of engaging non-governmental organizations, the dangers of the current proliferation of bilateral trade agreements, and the need for a slow pace of globalization.
"I am not a shock therapist", Mr Bhagwati said when asked about stepping up the process of globalization. "I am a gradualist. If you kick a door open it can rebound shut, but if you lean on it gradually it will stay open. You've got to go slowly and recognize what the minefields are along the way."
On the topic of free trade agreements Mr Bhagwati said: "It is a systemic problem. By next year there will be 4,000 to 5,000 of them. This is utterly complex."
"All these preferences are related to the MFNs (Most Favored Nations)", he continued. "Given so many countries receiving special treatment in bilateral agreements, the MFNs should actually be called LFNs or Least Favored Nations."
The gathering drew participants from a wide range of countries, including Austria, Bangladesh, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Syria, the United States and Venezuela.
In Defense of Globalization sold 15,000 copies in the United States during the first month it was released earlier this year and has met with much critical acclaim. It is now being translated into seven languages, including Italian, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese, according to Mr Bhagwati.
"The reason I think the book is important is that it explains the way things are", Mr Bhagwati said. "What I do in the book is say: ¢â‚¬ËœOK, here are your concerns. Let's look at them'."