International trade is of crucial importance to all developing countries - none has opted out of the world trading system. Over the last 30 years the terms of trade, that is the rate at which imports are exchanged for exports, have moved against developing countries and they now have to export more in order to import the same amount. peoples are effectively paid a low global wage for what they do, and have limited money for development. Aid is needed to help compensate. Over 90% of the foreign exchange that comes into developing countries is from trade and investment, less than 10% from aid. this highlights the importance of trade to developing countries, a more equitable world trading system would mean there is less need for aid. goods and services (such as tourism), armaments and pesticides; the role of transnational corporations and free trade zones; the international financial systems, and international trade and development institutions, such as GATT and the Uruguay Round. It also considers alternative South-North trade and the potential and constraints on South-South trade, and finally assesses the changes that are needed to improve the terms of trade for the developing world. operates for developing countries, awareness of its importance and of the changes needs for a more equitable system.