Wintry rainstorms pelted the Uruguayan seaside resort of Punta del Este last week, forming an ominously fitting backdrop for the historic meeting of government ministers. Officials from 74 countries had arrived there to confront the ill wind of protectionism, which is threatening to freeze international trade and economic growth. The ministers, who at times donned Uruguayan wool sweaters and huddled around space heaters, struggled to agree on an agenda for a multiyear series of talks that they hope will create warmer trade relationships around the world. Declared Uruguayan President Julio Maria Sanguinetti as he opened the five-day meeting: "We have to...
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