Cancun (Mexico): The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has approved through consensus the entry of two of the world's least developed countries, Cambodia and Nepal, into the trade body on the second day of the Ministerial.

These two countries will have to ratify within 30 days to become members of WTO.

While Cambodia had applied to become a member in late 1994, Nepal applied in 1989, a WTO release said, adding the plenary session of WTO approved their entry on September 11 evening.

"The swift conclusion of Cambodia's membership negotiations shows that the new guidelines to allow least-developed countries to negotiate membership more easily are working," WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said.

It was also a signal that WTO member governments are serious in their commitment to improving developing countries and least developed countries participation in the world trading system, he said.

"The completion of Nepal's accession negotiations is most welcome, not only does it expand the number of total WTO members, it also increases the diversify and depth of the WTO community of members," Supachai said.

PTI