The organization Stop WTO Hong Kong said its members object to the trade organization because it promotes an "unjust world economic order."

"The WTO sanctions the exploitation of people and of nature to secure profits of transnational corporations and elites," the group said. "Our fight is for a world economy based on solidarity among human beings and life in harmony with the environment."

Inside the conference hall, Hong Kong, China’s Chief Executive Donald Tsang formally opened the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference, saying, "Trade liberalization and economic growth is a permanent goal for all of us as WTO Members. While I acknowledge that in some parts of the world this goal is seen as a threat rather than an opportunity, the negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda must press ahead. We must vigorously defend the integrity and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system."