Ms. Merkel sent at least two high-level delegations to Washington to press for the new accord.
In addition to numerous cultural programs, the two nations have exchanged high-level delegations to explore business opportunities and strengthen diplomatic ties.
It will be attended by high-level delegations from about 50 countries, with, crucially, a delegation from China, whose presence was not assured until recently.
But it was clear from the large and generally high-level delegations attending the congress from all across the region that others were poised to move on the issue -- or at least were very alarmed.
But the United States and other major developed nations did not send high-level delegations, saying the World Trade Organization remains the proper and effective vehicle for setting standards for international trade.
His example inspired so many across the region, and high-level delegations followed, such as the visit of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia and the foreign minister of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi.
