He called on developed countries to respect the developing world's interests. The Indian government also repeatedly warned protectionism imposers would be punished.

Earlier this month, Lula made it clear that Brazil is ready to cooperate with other developing countries to work to reopen world trade talks known as the Doha round in an effort to safeguard developing countries' interests.

In its bid to promote free trade, China sent a business and investment delegation to Europe last month, showing the world a policy of openness and cooperation.

Talking about protectionism, Zhang Hongliang, an economic scholar with Minzu University of China said under the pressure of the crisis, some developed countries, which were time-honored free market preachers, resort to protectionism, while emerging economies begin to play a positive role in fighting protectionism.

He said protectionism is but committing suicide in the long run, and emerging economies' justified voices anxiously wait for response from the international community.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2009)