A group of anti-WTO activists, have smashed shop windows and set several cars on fire in central Geneva.

Police in riot gear clashed with the protestors after trying to prevent them from vandalizing the city's main shopping street. An estimated three thousand people took part in the protest against the upcoming WTO ministerial conference, scheduled for Monday.

The conference seeks to review major issues concerning the world trade system, including the long-running Doha Round of trade negotiations.

Anti-WTO activists have accused the world trade body of adopting policies that favor multinational companies while neglecting the interests of the poor.