CURRENT WTO DEAL IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER
Poor countries fighting for a world trade deal which will help them escape poverty are facing a recipe for disaster.
Nearly five years on from the start of the so-called Development Round of trade talks in Doha, Qatar, poor countries are facing a deal which could undermine the fight against poverty. While paying lip service to development, rich countries offer little and continue to make aggressive demands of poor countries. The few crumbs of comfort on offer mean little when lined up against the demands made for access to poor country markets.
The European Union, the United States and other rich nations continue to demand an agreement which fits their own commercial interest rather than focusing, as promised, on development. At risk is the ability of poor countries to do the kinds of things - pursue the kinds of policies which made rich countries rich in the first place.
At risk are vital jobs and much needed government revenue in poor countries and at risk is the ability of poor countries to regulate vital services, and make sure they work for the poor.
And time is running out. It's likely that this summer will be the last chance, for the next few years at least, to agree a deal. Just about every deadline has been missed so far and almost all the major issues are unresolved, but if the deal on the table is signed it's likely to be a recipe for disaster.
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HEROES OR ZEROS
Superheroes could jump tall buildings and save entire cities, but could they rescue current world trade talks? World trade negotiators charged with this responsibility are in grave danger of bungling it. There'll be no comic-book ending if they get it wrong.
But are Irish and British governments Heroes or Zeros?
Sadly, the Irish government are amongst the villains on trade policy. They've worked to block the ending of (export) subsidies which damage the livelihoods of poor farmers in the developing world. And Ireland has been a cheerleader for aggressive demands of poor countries - full square behind the EU position which ignores the promises made that this would be a development round.
And the UK government, though backing the further reform of EU subsidies to stop them harming poor country farmers, wants poor countries, particularly the 'larger developing countries' to give access to their manufacturing markets. This is contrary to the promise of a Development Round.
So who are the zeroes?
Michael Ahern T.D., the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce responsible for Ireland's trade policy.
Micheál Martin T.D., The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Michael Ahern's boss, and ultimately responsible to cabinet for Ireland's trade policy. Has shown little interest in the Development Round.
Mary Coughlan T.D., Minister for Agriculture - has fought hard to prevent change to the subsidies which damage livelihoods in poor countries.
Bertie Ahern T.D., An Taoiseach - he has the power to change Irish trade policy. Has also shown little interest in ensuring trade supports development in poor countries.
Oxfam is also calling on British Prime Minister Tony Blair to make his government keep its promises and deliver a trade deal that works for people living in poverty. Alistair Darling has just been appointed the new U.K. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
GATS - General Agreement on Trade in Services.
An agreement at the World Trade Organisation to liberalise trade
in services. The GATS talks include services such as banking
and engineering services but also, postal, environmental,
telecommunications, energy and education services.
Why is it a problem?
Oxfam is concerned that the GATS agreement may jeopardize the
ability of governments to ensure access to important services by
the poor. The agreement is unclear and Oxfam is concerned that
it may prevent governments who open up to competition from
regulating important services in the public interest. There are
already many examples around the world where opening up a
service has had a negative effect on a developing country.
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