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WTO negotiations faring badly

Negotiations in the lead up to the World Trade Organisation’s ministerial in Hong Kong in December are proceeding badly.

For many years, wealthy countries, such as the US and the EU, have provided subsidies to their farmers (in the order of $1 billion per day) enabling them to dump agricultural produce on world markets at well below the cost of production. More efficient agricultural producers in developing countries are not able to compete against this level of protection, along with the high tariff barriers rich countries maintain against developing country exports.

The US and the EU have made offers to reduce these subsidies and tariffs, but these are widely viewed as inadequate, or even hollow. Our own trade minister, Mark Vaile, described them as "deeply disappointing".

Furthermore, developed nations, including Australia seem intent on forcing further liberalization on developing countries in the areas of services and agriculture. This threatens to undermine development, food security and poverty-reduction efforts  in developing countries.

Respond by being part of the December White Band day of action, calling on the WTO to give trade justice to poor nations.

If you can’t be at one of the following events, organize your own! For more information and resources to set up your own fair trade event, visit Micah Challenge:
 
Ben