World Trade Organization

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World Trade Organization
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WTO Premise

• The World Trade Organization is the only
  international organization dealing with the
  global rules of trade between nations. Its main
  function is to ensure that trade flows as
  smoothly, predictable and freely as possible.

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WTO Background

• Started 1995
• One of the youngest internation organizations
• Successor to General Agreement on Tariffs and
  Trade
• GATT (over 50 years old)
• Past 50 years have seen exceptional growth in
  world trade
• GATT and WTO have helped create a strong and
  prosperous trading system

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WTO Problems

• Negotiations are behind closed doors in Geneva,
  Switzerland
• No public accountability or participation
• Not everyone is fully represented
• Labor unions
• Environmental groups
• Small, local businesses are not protected by
  international competition
• Nations cannot discriminate against products in
  terms of how they are produced
• Use of child labor, etc.