The%20World%20Trade%20Organization

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The World Trade Organization

• Presented by
• Leah Maurer

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WTOs View on Benefits

• The system helps promote peace
• Disputes are handled constructively
• Rules make life easier for all
• Freer trade cuts the costs of living
• It provides more choice of products and qualities
• Trade raises incomes
• Trade stimulates economic growth
• The basic principles make life more efficient
• Governments are shielded from lobbying
• The system encourages good government

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WTOs View on Misunderstandings

• The WTO does NOT tell governments what to do
• The WTO is NOT for free trade at any cost
• Commercial interests do NOT take priority over
  development, the environment, or health and
  safety
• The WTO does NOT destroy jobs or worsen poverty
• Small countries are NOT powerless in the WTO
• The WTO is NOT the tool of powerful lobbies
• Weaker countries are NOT forced to join the WTO
• The WTO is NOT undemocratic

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Opposition to the WTO

1. The WTO only serves the interests of
   multinational corporation
2. The WTO is a stacked court
3. The WTO tramples over labor and human rights
4. The WTO is destroying the environment
5. The WTO is killing people
6. The US adoption of the WTO was undemocratic
7. The WTO undermines local development and
   penalizes poor countries
8. The WTO is increasing inequality
9. The WTO undermines national sovereignty
10. The tide is turning against free trade and the WTO

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My Concerns

• Its not the WTO as a forum, but the players that
  are a concern
• The WTO is not a transparent organization
• Each country does not have diverse representation
• One countrys value may be another countrys
  barrier
• Historically, commercial interests have taken
  priority over the environment, health, and safety
• Governments have to act in the WTOs interests
  first and the public interest second or face
  stiff penalties

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Further Discussion?