This is not succicnt enough. Some people just need a list, and though this debate is very good, the pros and cons of free trade cannot be easily found
All comments
5-Sep-2008
Winston Farquharson:
4-Sep-2008
4-Sep-2008
I hardly ever waste my time reading about / being concerned about these international agreements. Europe and other developed countries have never changed their imperialist agenda over the many decades - they have only gotten smarter and have camouflaged their intent such that many - even so called erudite / well-thinking leaders - have been duped. I believe the EPA between the EC / CARIFORUM will harm the region in terms of both integration and economics in the decades to come. Why? Simply put - the CARIFORUM countries are not on a level playing field with the EC. For example, some who argue for the signing of the agreement speak of the CARIFORUM countries gaining access to new / better technologies - they are so blinded they do not see in that the fact that they DO NOT have technologies that are on par with the EC. Hence, the EC can start to "exploit" the conditions and privileges of the agreement IMMEDIATELY - while CARIFORUM tries to play "catch-up". CARIFORUM might NEVER "catch-up" - because "access" means neither affordability nor ownership! Another very blatant advantage is the monetary and other support in subsidies, etc. that EC governments can give to specific industries in specific sectors - eg. Agriculture, which the CARIFORUM countries either cannot give or sustain. The EPA between the EC / CARIFORUM is but another "bait" for more exploitation! The poorer countries keep doing the same thing - and keep expecting different results. Which agreement has been made where the developed nations have kept their word? Which one has not seen changes mid-stream? Which one has started without the developed nations having very clear advantages? Imagine being in a race with Usain Bolt - and he getting a jumpstart to boot! Would any man alive expect to beat him on that basis?
Teresa:
4-Sep-2008
4-Sep-2008
No estoy de acuerdo con lo que argumentan los autores. Tristemente, cuando las cosas no funcionan siempre queremos echarle la culpa a otros. El tratado no nos ha beneficiado porque nosotros no hemos querido, no porque los "malvados" europeos nos estén tomando el pelo. El mexicano se ufana y enorgullece de ser ingenioso, pero le encanta vivir en la miseria y la corrupción. Porque no cabe ninguna otra explicación: estamos como estamos porque así queremos que sean las cosas. Tanto nos quejamos de la corrupción cuando nosotros mismos la propiciamos, queremos que la demás gente sea honesta cuando nosotros también tenemos cola que nos pisen, queremos libertades y facilidades comerciales pero no queremos entrar a la globalización porque simplemente no damos el ancho y seguimos queriendo que papá gobierno nos de todo hecho. Inventamos un sinfín de excusas para no esforzarnos y lo peor de todo es que esperamos y exigimos que sean nuestros gobernantes quienes nos saquen del hoyo en el que nosotros mismos nos metimos, eso sí, no queremos hacer nada por salir de ahí... Y todavía tenemos el descaro de culpar de nuestra mala fortuna comercial y económica a otros países. ¿Por qué no hacemos gala de nuestro famoso ingenio y aprovechamos las oportunidades de superarnos? Como dicen: "El que es buen gallo, en cualquier gallinero canta."... ¿No creen que ya va siendo hora de que nos quitemos esa terrible pereza y nos pongamos a trabajar por nuestro país?
Nimal Ranjith :
4-Sep-2008
4-Sep-2008
As far as I have seen and read on this issue all human rights watch dogs have been pro LTTE due to unknown and unexplained reasons. I guess they have gone through the history of what LTTE has done to innocent civilians for past 19 years. I was one of their victims in 1983 where they attacked innocent civilians in Mullathivu and managed to escape unhurt. But one of my brothers got couple of bullets on his leg.
This happened when I was on my school vacation in one of the (vadies) a temporary shelter for fishermen; I still can remember Mr. Amare who was running a grocery shop in the area. He was catering to most of the Figher families in temporary housed for fishing in Mullathivu lagoon who are from western part of the country.
Later on it was found out that this person (Mr. Amere) has been storing all Arms and Ammunitions for LLTE under his grocery and named as the chief organizer for the area.
This little incident goes to show that how organized the LTTE were on achieving their malicious goals.
I would like to ask the question as to why none of these human rights watch dogs are talking about what LTTE has done for innocent civilians, Buddhist monks other helpless and innocent victims. Why are they not there in Iraq when thousands of innocent civilians die every day due to war? I do not understand why EU is trying to drag our country in to more misery by not extending GSP+ agreement.
I would strongly suggest EU to re-consider their decision on not ex-tending the agreement. If this does not happen hundreds of thousands of jobs will be at stake and country will plunge in to more poverty. We might see an increase of crime and ordinary life will be threatened which will lead to a chaotic situation in the country.
I hope decision makers of EU are fully aware of the actual facts happening in Sri-Lanka rather than depending some pro LTTE reports given by pro LTTE NGOS and making decisions.
lisa:
3-Sep-2008
3-Sep-2008
do it if you think it would make a difference take that day to pray and ask GOD to help us cause we cannot do this by ourselves
Mr. Say it Loud:
3-Sep-2008
3-Sep-2008
I am not quite sure if these political parties are only interested in swaying public opinion for vote gains. There were a series of workshops and sessions held in Antigua on the EPA through the Ministry of Finance (Trade) where issues around the EPA were explored and explained by the negotiators themselves. Nobody from these same political parties attended these sessions. It therefore comes as a big surprise that the same political party that does not have the EPA Text, that did not attend the sensitization seminars, that has not consulted or taken part and interest during the consultation phase, is now calling for a renegotiation of the EPA. Do these people know what the contents in the EPA are? NO! Yet they are calling on governments to renegotiate- what? Reading through unsubstantiated reports by some respected academicians from the region doesnot do the region good.
There are of course some few issues that Governments may seek to have an audience for review with the EU. Refgional Preference clause is one. But to ask for renegotiation when these negotiations are built on more than 4 years of preparations is an outright joke. People did not want/take interest to know about the EPA yet when the signing is now imminent, those same uninformed/misinformed/disinformed people are swaying public opinion by unsubstantiated claims and fallacies in seeking to derail the process. In negotiations you don’t stand to get everything you put on the table. NO! Else they would cease to be negotiations. You gain some and lose some. I guess the regional negotiators had their Best Alternative to a Negotiated EPA Deal which was necessarily NOT A WALK AWAY Strategy! Walk away would be suicidal...nioble minds know that for those countries that export anything to the EU.
What people and these political parties should put their energy on or should have done is to conscientize their political party leaders to move the CSME process ahead because it is the same committments and some extra that member states would have to deal with under the EPA. Rather than moving with the times and adjusting and alligning themselves with the regional integration movement, some political parties have just stayed quiet and hoping time will solve the region’s problems. It does not work like that in a globalised world. Things change and it is not only changes within CARICOM that have an impact on the existence and functionalities of CARICOM as a regional single space, it takes external affairs (that are exogenous to the regional integration process)as well to decide on the course of regional integration that could be optimal for CARICOM. Therefore, there is every need for CARICOM to position itself in terms of changes in global trends and time waits for no man! The EPA is not coming from nowhere.
CARICOM Members as parties to the WTO know very well the kind of historical build up from the Lomes through the Cotonou arrangement and getting a WTO waiver etc in 2001. All these developments need to be put in context and be accorded their rightful place and not find scapegoats in the conduct of the negotiations by the CRNM and associated negotiators of the EPA. CARICOM countries had from 2004 to deal with the EPA yet some political parties are saying they have no idea what the EPA is all about. This is an issue about livelihoods and seeking to protect both offensive and defensive interests of the region, while aiming to maximise on opportunities in the EU market and securing the much needed development support. The EPA would not be a perfect agreement but it lays good foundation for moving forward. I would be surprised to understand that these same political leaders do not know the CRNM website...where the EPA Text is readily available plus all annexes..free of charge. Just opening that to read...most politicians do not have the time..all they are waiting for is the opportune time to scare voters about losing their livelihoods and being impovcerished by the EPA. The ideal right now should be building the neccessary infrastructure, proper domestic legislation and practices and structures for the actual EPA implementation while trying to put in place mechanism that make sure the region does not stay behind in terms of capturing development opportunities.
Like I said earlier, time waits for no man! Pretty soon, if the region does not sign onto the EPA, I would be very glad to hear what these same politicians would put on the table in place of the duties that all Caribbean CARIFORUM products would have to pay to access the EU market. I would also want them to share with their constituencies, where they would get the development support aimed at promoting reform of the discriminatory trade relationship (ACP-EU) within the WTO Framework. I would also be willing to hear from them how they are going to sell the idea that there ceases to be in existence the same kind of bilateral cooperation bewteen this region and the EU, which, for over the years has sustained the largest donor financing relationship with her former colonies in the whole world. Much more could be said here and more and more questions could be asked to the same politicians who should be begged to stop confusing the public....no vote yet for the EPA. The vote is for the ALTERNATIVE. No deal could be an ALTERNATIVE too, yet as politicians I do not think that will be the best sell to their constituencies. Nobody can stomach that!! Adios
Hema Bedasie:
2-Sep-2008
2-Sep-2008
Great idea, but everyone must show solidarity so that there will be a total shutdown. Many protests have fallen on deaf ears it seems, but that does not mean that we must give up and stop trying. Voicing one’s opinions is a way to effect change. We can’t just sit back and do nothing.
2-Sep-2008
Costa Rica, teniendo los mejores precios del mundo en telefonia, con pago posterior, entrega a las transnacionales todo esa riqueza. Se acabo la bonanza con los servicios telefonicos, que era el orgullo del Instituto Nacional de Electricidad, para que tegnologias de punta a precios altos, pudiendo mantener una empresa estatal, que le permitia a los costarricenses el acceso a la telefonia a precios muy bajos. Los pueblos tienen derecho a equivocarse, espero que tambien sepan aceptar su error, ya que no hay vuelta de pagina.
Ya iniciaron su trabajo corrupto esas compañias al no presentarse a la Licitacion Publica para 1400000 de lineas de tercera generacion, lo cual cubria el 70% de las necesidades actuales, ya que al otorgarse el ICE esas lineas, dejaba fuera de mercado a los grandes capitales.
El analisis de la telefonia fue una parte de lo que me permitio presentarme en el referendum con una negativa al tratado de comercio.
Carlos Roberto Martinez Ulloa
Juro decir la verdad y nada mas que la verdad
1-Sep-2008
As this is an important issue, it is also important to get the facts straight:
The procedure in connection with this decision (Decision 689) indeed is problematic. A 2am vote, not unanimous, and a "flexibility" that contravenes the very idea of regional harmonization.
However, the content of the decision is far less dramatic that the Bolivian government suggests, and the frustration of the other CAN members is therefore understandable. The decision allows for ten specific changes members may make on the national level. Five concern patent law. Three of them are procedural and not really significant. One allows for the extension of the patent term to compensate for delays in the examination process. This is potentially problematic, but mitigated by the fact that a) there are not many such delays and b) the extension is specifically excluded for pharmaceutical patents. The last flexibiliy is the option to introduce the Bolar exception, i.e. the right to conduct clinical research during the patent term. The Bolar exception is one of the central demands of those concerned with over-protection of pharmaceutical patents, and it is surprising that the Bolivian governent opposed this change which restricts patent rights.
The other five flexibilities concern trademarks. Again, three concern procedural questions. One allows for border measures in cases of goods in transition through the country (and not fo imports), also no dramatic provision. The interesting flexibility affects the relationship between trademarks and geographical indications and must be seen within the battle between the US and the EU about their respective protection systems.
There are many critical issues regarding the PTPA. The Decision 689 is not one of them.
Matt Lennon:
1-Sep-2008
1-Sep-2008
Mister Lennon, your attitude is misguided and not quite potent in terms of rationale. Africa lacks basic financial cloud to stand or dissuade predatory stance on their economies. Those adopting a blind eye on these issues are equally responsible for the ills of this poor continent by implicit resignation.
Andrew Marr
London, UK
Matt Lennon:
1-Sep-2008
1-Sep-2008
Why should we care if Africans themselves are happy with such agreements? No one can help someone who does not help himself. There is no alternatives to one’s goodwill. Perhaps, future african generations will dispute these agreements. That’s my take on the whole issue.
Albert Leveque:
1-Sep-2008
1-Sep-2008
Dear Mr Ly,
Your article is quite pertinent. I cannot bring myself to understanding why the other western nations should keep silent in front of these blatant and baffling violations of free trade principles? Perhaps, you can shed some light on that for the humble minds such as mine. Well done for the invaluable input provided by this unique contribution.
Sincerely
Albert Leveque
Cleveland, OHIO, USA
Mickey Mouse:
31-Aug-2008
31-Aug-2008
i have a question about importing US beef.
Why are the Koreans saying that US beef is dangerous?
Aren’t there any more solid proof than the fact that one person died of the Mad Cow Disease in the US?
And how are the US fighting back?
Is there any proof that US beef isn’t dangerous?
CHANDRA SEKHAR JANI:
30-Aug-2008
30-Aug-2008
yes India-ASEAN FTA not to hit Southern formers, Commerce and Industry minister Kamal Nath says that the India is a Peace loving country . why India’s foreign policy provides hit in the southern formers.India’s relation with ASEAN is a policy of Economic policy.
India is the Golden Hen of the ASEAN. India’s" Look East Policy" is always says that the ASEAN and india’s economic growing in the influnce of ASEAN.
28-Aug-2008
Tienes toda la razon en que somos paises hermanos, la verdad antes de conocer Colombia ya sentia amor por Colombia y ahora que Dios me permitio conocerla la quiero aun mas... Saludos al pueblo colombiano.
28-Aug-2008
Definitivamente mi apreciada Cruz Alfaro usted no esta pensando claro creyendo q otro estado puede venir y resolver nuestros problemas internos como pais cuando no necesitamos de ese tipo de tratados para hacer conciencia y cuidar nuestros recursos y a nuestra gente si usted esta pensando q aqui en Honduras no hay gente capaz de hacer y ejecutar un programa de educacion favorable o de tener medicos capaces o cualquier otro profesional con fundamentos, por q mejor no buscamos a buenos dirigentes politicos q verdaderamente estan interesados y comprometidos en la mejora de nuestro pais no a la bola de corruptos q probable usted escogio para q la gobernaran e incluso no necesitamos depender de norteamerica ni declararlo como enemigo cuando apuesto a q usted tiene mas de algun conocido q ayuda a su familia desde alla y recuerde q tambien de norteamerica vienen brigadas medicas a curar a su gente en las montañas..........ya dejen de estar votando por politicos mediocres q se dejan influenciar por violadores y asaltantes en sus propios paises, recuerde los conflictos en Venezuela por desempleo y en Nicaragua con las guerrillas.......sabe usted q en Cuba las mujeres se protituyen por una barra de jabon o pasta dental..........como creen ustedes q estos bolivarianos van a venir influir en nuestro pais q es tan pacifico???.
Kalenga Kakompe:
28-Aug-2008
28-Aug-2008
The question here is who benefits more in free trade? Is it the dieing small business or the majority of people in a nation? International Economic theory
points out that any kind of restricted international trade results in dead weight losses, but free trade ensures that the most efficient means of production
are achieved. Why do small inefficient businesses die? It is because people now prefer to buy cheaper and quality goods. The objective is to satisfy the
consumer and not to save the life of a small business owned by one individual. The small business community’s losses as a result FTA put together can
not be compared to the benefits that the entire population gains. You go beyond focusing on businesses owned by certain nationals but on the region as being one. This is nature My brother. Small things must die to pave way for bigger ones for the better.
JULIO TEJADA:
28-Aug-2008
28-Aug-2008
Solamente quisiera cuestionar a las personas que comentan acerca del error de Zelaya.. si los Estados Unidos nos ofrecen alguna alternativa al ALBA, para poder salir de la desgracia en que se encuenttra Honduras..? Mientras prevalezca la filosofia de dependencia de Estados UNidos, juntos nos iremos
de picada en la declinante economia del imperio y su caida: la cual es vertiginosa y ni Obama, ni Clinton, tienen la capacidad de recuperar, ya que es una
conflagracion que emana de circulos de politica oscuros que puignan por un nuevo orden mundial.
Los niveles de pobreza en Honduras y el resto de la region son historicos, y para los Estados U nidos es muy conveniente mantenernos bajo una tutela dependiente economica y financieramente (BID, FMI, Etc), sin contar con los condici0onamientos financieros que nos propone la Europa Neocolonial, que dentro del contexto mismo de explotacion que Estados Unidos, no nos ofrecen un aliciente [para hacer reformas y politicas econoimicas que se traduzcan en beneficios para el pueblo.
La reaccion de la oligarquia era de esperar; lo mismo que la campana mediatica reaccionaria de la prensa condicionada al imperio y sus demandas
servilistas. Centroamerica, nunca ha salido de la miseria. Los derechos ciudadanos han sido vulnerados al antojo de los politicos pagados por las oligarquias y transnacionales. La Hora de liberacion ha llegado para el pueblo HOndureno, y consecuentemente esperamos que el resto de Centroamerica se una al consenso de principios de la Alternativa Bolivariana de los Pueblos ALBA. NO AL ALCA. Estados Unidos Fuera de Centroemerica. La Hora llego.
Meditest:
27-Aug-2008
27-Aug-2008
Es un idiota, en Costa Rica habemos clientes que durante mas de dos años no podemos acceder a telefonia fija por que el ICE es una porqueria, en cambio tenemos que pagar altas tarifas de celular, ese Merino es un oportunista que viene a mover personas que no saben ni de los que estan hablando.
6-Sep-2008
The project that is being embarked upon has seen to show very little or no effect at all so far to my knowledge. Discussion among business community and investors both from India and Japan who are keen to participate in this wonderful project, following were main issues that is harming the progress of the project.
– land acquisition along the route by center / state government
– no formal treaty signed so far on this for clear guidelines on commitment and legalization
– no effective nodal authority formed for proper co-ordination
– no clear picture emerges on the participation of the respective state governments with the center
– no project authority has been announce so far
I would be grateful to the users, who could validate what I had opined above and share valuable data , information on this front for the benefit of the investing and business community as a whole.
I sincerely wish wise minds get together in the interest of both the countries and get involved with some serious discussions so that a proper treaty is signed at the soonest. The CEPA is already due this year end / early 09. Our Commerce Minister may like to speed up the negotiations which are apparently in its final stages so that a viable agreement is in place before the cost escalation eats up on the viability of the whole project.
The positive economic effects of this project need not be elaborated too much which is quite impressive from all angles. There can not be any place for negative thoughts, political pulls for this project would benefit one and all.