The World Trade Organization
Presented by
Leah Maurer
WTO’s View on Benefits
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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
WTO’s View on
Misunderstandings
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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
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
My Concerns
• It’s 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 country’s value may be another country’s
barrier
• Historically, commercial interests have taken
priority over the environment, health, and safety
• Governments have to act in the WTO’s interests
first and the public interest second or face stiff
penalties
Further Discussion?