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The People's Caravan 2000 – Land and Food Without Poisons!

Trade Liberalisation Still Forging Ahead with Dangerous Consequences for Developing Countries Bilateral and regional trade agreements forged by the United States (US) outside multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) – to protect its own market and advance its interests – has alarmed various non governmental organisations and civil society groups across the globe.

These agreements, merely promising illusory benefits, are highly inequitable and cause for concern says Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN AP), a coalition of over 150 groups in 18 countries.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the victory obtained by civil society groups at the historic "Battle of Seattle" in halting further trade liberalisation is quickly being eroded. The reforms being obtained by the US are the same reforms fiercely opposed by developing countries at the last ministerial meeting of the WTO in Seattle.

The US, unsuccessful in Seattle in linking labour issues to trade, has successfully included this issue in a recent agreement with Cambodia and through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which became US law in May 2000. The latter demands that African countries guarantee international labour standards and sets a minimum age for child labour.

"While we support labour standards, we believe they should not be linked to trade. The linkage of labour to trade is clearly a protectionist instrument. The proper fora for discussion of labour standards is the International Labour Organisation", said Sarojeni Rengam, Executive Director of PAN AP.

Through the AGOA, the US also requires African countries to minimise government interference in economic matters. Martin Khor, Director of Third World Network pointed out that these requirements " very much constrain a country's ability to set its own balanced policy or strategy in relation to the government's role in the economy."

To alert and caution developing countries on these recent developments, PAN AP together with its partners in India, Bangladesh and the Philippines is organising "The People's Caravan – Citizens on the Move for Land and Food Without Poisons!" from November 13-30.

The People's Caravan will highlight how such agreements, purportedly providing benefits, will in fact lead to developing countries and its people suffering at the mercy of TNCs – the real winners.

The reforms obtained by the US sets a dangerous precedent for poor countries to sign trade agreements with developed countries that promise to make them globally competitive on the world market.

"If one takes a closer look, it is clear that these agreements have one thing in common – the US has successfully managed to obtain market access for its goods while protecting its own markets from cheaper goods from these developing countries", Ms. Rengam said.

The People's Caravan, travelling through India, Bangladesh and the Philippines will culminate in Manila on November 30 with a celebration of activities to commemorate "One Year Since Seattle".

Thanks, The organisers

Rural Reconstruction Nepal-RRN
(NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations)
P.O.Box: 8130, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: 977-1-415418/422153
Fax: 977-1-418296

October 30, 2000