U.S. warns WTO global trade talks "hurtling towards irrelevance"

[alp227]

Source: Reuters

The United States launched a blistering attack on fellow World Trade Organization member states on Thursday for failing to do more to cut global barriers to trade, criticizing India in particular for trying to introduce a "massive new loophole".

"The time has come to speak bluntly," U.S. ambassador Michael Punke told his counterparts at the Geneva-based body. "We must not sit idly by as the WTO's negotiating function hurtles towards irrelevance."

Ambassadors to the 159-member WTO were meeting to review progress towards a possible deal to be signed in Bali in December, which would cut red tape from customs procedures, adding as much as $1 trillion to global trade.

At the insistence of developing countries who objected to having to shoulder most of the burden of the red-tape reforms, a Bali agreement would also include limited reforms to rules on food and agriculture and special treatment for poor countries.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/11/us-wto-negotiations-idUSBRE93A0HB20130411

[SamKnause]

1. WTO

I wish someone, or some organization would warn the U.S. to get it's house in order and mind it's own business.

The U.S. economy can not handle any more U.S. government and corporate written 'free trade' agreements.

The workers of the U.S. can't handle any more U.S. government and corporate written 'free trade' agreements.

The workers from around the globe can't handle any more U.S. government and corporate written 'free trade' agreements.

These 'free trade' agreements should be called what they truly are; Trash the planet and starve the workers agreements !

[byeya]

2. Many coutries built up their basic industries by using tariffs and trade barriers until

these industries were able to handle the competition.

Selective use of tarriffs is a positive thing.

[limpyhobbler]

3. .

[daleo]

4. Irrelevance can be ok