Canuck wrote:
"The agricultural subsidies that the US and Europe provides to it's own agriculture sector is keeping 3rd world countries mired in poverty."
Exactly. And when do you think the US and Europe will lift those sudsidies?
Honestly? Seeing how the Republicans have f'ed everything up, and are on their way towards giving the Democrats control of every single government institution - not any time soon. The Democrats have never been a fan of opening up global trade.
As far as Europe goes - I can't see them giving up their socialist ways, the ag subsidies are there to stay.
And I apologize - it is the Doha trade talks - not the Davos trade talks.
The unfortunate thing is the free trade deals being made at the moment are almost totally designed for the benefit of first world countries. They mainly involve the free flow of money and intellectual property. Guess who's worried about those things. There is a lot of hollerin' and cryin' here about Oz having an FT deal with US while we don't. However sensible people point out that the sort of deal Oz has is completely useless for them and would be even worse for us.
Interesting to hear you say that only 1st world countries are concerned about money movement and intellectual property. I would say these are the very first things needed to develop the 3rd world. Money has to move in to 3rd world countries in order for factories to be built, for natural resources to be developed, etc... It's the leading edge of development. As far intellectual property goes, if a company's IP isn't protected in a certain country - they're not going to get involved with that country, so that money flow is stopped.
