WTO Public Forum 2006

Forum Talkback

I do not think RTAs should be seen in isolation. Rather their potential contribution to development must be seen in the context of the broader policy framework,directions and implimentation of the countries in question. Membership in supranational organizations, Wto or RTAs, may be necesary but not sufficient for positive development outcomes. Countries need to put more emphasis on their domestic reform initiatives rather than putting all their \"development eggs\" only in the RTA basket. [view message]

Professor Moses N. Kiggundu at 19:05 on 10/5/06

It is actually bilateral/regional trade talks leads to creation of multilateralism. Why don\'t you consider regionalism like federalism existing in democratic countries like USA, India, etc.? Do you think this federal nature threats the existence of these countries? Let the negotiations for RTAs continue under the WTO set up. That is the best way to strengthen multilateralism [view message]

Joby Joseph, Research Fellow, Rubber Research Institute of India, <a href=\"mailto:jobyjm@gmail.com\">jobyjm@gmail.com</a> at 6:16 on 9/27/06

RTAs (and the APEC framework) are threats to the WTO because of their quickly resolved negotiations and great successes in enhanced trade and gorwth outcomes especially in Asia in recent years. Major developed countries (eg, US) have now signed RTAs. While the WTO objectives are good in a neo-classical context, they are mostly unachievable in practice. Recent academic reports show that the WTO does not significantly increase trade. See http://www.staff.vu.edu.au/CSESBL/. [view message]

Prof Tran Van Hoa at 2:21 on 9/27/06

Please enter your comments here... [view message]

WTOadmin at 10:39 on 9/22/06