Pascal Lamy, Head of the WTO
I first learned about the Doha Development Round for the World Trade Organization when I was studying abroad at the Danish School of Journalism in Denmark. The round began in 2001 with a meeting in Doha, Qatar. The Doha trade agreements aim to lower agricultural subsidies in developed countries. Many developing countries view these subsidies as trade barriers. The major developing countries in Doha are India, Brazil, China, and South Africa.
According to WTO reports the U.S. and the EU each contributed a little more than a third of the total subsidies in 2001. Most recently, Doha negotiations broke down in July of 2008 because the U.S., China, and India could not agree on agriculture import laws.
If passed, Doha would revolutionize world trade. It would open up developing markets even more, allow great use of patented medicines by the developing world, and increase our dependence on developing countries. For example, we could import sugar for ethanol from South America instead of using corn made in Illinois. Of course, farmers in states like Illinois do not like Doha.
Right now, the U.S. imposes heavy taxes on sugar imports to make sure that we protect those farmers in Illinois and the Midwest.
It was fascinating to attend the World Trade Committee steering group overseas. Many people are either pro or anti-Doha. Many socialists and human rights activists say Doha will ruin the culture of developing countries by putting Wal-Mart in tiny rural African villages. They say Doha will replace African markets with Target. Pro-Doha activists say that Doha will increase the wealth and prosperity of the developing world. It will increase job opportunity and improve health for children around the world.
Most recently, G20 leaders pledged to complete the Doha Development Round.
What do you think?
