International Trade

Not all that is trade glitters 0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 14/08/2018
The fifth round of negotiations between the EU and Indonesia on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was held in Brussels in July 2018. Despite being at early stages, the negotiations prompted heated debate and strong opposition from international NGOs, as the Commission has poorly addressed major issues related to environmental and labour standards, as well as sustainable investment and development.
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Chlorine chicken on British plates?0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 29/05/2018
Back when I was living in Vietnam, I bought and cooked a pale looking chicken, which left large rashes over my hands. I never got to know what exactly caused this reaction, but this experience reinforced my cautiousness regarding transformed foodstuff and my aversion for chlorine chicken. This feeling is shared by many across Europe, including in the UK where 82% of the population recently declared they would rather ditch a trade deal with the US than let chlorine chicken into their plates. However, this agreement is very likely to happen, and citizens may not have a say in the matter.
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Environment & trade agreements: a peaceful coexistence?0
- Environment and Energy, International Trade, Op-ed
- 20/04/2018
Trade facilitation enhances environmental degradation, and this has to be addressed by policy makers. The noxious impact of trade on the environment is undeniable: it generates pollution through transportation (one of the most harmful economic sectors) and by fostering large-scale production for greater growth.
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A troubled journey ahead: Theresa May’s trade bill 0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 21/03/2018
The House of Commons is currently reviewing a package of laws, introduced over the last year by Theresa May’s government, which will have a major impact on the post-Brexit future of the United Kingdom. The European Union, the Taxation and the Trade bills will implement the legal framework for exiting the European Union. Trade is one of the key issues the UK is facing – as it leaves the European Union, it will lose the benefits of over 40 trade agreements which account for almost 25% of UK’s exports outside of the EU. This law will ensure the transition out of the European common commercial policy and should minimize the impact of Brexit on UK’s economy. However, the government’s project is inherently flawed and is facing resistance as it passes through the legislative process.
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International Trade by the People, for the People 0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 17/03/2018
Inequality is rising, wages are declining, local businesses are dying, and poverty remains; resources are being exhausted and climate change is destroying ecosystems whilst increasing the magnitude of natural disasters. Meanwhile, international trade deals that exasperate all of these problems continue to be agreed behind closed doors. In the name of profit, power and domination, the world’s rich elite continue to ensure our planet’s resources and wealth remain monopolised in their hands whilst presenting us with a glossy façade of global trade deals as essential for our prosperity. It is against this backdrop that voices have been raised in Malaysia, demanding trade agreements incorporate a radical, pro-people, pro-environment ‘people’s charter’.
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Sacrificing sovereignty and human potential in the name of economic growth 0
- International Trade, Op-ed, Social and Economic Policy
- 14/02/2018
Why are countries so gripped in their quest for economic growth that they are empowering multinational corporations at the expense of their citizens? Instead of signing one-sided Bilateral Investment Treaties that chisel away at their domestic sovereignty, these countries should consider dropping their fixation with BITs, and focus on other ways in which to encourage mutually beneficial investment in sectors crucial to sustainable, pro-poor development.
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