A report released last week raises serious questions about the trade policies being pursued under Ireland’s EU presidency, say development activists.
A report released last week raises serious questions about the trade policies being pursued under Ireland’s EU presidency, say development activists.
The report, titled ‘The Free Trade Trap’, was received by Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello, who is also currently chair of the EU Council of Development Ministers, ahead of a meeting of that council in Dublin to discuss major issues such as the new global development framework.
According to activists with the Liberia Solidarity Group, the report reveals how Irish and EU trade policies are “destabilising” development – and illustrates the need for “equitable” trade policies across a variety of sectors, to ensure that trade does not undermine either development or government aid programmes.
“Trade policies are destroying local economies and forcing local business and industry into a race to the bottom as they seek to compete with powerful transnational corporations,” said Jacinta Fay of the Liberia Solidarity Group.
“We urge the government to support a restructuring of trade agreements and ensure trade, agriculture, energy and climate change policies guarantee sustainable development.”
