23 October, 2007IMF discusses with Brazilian Government and employers the impact of trade liberalisation on industrial jobs and development
BRAZIL: The IMF Working Party on Trade met in Brasilia on 26-28 September 2007. Parallel meetings were held with Government and employers' representatives and with the leadership of the IMF affiliates in Brazil, in consideration of the key role that this country is playing in trade negotiations and in the G20 alliance. Developments in the negotiation of bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) - between USA and South Korea, Panama and Peru, Canada and South Korea, and the Mercosul and the EU -- were the focus theme of the agenda.
The impasse in the Doha Round negotiations raised concern for the inadequate consideration that negotiators are showing of the development and employment repercussions, particularly in more vulnerable countries, the quality of jobs that increased trade may generate and the respect of fundamental rights.
Trends in trade with China and the fast growing role of this country in Asia, Africa and Latin America were discussed. The trade policy of the European Union was analysed in the light of the differing positions and interests of its member countries.
A panel composed by leading members of the Brazilian business community and the chief trade negotiator Minister Roberto Azevedo gave the WP members the opportunity for a lively debate on the trade, social and labour agenda of Brazil and the G20. At a meeting with Minister Luiz Dulci the social and labour market policies and the measures against poverty adopted by the Brazilian Government were analysed.
In their conclusions and recommendations WP members reiterated the importance of regular exchanges between the IMF affiliates, and of improved collaboration with other GUFs and with the ITUC Geneva office. Survey and analysis of China's trade should be continued in all regions. Dialogue should be promoted between IMF affiliates of Mercosul and EU countries on trade negotiations. A sectoral focus should be adopted in future analysis of FTAs. The IMF should demand an extension of the deadline and a review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The next meeting should be held in India to continue dialogue with G20 countries. Dialogue on priorities and methods for the achievement of the trade union demand for the respect of labour rights to be incorporated in trade rules needs to be further developed among IMF affiliates.
Presentations and materials from the meeting are available on the IMF site.