The OECD , has released a new publication where it call for ' Better Trade Policies. The publication at the below link is well worth read and passing onto those involved in or interested in trade and trade policies, and arguing for better input for communities, respect for labour and the environment as well as skills , training and more . The publication provides some good quotes and actions that Unions, Society and those lobbying for better , balanced and "fair trade" can use !
The publication , points out a range of issues including -
- strategic investments in education, skills, innovation, and physical infrastructure, along with supportive labour market policies,
- all businesses adhere to high standards of conduct, that labour and environmental standards are respected,
- Policies also need to recognize that jobs and livelihoods will be disrupted, whether due to new trade and investment flows, new technologies, or for other reasons, and that people can need help to adjust.
- Targeted social safety mechanisms can assist families through this transition.
- Inclusion is also about having a voice, and trade and investment policy-making can be made more open, allowing more people to inform and to be informed by the debate, and to feel a greater sense of confidence that the decisions made will benefit them.
"Even as the pace of global trade growth has been slowing, public scepticism about the benefits of trade, and of globalisation more generally, has been growing. While the causes of this scepticism are diverse, the consequences are clear – governments and societies risk forgoing the benefits of open markets if current inequalities, in particular within countries, are not addressed, and if trust in international economic co-operation is not restored.
In this context, OECD work on trade policy aims to address the policy priorities of its member and partner countries and seeks to anticipate key emerging issues. The Organisation places a high priority on enabling a frank exchange on concerns about trade, and on moving towards a new consensus to ensure that all parts of our societies benefit more equitably from trade. "
" Creating environments where expected benefits can materialise. Policies can help to create the conditions at home that allow the potential benefits of open markets and technological progress to materialise. This can mean strategic investments in education, skills, innovation, and physical infrastructure, along with supportive labour market policies, well-functioning financial systems, effective public institutions and predictable rule of law. Effective domestic policies can equip more people to benefit from evolving economic opportunities. Governments can also act individually and collectively to reduce unnecessary costs that policies can unintentionally impose on individuals and firms. Improving inefficient customs procedures and addressing regulatory inefficiencies, including restrictions on services suppliers that underpin efficient manufacturing sectors, can be particularly beneficial.
Bringing everyone along. Policies also need to recognize that jobs and livelihoods will be disrupted, whether due to new trade and investment flows, new technologies, or for other reasons, and that people can need help to adjust. Targeted social safety mechanisms can assist families through this transition. Inclusion is also about having a voice, and trade and investment policy-making can be made more open, allowing more people to inform and to be informed by the debate, and to feel a greater sense of confidence that the decisions made will benefit them.
Harnessing international cooperation tools. How countries manage their trade and investment relations is part of the larger web of economic interactions among countries. Building a more inclusive global trade and investment system requires integrating existing international cooperation, whether this is reflected in legally-binding multilateral agreements, voluntary guidelines and codes of conduct, ‘best endeavour’ measures, or simply shared commitments to improve policy transparency and dialogue. Increased co-operation can help ensure that international trade and investment are governed by fair rules and that all businesses adhere to high standards of conduct, that labour and environmental standards are respected, that cross-border tax arrangements are transparent and fair, that corruption is combatted, and that financial markets function effectively."
The full publication can be down loaded at -
http://www.oecd.org/tad/policynotes/oecd-trade-brochure.pdf?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%22Towards%20Better%20Trade%20Policies%22&utm_campaign=New%20OECD%20Trade%20Brochure%20-%20Feb%202017&utm_term=demo
