The international
trade deliberation was one that was met with a lot of opposition from all
countries involved. The perceived inefficiencies of the World Trade
Organization in its ability to conclude the existing Doha Round negotiations
was a very pervasive topic throughout the two days. Given the complexities of
International trade, it was very difficult to develop any sort of policy or
recommendations that could eventually provide positive outcomes for all parties
involved.
For example,
developing nations such as Argentina and Mexico were adamant that developed
economies were at fault for the ineffectiveness of the Doha round as they
refuse to stop providing agricultural subsidies to farmers (in turn making
foreign agricultural goods uncompetitive). In contrast, however, developed
nations such as the United States, Germany and Italy were quite vocal in their
belief that China and India’s ability to evaluate their own currency due to
their “developing economy” status was unfair as they are able to control the value
of their currency and make their goods cheaper to the global market.
All in all, I
believe youth were able to come together and develop viable solutions to
certain key issues within the international trade context. Despite significant
differences of opinions on various topics, the following sums up youth
sentiment on the topic perfectly -
“Prior to embarking on the development of
international trade solutions that are all encompassing of every nation, we the
youth believe that decision makers today need to understand that future
generations will be even further inter-twined and connected than we are today.
As a result, it is important that we begin thinking in the overall well-being
of the human race and less about the interests of our individual nations.
Self-reliance is not necessarily a benefit, it is understood that being further
integrated will afford extreme benefits and welfare to the global population.
We encourage the global community to provide support and cooperation to
developing and less developed countries in order to help them reach developed
status.”
