Businesses and the WTO

A new page on the WTO website caught my attention. It was titled "Business, trade and the WTO". The rationale given for it was:

"Business, trade and the WTO have always been closely connected. The biggest beneficiary of transparent and predictable trade rules and obligations is the private sector. Without business, there would be no trade and no WTO. Business is an important interlocutor for both governments and the WTO. It is actively involved in the multilateral trading system and participates in public activities of the WTO."

I have written about this issue here and here.

Recognition of the importance of multiple stakeholders or the inability of governments to represent "all" stakeholder interests? 

Of stakeholders and interests at the WTO

I had earlier blogged about a business survey conducted by the WTO to access how businesses feel about the WTO here. A more recent meeting took place reported here.

Pascal Lamy recently commenting on it said:

"What really makes this year’s exercise unique is the information from the private sector. More than 600 replies have been received so far and still counting. Particularly impressive though is the geographic spread. The replies have come in from over 120 countries and territories, from Antigua to Zimbabwe. But some are still missing; notably from several partner countries that replied in 2011. The final cut off is the end of this month and I would urge you to get your reply in.  And beware!  You may find that even if your government has not replied, your private sector has."

Another step by the WTO to broaden the base of stakeholder involvement? Today, governments are the only representative of varied stakeholder business interests at the multilateral institution. In dispute settlement, it is the State that represents the interests even though major business interests may be impacted. is there scope for more private sector involvement? Is the WTO attempting to create that window of opportunity to directly reach out to the business community? How will member country governments react? Should affected, private businesses have a greater role in the dispute settlement process? Should they bear the cost of litigation hen their interests are affected? Should public funds be used to protect private business interests? While the need for multi stakeholder consultations and involvement at the domestic level is a given, who should represent State interests at the international level? Many contend that multiple voices of civil society, business and non-state representatives should be heard. Others argue that they should be heard through the prism of the State since they may not be as representative as they claim to be but pursue their self interest. A debate of representation that is going to stay for some time.

Trade Compliance Center - National interest and businesses

I had earlier blogged about the Direct Line program of the US State Department which essentially assisted US businesses to keep in touch with government on issues that effect them internationally. The Trade Compliance Center (TCC) in the US Department of Commerce is another agency that assists US businesses to ensure that Trade Agreements are used to further their national interests.It is the focal point for monitoring foreign compliance with trade agreements to se that "US firms and workers" get the maximum benefits from these agreements.It is projected as the "one stop-shop" for getting US government assistance in resolving trade barriers or unfair situations businesses encounter in foreign markets.

Another example of how business interests are seen as national interest? Do developing countries have this kind of support mechanisms for their businesses?

Hat tip to R.V.Anuradha  for bringing this to my notice...