Last week I began a two-part look at why critics are protesting the policies and at times the very existence of the World Trade Organization. The Seattle agenda will include old business and new proposals. Both existing and proposed free trade agreements have extensive opposition.
Agreement covers patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
Agreement is the WTO's food safety agreement. Its prohibitions on cautious science and labeling have led directly to the European Union hormone-fed beef standoff. SPS also has enormous implications for biotechnology and genetically modified foods. GATS has overseen the globalization of the banking, insurance, and data management industries. Further GATS agreements are expected to push hard for the privatization of education, public health, and other services normally associated with the public sector.