Special interest groups are preparing mass protests and demonstrations to oppose the launch of a new trade round at the World Trade Organization's ministerial meeting in Seattle in November. The International Chamber of Commerce, representing thousands of businesses of every size and sector around the world, is convinced that the gradual emergence of a global market economy will bring enormous benefits to mankind in the 21st century. Technology and the global market place have opened up prospects for personal advancement that were undreamed of only a few years ago. The internet provides limitless scope for forging business links and makes information instantly available. Falling transport costs are conquering distance and increasing people's mobility.
Consumers are able to buy products from all parts of the world at competitive prices.
As these web pages will demonstrate, the benefits of globalization are already apparent, reflected in increased trade, greater availability and variety of goods, higher living standards, and the transfer of technology. ICC accepts that, just as democracy needs rules in order to function well, so does the global economy. The challenge is to find the right balance between rules and freedom. Now we intend to present the case for the global economy, and how business is facing up to its challenges, on a special section of the ICC web site. We shall include our own statements as well as references to relevant articles and quotations that have been published elsewhere.