Ending corruption in the developing world and transition societies is not easy. We are encouraged by the recognition of African officials at the U.S.-Africa Ministerial that corruption is the enemy of development and must be tackled. The free flow of goods and services and market-oriented policies remains the wisest course to promoting future economic growth and development. Further liberalization and market access for agriculture, services, and industrial goods, and greater protection for intellectual property remain our top goals. But, if we are to succeed in continuing to open markets for U.S. exports then we must have all the tools necessary such as fast track authority.
Globalization is here to stay.
We would ignore at our peril the economic and political disruptions as well as popular backlashes caused by financial crises and rapid integration. As we work our way out of the current global financial crisis, mitigating such hardships, while ensuring that all peoples share in globalization's benefits, must be our abiding and motivating goal. Ambassador Eizenstat was a member of the ODC Board before leaving to serve as Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs. This is an edited version of an address Ambassador Eizenstat gave at ODC's board meeting in Washington, D.C., in March 1999. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the ODC as an organization or its individual officers, Board, Council, or staff members.