Many of us know that the world trade talks are starting in Hongkong sometime today. I am eagerly waiting for the results of this talks but I don't think I should be so hopeful cuz looking at the past talks, we can easily predict that the rich countries will get what they want whereas the poor countries will just return home empty-handed. But anyways, this is an opportunity for rich countries to commit to make free trade work for poor countries.

Oxfam has put forward some really good ideas:

1. An end date to the kinds of subsidies, which encourage rich countries to overproduce their crops and dump them on the world market. These subsidies make it extremely difficult for small-scale farmers in developing countries to make money off their own crops.

2. The space for developing countries to decide if, when, and how quickly they open up their own markets.

3. Meaningful increases in access to rich country markets for the poorest countries.

These steps could reduce poverty by removing barriers that keep poor countries from competing fairly in the global marketplace. So, let's just hope that things will be better for many poor people around the world as a result of this talk and also keep ourselves updated.

Peace!

Dutchy_bunch,
Hong Kong is merely going to be a sequel of Buenos Aires,Argentina where the global corporate emperialist were once again reminded of bitter realities of third world frustrations.As long as the world's resources are manipulated by the multi-national companies backed by the failed Bush's administration the scenario is not going to be replaced.The recent example an American appointed Iraq-war architect hawkish Paul Wolfowitz's heading world bank.These are the true culprits working against the poor countries behind the scene brewing lies and faking intelligence to enrich the greedy corporations that exploits third worlds.
As long as the world community hesitates to face the ground realities behind the hidden motives of rich nations particularly American intentions to interfere aboard in the name of freedom third worlds will stay remote to prosper.Oxfam has done wonderful job in knocking the doors of decisionmakers trying to shrink the disparity between two completely different worlds.Hopefully their voices will be heard!
Make Poverty History!!;)