The empty promises of US and EU 'development package'

THE OUR WORLD IS NOT FOR SALE (OWINFS) NETWORK SANG CHRISTMAS CAROLS TO MANDELSON & PORTMAN AND PRESENTED EMPTY GIFT PACKAGES TO THEM, THIS AFTERNOON OUTSIDE OF BRIEFINGS.

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The U.S. and EU are attempting to put a "development spin" at the Hong Kong WTO Ministerial in announcing a 'development package' comprising of aid for trade, non-binding duty free market access for Least Developing Countries and a few other items.

They had coined in Doha the so-called "Doha Development Agenda" (DDA), which was seen by many as being anything but development. In fact, the DDA was really aimed at opening up further the markets of the South.

The 'development package' spin may fool some people unfamiliar with the WTO negotiations but to many NGOs and social movements, this is seen as a "face saving" device to create the illusion of a successful Ministerial which is development oriented.

The current proposals by the U.S. and the EU make further demands on developing countries to open their markets in agriculture, industrial goods and services despite resistance from many developing countries.

In fact, the demands and concerns of developing countries have been sidelined and is evidence that the promises by developed countries that this round will be a "Development Round" are without substance.

There have been proposals by the developing countries to review the existing agreements in the WTO which are unjust and have led to adverse impacts on the livelihoods, food security, health and the environment. Such proposals have been ignored by the developing countries.

Hence there is no real substance in the so-called 'development package.' In sum, it is ANTI-DEVELOPMENT!

The Christmas Carols and presentation of empty gift packages today demonstrate the empty promises made by the U.S. and the EU.