Theme Resolution Rotterdam 2014
Resolution number: 05
Title: Theme Resolution “Enhancing Global Trade”
As adopted by the Congress Plenary
At the initiative of: the LI President
The Congress of the Liberal International, convened in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on 26 April 2014
Recalls the previous resolutions adopted by Liberal International on:
“Trade at the Millennium” (Ottawa, 2000)
“Trade Liberalisation” (Manila, 2011)
“Promoting private investment and enhancing social responsibility” (Abidjan, 2012)
Recognises that free trade is essential for growth and higher living standards and has the potential to empower the individual, thus fulfilling a long-held liberal ideal.
Underlines that free trade based on international rules aims at inclusive, sustainable human economic growth, development and prosperity.
Acknowledges the positive role international competition, through free trade, plays in ending monopolies at the national level, monopolies which reduce overall welfare, and notes that opposition to free trade is often a pretext for the defence of such monopolies.
Notes the many negative economic and social consequences of protectionist policies, for example the tariff escalation during the Great Depression or the failure of import substitution policies, in bringing sustainable economic growth and development to developing countries.
Draws attention to the negative political consequences of protectionism, which is often connected to political favouritism and corruption.
Appreciates the spectacular economic growth and the ensuing reduction in poverty brought about by the export-orientated economic policies adopted in a number of East and South-East Asian countries.
Stresses the importance of permanent dialogue between different actors involved in trade, including states, businesses, social actors and international regional institutions, with the aim of guaranteeing respect for human rights and freedoms of every individual.
Taking note of the positive role voluntary agreements on corporate social responsibility, such as the UN Global Compact, can play in ensuring prosperity through free trade and the respect for human rights, which go hand-in-hand.
Acknowledges fundamental changes in worldwide relations, i.e. former developing countries became powerful advance economies and emerging nations. Half of the global traffic of goods and services are done by developing nations. The notion of the poor south, which dominated the early negotiations of the Doha Round, should be revised.
Reiterates the importance of support for the multi-lateral trading system and the successful completion of the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which aims to lower trade barriers around the world, thus facilitating increased global trade, and in that sense:
Welcomes the Bali Package of trade agreements resulting from the Ninth Ministerial Conference of WTO in Bali in December 2013, which focuses on Trade Facilitation, Agriculture, Cotton, Development and LDC issues
Deplores that despite the laudable conclusion of various bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements, the Doha Round, which would facilitate free trade and increase prosperity at a global level, has still not been completed
Acknowledges the fact that many countries, and groups of countries, are using bilateral trade deals in order to overcome existing trade barriers and the standstill of the Doha Round
Emphasises that true multilateral trade agreements are still the best means of encompassing developing and developed nations and integrating developing countries into the global market
Deplores growing protectionism of all kind especially covering agricultural and farming industries, thereby increasing costs for domestic and international consumers by denying other countries the possibility to compete
Condemns the unwillingness of Russia to implement fully their obligations under WTO law
Insists on enhanced market opening by China and abolition of unnecessary and discriminatory trade barriers used by some emerging countries
Stresses the crucial role that liberals across the world play in enhancing regional and global trade, and in that sense:
Welcomes the adoption of the “Zanzibar Declaration” for Jobs and Growth in Africa, by the Africa Liberal Network, as the first party-political document that promotes free trade across Africa, and acknowledges the efforts being undertaken by the ALN to ensure the proposals contained in the declaration are reinforced in the policies of each of their 35 member parties, are championed in the national parliaments of each of the 24 African countries where they have a presence and are promoted among relevant regional bodies including the African Union, Pan-African Parliament and regional economic bodies.
Empowers the Red Liberal de America Latina to keep on being the only political voice in Latin America that calls for abolishing trade barriers and promoting liberalisation of the economy
Underlines the importance given to enhancing global trade by the new leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada
Stresses the work done by the Liberals and Democrats in South East Asia who championed free trade in the region, that gradually leads toward further democratisation and respect of Human Rights
Emphasises the fact that the European liberals are the leading force that have made Free Trade in Europe a reality accepted and echoed by all political forces
Recognises the single market established in the European Union and through its partnership-, association-, and customs-agreements, has brought an unprecedented period of peace and stability on the continent
Calls
For intensified efforts to bring the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) towards a full, comprehensive and multilateral lowering of trade barriers, which can be assisted by:
The swift conclusion of the EU/US “Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership” based on the basic principles of the multilateral trading system, and;
The establishment of EU Free Trade Agreements ASEAN countries, Japan India and the GCC, and supports a pro-active development of trade relations between the EU and Taiwan
On bi-lateral trade negotiations to be in line with multilateral trade agreements, lowering existing trade barriers, and avoiding protectionism
On the African Union and the Arab League to transform themselves into leaders of real human development in their regions by introducing regional free trade agendas in their meetings
