WOLA believes that U.S. trade agreements put developing countries into a straight jacket that inhibits their ability to address development needs that can reduce poverty and inequality. Equal rules among unequal players will only exacerbate the existing social and economic inequalities, with poorer and less developed countries significantly disadvantaged.
Trade can be an important poverty reduction tool but only when the rules of trade protect vulnerable sectors of the population and when linked to equitable, sustainable development strategies. Trade agreements must also recognize the need for governments to have flexibility in developing policy, particularly with regard to food production, development strategies and public health.