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home > the wto > what is the wto? > 10 misunderstandings > 8. tool of lobbies? |
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THE
10 MISUNDERSTANDINGS:
8. tool of
lobbies? 8. The WTO is NOT the tool of powerful lobbies The WTO system offers governments a means to reduce the influence of narrow vested interests. |
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THE 10 MISUNDERSTANDINGS 1. WTO dictates? 2. Blindly for trade? 3. Ignores development? 4. Anti-green? 5. Anti-health? 6. Wrecks jobs? 7. Small left out? 8. Tool of lobbies? 9. Weak forced to join? 10. Undemocratic? See
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Governments can use the WTO to resist lobbying
This is a natural result of the “rounds” type of negotiation (i.e. negotiations that encompass a broad range of sectors). The outcome of a trade round has to be a balance of interests. Governments can find it easier to reject pressure from particular lobbying groups by arguing that it had to accept the overall package in the interests of the country as a whole.
A related misunderstanding is about the WTO’s membership. The WTO is an organization of governments. The private sector, non-governmental organizations and other lobbying groups do not participate in WTO activities except in special events such as seminars and symposiums. They can only exert their influence on WTO decisions through their governments. |
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