WTO Ministerial Hong Kong

Dear Global Justice Activists,

At the end of July, the WTO convened a General Council meeting, in the hopes of forwarding a draft consensus to the upcoming Ministerial this December. US Trade Representative Robert Portman flew immediately to the meeting following the passage of CAFTA in the House of Representatives. However, major disagreements have yet to be resolved.

Why? Because rich countries have failed to come to the table with fair proposals for agricultural reform, while attempting to pressure developing countries into drastic reductions in industrial tariffs and massive privatization of services. But major breakthroughs could be reached, threatening democracy and development across the globe.

Negotiations will heat up again this fall, culminating in the Ministerial December 13-18 in Hong Kong. US citizens can and should play a role in shaping the future of the WTO negotiations - and we invite you to accompany Global Exchange to Hong Kong to do just that:

Global Exchange Delegation to Hong Kong WTO Ministerial and China
December 6, - December 19, 2005

This December 13-18, the World Trade Organization will hold its 6th Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong, China. Jump into the fray of negotiations on key global issues like agricultural reform, the future of public services, and poor countries' right to industrial development. Global Exchange played a key role in the derailment of WTO negotiations in 1999 in Seattle and in 2003 Cancún, Mexico. Join us as we travel to China to understand the emerging global superpower and challenge corporate globalization in the WTO.

Global Economy Director and WTO expert Deborah James will lead this special delegation. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

After ten years of experience with the WTO, word on the street has gotten out: rather than promoting economic prosperity, the WTO is a giant corporate power grab threatening democracy, natural resources, and labor rights across the globe. Farmers, workers, environmentalists, and human rights groups mobilized tens of thousands in Seattle and Cancún to protest the WTO - and Hong Kong is next.

China is a rising superpower that will soon surpass the US in sheer economic size. China's industrial and textile development is lifting millions out of poverty, but are also causing a race-to-the-bottom globally as factories shift production to find the cheapest wages in a country that highly restricts labor rights. These days it is rare to walk into a retail outlet without seeing the "made in China" label, especially after the WTO abolished historic global textile quotas.

Rising energy consumption brings electricity and cars to millions of Chinese people, yet threaten massive increases in global warming. Given the opportunities of a mixed economy, will China pursue ecologically damaging coal, oil, and massive hydropower energy supplies, or choose a path to sustainable development?

And as the largest, most powerful economy in the history of the world, what will the US's response be to a challenger as world economic powerhouse? Will Americans sink deeper into China-bashing, or will we construct a fair foreign policy that safeguards US jobs and industries while allowing China to create the world's largest middle class?

Find out firsthand about the world's emerging superpower as you visit with various organizations working for labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development:

Program Highlights:
€ In Beijing visit historic cultural sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Shichahai, the Great Wall and other important temples and monuments.
€ Visit a garment factory and learn about China's changing export economy, particularly in light of the abolition of global textile quotas. Hear from labor advocates about wages and working conditions.
€ Witness firsthand the spectacular recent growth of Shanghai, and hear from urban planners about the city's vision for the future.
€ Hear about China's increased energy needs, and how this will affect global oil supplies, coal production, and efforts to promote sustainable development.
€ Dive into discussions with insightful professors and specialists in economy, energy, history, and US-Chinese relations - and come away with a fresh perspective on China's past and future.
€ In Hong Kong, jump into the fray of WTO negotiations that will decide the future of industrial development, public services and agriculture. Participate in seminars, events, and mobilizations on the WTO with activists from Korea, the Philippines, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and around the world.
€ Meet with migrant workers' associations, labor advocates, and religious groups in Hong Kong about the WTO's impacts on local communities and the differences between Hong Kong and mainland China's politics and economy.
€ Journey through the past, present, and future of this amazing country as you explore China's challenges and opportunities in the shifting global economy.

Cost: Cost To Be Announced

How to Register:
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by Mastercard or Visa are welcome.

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!
globalexchange.org
Contact Ladan at ladan [at] globalexchange.org with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251.


--
Deborah James, Global Economy Director
Global Exchange
415.575.5537 direct line
415.255.7296 x245
415.255.7498 fax
2017 Mission Street #303, San Francisco, CA 94110
http://www.globalexchange.org