OECD PRESSES WTO FOR NEW ROUND OF TRADE AGREEMENT TALKS
The world’s 29 industrial nations belonging to the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development urged World Trade Organization negotiators to start a
new round of trade talks when the WTO meets in Seattle Nov. 29 – Dec. 3.
The OECD nations are pressing for global trade liberalization. A recent OECD
study shows that a total dismantling of existing tariffs on imports worldwide would boost
the world economy by $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years.
"An agreement in Seattle to open a new round of world trade talks would
be a positive step forward towards the goal of greater world prosperity," said Donald
J. Johnston, OECD secretary general.