In a forum jointly organized by AFA and AsiaDHRRA last June 23, 2006 in Taiping, Malaysia, Lim Li Chinh of the Malaysia-based Third World Network spoke on the developments in the current round of WTO negotiations in Geneva. Maitet Diokno Pascual gave a comprehensive overview of free-trade agreements being forged by USA in several countries in Asia and Latin America. A press conference followed the forum, where AFA presented a 5-minute pantomime on the effects of unfair WTO and FTA rules to small farmers. AFA Chairperson Seo, Jung Eui and ExeCom member from Indonesia Mr Sambito, stated AFA’s positions on US FTA and WTO, respectively.
AFA welcomed the support of the Africa and LDC groups to the G33 proposal on special
products and special safeguard mechanisms. It reiterated its calls to formulate measures that respond to concerns for food and livelihood security and sustainable development.
AFA called for transparency and inclusion of farmers’ organizations in the negotiation processes with US. AFA members committed to study the US FTA proposals in their respective countries.
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