Negotiating trade deals is a tremendous task and requires clarity for each and every economic sector involved. Unfortunately, the White Paper offers little detail on this.
Trump’s ‘America first’ rhetoric implies that the internationalism and ‘enlightened self-interest’ that built the postwar order was a big mistake. The evidence and basic economics disagree.
Policymakers need to think outside the narrow confines of what has been regarded as “America first” policy postures that have dictated Australia’s foreign policy choices.
The arbitrary treatment of comapnies like Philip Morris is unsettling and does not engender confidence – two basic ingredients required in trade and investment.
Roy Green, University of Technology Sydney and Renu Agarwal, University of Technology Sydney
Since the 1990s productivity has been slowing in Australia and elsewhere. We aren’t really sure why this is, but here are a couple of theories that could explain it.
As Europe discusses the reasons behind and reaction to the Brexit thunderclap, some in the UK are already seeing business opportunities – through the free ports, a notion abandoned by the EU.
Africa needs to learn from the experiences of others who have negotiated free trade pacts. In particular it needs to ensure its process is inclusive and does not pander to a few special interests.