[asia-apec 1663] Australia leads free trade charge in Brunei - Melbourne Age

[APEC Monitoring Group]

The Age, Melbourne, 15/11/00
Australia leads charge on globalisation and free trade

Source: AAP|



Brunei: Australian Prime Minister John Howard today led a charge of support for globalisation and free trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Brunei.

Fresh from committing Australia to a free trade agreement with Singapore, Mr Howard said the true story of the benefits of globalisation were being ignored.

He was backed by US President Bill Clinton who used a keynote address to APEC business leaders to urge further trade liberalisation because of is benefits to the Asia-Pacific.

And Chinese President Jiang Zemin also said globalisation had brought many benefits, but warned it needed more stringent regulation to protect developing nations.

But it was Mr Howard, along with Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who pushed the globalisation cause.

He said countries which followed a path of trade liberalisation were streets ahead of those who hid behind trade barriers.

'If you've looked at what's happened to their growth, their poverty levels and the like you will see that those that have taken the more open path are wealthier, stronger and better able to look after their citizens,' Mr Howard said.

'Strangely enough this attitude doesn't seem to filter through to the streets of Seattle and Melbourne, it seems to be quite the reverse.

'And the whole debate about globalisation, not only here but around the world, still suffers from an incredible unwillingness of far too many people to recognise the living standard dividend that comes out of globalisation.'

Neither Mr Howard nor Mr Goh would directly criticise Malaysia which at this week's earlier trade discussions forced a partial backdown on efforts to re-start world trade negotiations.

But Mr Goh, who said the Australia-Singapore agreement recognised both countries wanted faster improvements on trade, implied Malaysia would have a lot of catching up to do if it stuck with its conservative approach towards globalisation.

'Malaysia will not be able to stop others such as Australia and Singapore from running faster,' he said.

Mr Clinton said per capita income across East Asia had doubled in 10 years because of trade liberalisation and globalisation.

As countries had become richer services such as health facilities had improved, leading to a better quality of life for most residents.

President Clinton said globalisation and trade liberalisation had to continue.

'The most important thing we can do is launch a new trade round at the World Trade Organisation (and) it ought to happen as early as possible next year,' he said.

Mr Jiang said there were many benefits to globalisation, but it had to be done in a more equitable manner that ensured developing nations caught up to wealthy nations.

'What we need is an all-win economic globalisation featuring equality,' he said.