Balancing Free and Fair Trade

Newly-elected Chilean president Michelle Bachelet believes it is possible - and necessary - to take an ethical approach to globalization:

"I support globalization as long as it is fair and ethical, with clear and equitable rules. I do not support global trade where half the workers of the world - 1.4 billion people - are trapped in poverty and unable to earn more than two dollars a day per family unit.

Developing countries, with their growing populations and economies, are fast becoming key players in the global trading system. Chile's progress in bilateral trade after the Free Trade Agreement shows that trade that is free and conducted under equitable conditions brings growth. Yet more needs to be done to achieve sustainable development, improve living conditions for the poor, and bring about greater social justice."

[Article via Christian Science Monitor]
[Photo via PrimeraPiedra]

Filed under free trade, fair trade, Bachelet, Chile