politics

TPP deal to be formally signed in New Zealand on Feb 4

14 Comments

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Free trade has good aspects in principle but I, perhaps like others, have severe reservations about this agreement. It seems to just entrench corporate control at the expense of democracy. That cannot be good.

In addition, when the world economy is growing, further integration, to gain from competitive advantages, seems like a good idea but how about when the doo doo hits the fan. Then every country would benefit from quarantine against contagion. The GFC in 2008 had knock-on effects to innocent parties. If you have an optimistic view of the world economy and human ingenuity, as most economists and current beneficiaries must have, then a free trade and integrating agreement is good. However, if you are pessimistic about human prospects in a depleted or chaotic world then contagion seems likely.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

It's great for pharmaceutical companies which can prevent generic, cheaper drugs for the people.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

However, experts have promised to combat ratification, saying it intends work privileges, ecological security and accessibility cost-effective medications."

Not to ignore one more important point: it is bad for the protectionism over here in Japan!

Wonder what the govt will really and actually do!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I have tried to read most of the stories that come out about the TPP and I have to say I can not see how this will benefit the middle class workers. Especially here in the USA. We are now experiencing what a trade agreement can do after Clinton signed the NAAFTA into effect in 1993 that went into effect in 1994. The very first thing that happened was people losing their jobs as large corporation shut down operations in the US and moved them to Mexico. All these trade partnerships do is make more money for the major companies that are behind them. We, the USA, already have free trade agreements with most of the countries on this list. Why do we need to sign over more power to corporations?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Smells like a new world order to me. Concentration of power. I'm guessing we will see an increase in corporate buyouts, that's their game plan but you won't hear about it from the corporate media. Why should we trust these people?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I've been thinking about this and can't get my head round it, obviously this is to strengthen ties between countries with the same goals, excluding Russia, but is it also a small sign that capitalism is showing a little breakage and this is to try and mend it ?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Good. Looking forward to the benefits as a consumer.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm sure Japan will arrive at the signing with a whole new bag of exemptions and stipulations.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

There is no exit clause. It cannot be rescinded once signed away, unlike actual trade agreements. This is not a trade agreement it's a sellout of the public realm to private hands.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

No country truly wants free trade as self interests will always interfere. "No tariffs on those oranges, eh? It's a shame they accidentally remained in our customs warehouse until they spoiled. Sorry!"

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The entire deal must be ratified as agreed, without changes, which could tie the hands of governments and legislators.

Things that don't bend, breaks.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

sf2k:

While I abhor this deal, there is always an exit, even if it means the people storming parliament and putting in new interim govt. If world boycotts and blockades, many resources can be produced internally.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Jumin

No one is going to storm anything. Our respective docile sheep-like populations are how the abhorrent TPP came to be taken advantage to begin with. If we had elected anyone of merit anywhere across 12 countries then this wouldn't be happening. The sellout is trans national. We the sheeple....

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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