Abstract The paper asserts that in the case of CAFTA, the Canadian American Free Trade Agreement, the economic arguments in its favor are both logical and correct. The paper argues that opposition to CAFTA in its inception was due to unfounded fears of potential poor outcomes. The paper maintains how real progress is being seen; free trade is expanding exponentially and many US and Canadian concerns of Asian market dominance are being addressed.
From the Paper "In the book Globaphobia Gary Burtless points out that though many assessments of the modern economy are decidedly positive and still others claim that the economy is, "very kind to a few at the top, but barely rewarding for many in the middle, and a continuing nightmare for those at the bottom." The question then arises with regard to globalization that because this economy is expanding to the global marketplace, where the majority of peoples suffering from this "continuing nightmare" live all care must be taken to redress this social concern. Some will invariably argue that the development of trade agreements such as CAFTA is simply the next step in a self-serving corporate mindset to more directly direct the funds into the pockets of those at the very top."
This paper discusses the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), a free trade agreement between the United States and the countries of Central America.
Abstract This paper chronicles the efforts of the Bush Administration to pass the CAFTA, the Central America Free Trade Agreement. The author explains of its benefits. The paper delineates the problems of this legislation.
From the Paper " On January ..., President Bush announced that the United States would explore a free trade agreement with the countries of Central America. The President said his Administration would work closely with Congress towards this goal. The President added that the purpose of this initiative was to strengthen the economic ties the United States already had with these nations and to reinforce their progress toward economic political and social reform. The Central American Free Trade Agreement CAFTA is a proposed agreement between the United States and Guatemala, ..."
Tags: Cafa, free trade, central america, opposition, nafta, trade barriers, duties, international trade, benefits
Abstract This paper examines free trade issues. In 1993 and 1994, the United States Congress ratified American membership in two important free trade organizations: NAFTA and WTO. In order to expand free trade, George W. Bush is currently negotiating with the leaders of Central American countries to create a Central American Free Trade Agreement. The paper shows that some of these leaders are reluctant to agree to membership in CAFTA because of suspicions that these regional and multilateral trade organizations are simply another tool to maintain the advantages of economically developed countries.
Abstract This paper considers the case of the CAFTA and its juxtaposition against the entry of China into the WTO. As China becomes a more powerful trading force globally the free trade agreements such as CASFTA become more important. This paper highlights the concerns of the Central American nations and the US as they formulate the FTA to accommodate Chinese competition.
From the Paper "When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the calculus for trade in the Western Hemisphere changed significantly. Whereas before the Americas had always had a special trade relationship due to proximity and cultural-geographical ties, the entry of China into the WTO threatened to turn trade among the U.S. and the countries of Central and South America into an open battle for survival, especially for smaller countries with limited but developing economies such as Honduras and Guatemala. "
Abstract The paper explores the United States' policy and actions in regard to its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The paper discusses the protectionism being exercised by the U.S as well as the import of specific goods from countries outside of the CAFTA trade agreement. The paper also examines the influence and effect of the United States' monetary system on free trade and the potential benefits of a global free trade system. The paper shows how the U.S. does not always follow its own policy on free trade when it has the choice of increasing its profits and its bottom line.
Outline:
Introduction
Influence and Effect of U.S. Monetary System on Free Trade
Global Free Trade System
Conclusion
From the Paper "The United States has championed the cause of free trade in North America, also know as NAFTA. The policy that the U.S. has put forth allows for free trade amongst Canada and Mexico and with the inception of the CAFTA or Central America Free Trade Agreement, many South American countries as well. The issue at hand is whether or not the U.S backs up its policy on free trade with its actions towards the countries in the two agreements as well as other various relationships it has with the export and import of good from other countries that are not apart of NAFTA or CAFTA."
Tags: protectionism, import, export, CAFTA, NAFTA, monetary, system
This paper discusses the existing trend toward free trade, especially the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Abstract This paper explains that the trend toward regional economic integration has produced organizations, such as the EU, African Union, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, serving the interests of many smaller nations by allowing them to attain more power in their foreign policy by acting collectively within; however, the key factor among all of the organizations, with the exception of NAFTA ,is that the member nations have comparatively similar economies in terms of GDP per capita, manufacturing sectors, and agriculture. The author points out that, surprisingly, the U.S. has done little to expand its trade relations with the other Western Hemisphere countries; however, the negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the subsequent establishment of a common market in the Western Hemisphere, which be the largest trade group in the world, is one of the most prudent mechanisms for the U.S. to strengthen relations with key allies and propagate its global economic preeminence. The paper relates that the most significant objection, especially by Brazil, involves the agricultural subsidies given to US farmers, which will skew market costs and competition between U.S. and Brazilian farm products.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Free Trade Area of the Americas
Strategy for the Resolution of Disagreements over the FTAA
Geo-Strategic Implications of the FTAA
Conclusion
From the Paper "In order to revive FTAA talks and lead to a finalization of the agreement, three major areas require important changes: the administrations of the involved nations, the resolution of differences halting negotiations and a concerted effort to curb domestic political resistance to the FTAA. First, recent history has shown that the current administrations in many of the countries involved in the FTAA are unwilling to compromise on conflicting goals. While the Bush administration has made expanding free trade a high priority, its tenuous relations with the Chavez regime will continue to lead to subsequent Venezuelan actions to undermine US efforts. The forthcoming US presidential elections in 2008 or a resolution of the electoral controversy surrounding Chavez could bring a change in circumstances in this arena."
Abstract This paper examines the movement from fabrics to garments in the textile industry of Mexico including the effect of removing quotas. The author evaluates China's activity in the market. The paper includes one figure and one table.
From the Paper "Most Americans give very little thought as to how the clothes that they wear are produced. Some are aware of the so-called sweatshop conditions that exist in some factories around the ..."
Tags: textile industry, mexico, NAFTA, CAFTA, China
Abstract This paper describes the challenges of making Wal-Mart de Mexico (Walmex) a success. The author explains the company's strategy. The paper includes the role of CAFTA of the Bush Administration.
From the Paper "Kerry Dolan of Forbes writes that lured by bargains prices customers in Mexico have been flocking in ever-greater numbers to the ... plus retail outlets across the country owned by Wal-Mart de Mexico. That helped Walmex as it is known locally to increase revenues in ... by .... to .... billion. Profits on sales in Mexico grew in .... by .... to .... million. This represented a return on sales of ...., thanks in part to the fact that Mexican nationals are now firmly in charge of determining the mix ...."
Tags: Mexico, Wal Mart, Nafta, free trade, expatriates, cultural differences, local customs, business
Abstract This paper takes a look at the process of building up a free trade zone for the Americas, focusing on the five main points that have been finalized. According to this paper, the most problematic issue is getting all the countries involved to come to formal agreement in order that the conditions of free trade are improved.
Contents:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The group also agreed that decision on trade agreements were a part of the right of nations, but at the same time, it was important to realize the enforcement of international commitments of nations. Thus for the purpose of developing trade agreements it was essential that each government takes action in line with its legislative processes and procedures so that the plan of action is moved ahead. The final point was an acceptance of the need for some of the nations to receive assistance from the bigger countries in the region and it was decided that this will be given. This was expected to help them to move ahead. (The Summit of the Americans (1994)) Thus the plan seems clear and well thought about, yet from 1994 till today, the plan does not seem to have moved ahead further and it is important to find out why such a situation has taken place and what actions will help the movement forward.
For business one has to remember that there are both good times and bad times. On certain occasions, the difficulties of business spread over many countries and since one particular country is not able to pay another country from which it would like to import goods, the importer solves the problem by stopping imports. One of such a major occasion occurred during what is now called the Great Depression and renowned economists of that time felt that an organization was required to help governments tide over their difficulties during periods of crisis so that the entire system of trade and development does not break down. This was the need for an organization like the IMF which became evident during the Great Depression that ravaged the world economy during the 1930s. (What is the International Monetary Fund?)"
Tags:CAFTA-DR, CONCAUSA, World, Bank, mexico, FTAA, brazil
Abstract This paper discusses the general characteristics of globalization and its primary drivers in the form of transportation systems, telecommunications and technology in the form of the Internet, computers, networks and applications. Globalization is examined vis-a-vis the funeral industry and how it has led to consolidation in this formerly family-owned dominated industry. Finally, some major trading blocs are listed with CAFTA and NAFTA being most relevant.
From the Paper "Globalization is the economic catchphrase of the 21st century. People use it to explain many things, but when asked to define it, the term often defies explanation. One source defines globalization as: "The integration of the world's culture, economy and infrastructure driven by the lowering of political barriers to transnational trade and investment and by the rapid proliferation of communication and information technologies. The term is often used in reference to the substantial impact of free-market forces on local, regional and national economies."(Globalization, 2005) The key points in the given definition would seem to be culture, economy and infrastructure, since globalization is often blamed or praised for caused phenomena within each of these areas. Culture, because globalization tends to blur delineations between them; economy because globalization appears to benefit the more efficient economies; and infrastructure because the mechanisms of communication, transportation and knowledge transfer facilitate it."
Abstract This paper discusses how globalization has been transforming the world economically and politically to such an extent that political scientists are predicting the death of the nation-state. This has not happened yet, but the nation-state system which has prevailed for several centuries is steadily declining in significance as international corporations wield greater power and influence, and as economic unions such as NAFTA, CAFTA, and the EU continue to develop and expand. The paper further discusses how proponents of globalization and many free trade theorists contend that global trade creates enough economic gains that everyone involved can benefit, as long as the gains are widely redistributed between national trading partners.
Abstract This document discusses the role that regional integration plays within the context of global business and enterprise. The paper uses the example of the World Trade Organization to highlight the importance that a unified trade apparatus among nations plays in developing a global economy. Additionally, the paper examines the interaction between the WTO and regional trade bodies ASEAN and CAFTA with respect to Asia continued economic integration.
From the Paper "Over the last 20 years, in tandem with the spread of globalization as the world's leading economic and financial model, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its function as the leading international trade facilitator, has been the leading agent in the promotion of global business. In tandem with other international bodies, the WTO has spearheaded global business practices founded on the principles of free and fair trade and nowhere has this effect been more pronounced than in Asia and particularly in China (Mendoza & Bahadur, 2002, paras.2-8)."
