Paper 869a

1.    Since the rules governing trade between Europe and Africa have become increasingly complex, we need to set down some basic issues:

a.    In colonial times, trade between the colonial powers and the colonies was marked by unequal exchange with the values wholly out of proportion.
b.    In the period of European industrialization, European manufacturing relied on protection behind high tariff walls, keeping out cheaper imports.
c.    In the present period of so-called free market economics, Europe continues to maintain massive protectionism while demanding opening up by trading partners.
d.     Europe wants access for manufactured goods and services in Africa which will seriously weaken the domestic economy.
e.    All these negotiations are conducted in highly complex terms, and in numerous extended sessions, possibly designed to obscure Europe’s real intentions.
f.    Where small concessions are given by Europe, it is immediately compensated for by additional demands.
g.    If we are moving to a system of global free markets, why not make a few simple rules, which will apply to all, without any complexity, and without any hidden advantages to the strong. (more…)