DIALOGUE FOR FREE TRADE IN THE AMERICAS

The recent decision by the Unites States government to impose restrictions on trade in steel, which affects mainly Brazil, demonstrates that we need to establish clear parameters for our political, trade, social, and cultural relations.

While we are enthusiastic about integrating the peoples of the Americas, we cannot forget that the first step must be made by those who seek our participation in the development of a FREE-TRADE AREA OF THE AMERICAS (FTAA) but who do not make it effective or take steps to modernize our trade relations.

The rhetoric of protectionism is frank and open. It is translated into acts, treaties and legislation that protect the domestic market, at the expense of the theory of free trade.

On the other hand, we are getting used to seeing two different postures, even when our peoples are clamoring to participate as economic partners and unconditional allies in the struggle against poverty and social inequality.

As builders of the future PARLIAMENT OF THE AMERICAS, we cannot hide our concern over the dubious positions of the United States, which, on the one hand, claims to promote the FTAA, while, on the other hand, it maintains its protectionist rules and demands that other countries follow a prescription that it does not follow or implement itself.

If there is no effective change in the positions taken by the United States in its trade relations with the other countries of the Americas, providing new and favorable solutions to the disputes indicated, Brazil sees little chance of achieving a FREE-TRADE AREA OF THE AMERICAS. Therefore, in this Forum, it is voting against any decision that involves support for continuing actions to implement the FTAA.

BRAZILIAN DELEGATION TO FIPA