News

Message for G20: Actions Speak Louder than Words

Here's a list, courtesy of USA Today (using WTO data), of protectionist measures taken by various countries since September 2008. Following today's G20 statement that they will "name and shame" countries who violate free trade rules, F2T will be undertaking our own "naming and shaming" of governments who adopt these misguided policies.

Press Release: Naming & Shaming the Protectionists

IPN has issued this press release in reaction to the G20's statement that it will "name and shame" countries that violate their commitment to free trade.

Reuters: Top economists urge G20 to embrace free trade

LONDON (Reuters) - Leading international economists urged G20 leaders meeting in London Wednesday to reject protectionism and promote free trade as they seek to thrash out plans to deal with a global economic downturn.

More than 2,000 dignitaries and academics including a Nobel prize-winning economist signed a petition warning against "dangerous and foolish" protectionism and equating free trade with peace, mutual understanding, and global economic benefit.

Thompson Ayodele: How To Make Depression Great

Thompson Ayodele, director of F2T coalition member the Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (Nigeria), writes in the Korea Times: "The world economy is in severe recession. Trade is deteriorating every day. Political pressures demand import restrictions to protect employment.