This is an interesting note from Tonga which has acceded to WTO and the question for Vanuatu is do we want to be in their position after accession or should we take this advice now
Below is the advice from our Tongan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. friend.
1. WTO is only beneficial if you are a net exporting country. If you aren't like all of us island countries it's a license for all the big boys (not just the Chinese) to walk into your house and eat your food because you've just put a sign on the door that says “Open house”.
2 Of course, when they're “selling” the concept they only talk up all the access you'll be getting to their markets.
3.And finally, it's like us getting membership at the UN, you're only ever needed to vote something that the big boys want. Other than that, you might get an invite to a cocktail now and then.
4.My advice to Vanuatu, is you be a lot smarter than us Tongans.
The unions believe in doing what our Tongan friend suggests, to BE SMART Vanuatu!!
A public forum on World Trade Organisation was held on Thursday 11th August 2011 from 4:30 to 8:00pm at the Chief's Nakamal in Port Vila. This meeting organised by Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO) in partnership with the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) debated several points for the accession of Vanuatu to WTO. More details available in the documents "Myths and Facts WTO" and "New Guide WTO" under the ressources section.
