"[L]abour union lobbies and their political friends have decided that the ideal defence against competition from the poor countries is to raise their cost of production by forcing their standards up, claiming that competition with countries with lower standards is “unfair”. “Free but fair trade” becomes an exercise in insidious protectionism that few recognise as such."
Jagdish Bhagwati,
"Obama and Trade: An Alarm Sounds," Financial Times. January 9, 2009.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998
|
Monday, June 15, 2009 Featuring Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Founder, Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus; and Daniel J. Ikenson, Associate Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute. The bipartisan, pro-trade consensus that served U.S. interests so well for nearly six decades collapsed during the Bush administration. Today, the direction of U.S. trade policy remains unclear to most observers. Although President Obama seems to appreciate the importance of trade and speaks about the dangers of protectionism, the 111th Congress has given mixed signals on the topic. What caused the collapse of the pro-trade consensus? Can that consensus be restored? Is its restoration a requirement of meaningful and effective trade policy? If so, how can it be accomplished? Please join Congressman Cuellar and Cato scholar Daniel J. Ikenson to discuss the importance of restoring bipartisan support for open international commerce.
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 FeaturingSen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Daniel Griswold, Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute. Which members of Congress most consistently support the freedom of Americans to trade and invest in the global economy—free of market-distorting subsidies and barriers? Cato trade scholar Daniel Griswold will reveal who in the 110th Congress earned the title of "Free Trader" and demonstrate the new Cato web feature, "Free Trade, Free Markets," which allows users to search an up-to-date database containing more than a decade of votes. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), one of the Senate's most distinguished and consistent supporters of free trade, will offer remarks on the prospects for trade legislation in the 111th Congress and beyond.
|
|
|
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Featuring Tim Reif, General Counsel, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; Anne Kim, Economic Program Director, Third Way; and Dan Ikenson, Associate Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute. The bipartisan, pro-trade consensus that served U.S. interests so well for nearly six decades collapsed during the Bush administration. Today, the direction of U.S. trade policy remains unclear to most observers. Although President Obama seems to appreciate the importance of trade and speaks about the dangers of protectionism, the 111th Congress flirts with legislation that can only be described as protectionist. What caused the collapse of the pro-trade consensus? Can that consensus be restored? Is restoration of consensus a requirement of meaningful and effective trade policy? If so, how can it be accomplished? |
|
|
February 10, 2009 Featuring Bob Vastine, President of the U.S. Coalition of Services Industries; Christine Bliss, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Services and Investment; and Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank. Moderated by Sallie James, Policy Analyst, Cato Institute. Although they are a large and growing segment of world trade, services are frequently relegated to second-tier status in trade negotiations--behind high profile sectors such as agriculture and manufactured goods. That’s unfortunate, because studies from several international economic institutions--and a new Cato paper--show that liberalizing services will bring huge benefits to consumers and taxpayers--from lower prices to increased choice--and will deliver indirect benefits to the many industries that use services as an input to their own production. What opportunities exist for capturing the benefits of freer services markets with the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations in a deep funk? |
|
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998
Cato Institute events calendar
To register or for more information, please call (202) 789-5229, fax (202) 371-0841, or email events@cato.org. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.
Location of the events:
THE CATO INSTITUTE'S F.A. HAYEK AUDITORIUM
1000 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
Unions As Safe in Colombia As in D.C.
CEObama
Automakers That Can't Compete Deserve to Disappear
The European Union Stops Banning Ugly Veggies
by Doug Bandow
July 1, 2009
Attention GM Shareholders (That Means You!)
by Daniel Ikenson
June 30, 2009
Charles Rangel Keeps a Cool Head
by Sallie James
June 25, 2009
Support the Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington D.C. 20001-5403
Phone (202) 842-0200 Fax (202) 842-3490
All Rights Reserved © 2006 - 2009 Cato Institute
