Whether it is worker in Bangalore, in Ohio or in Guangdong, real issue is jobs – WTO Chief Pascal Lamy
WTO Chief Pascal Lamy was in India last weekend. Addressing a FICCI meeting on 19 November 2010 in New Delhi, Pascal Lamy said,
What lies behind concerns about macro-economic imbalances is in reality a concern about unsustainable and socially unacceptable unemployment levels. Whether it is the worker in Bangalore, in Ohio or in Guangdong, the real issue is jobs.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the engagement and support of PM Dr. Singh and Minister Sharma, whose initiative to convene trade ministers last year helped re-invigorate the Doha Round.
Economic crises are a reality of the world we live in. They have occurred in the past and will in the future as well. At present, the global economy finds itself recovering from one of the worst in history. Economic crises, naturally, create problems at home. It is in these times that proponents of unilateralist, populist policies which discriminate against foreign workers and goods become more vocal. Instead, during tough economic times, those of us who believe in multilateralism must let our voices be heard. Some may call us naïve, or even idealists. But the lessons of history are there: they show us that it is coordinated action through international cooperation that maximizes benefits for citizens of the world.