After seven years of experience with a unilateral trade agreement aimed at stimulating trade between the U.S. and sub-Saharan African countries, the Economic Policy Institute hosted a day-long conference on the winners and losers under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
On Thursday, January 10th, 2008,The International Labor Rights Forum, Global Policy Network and the Center for Research on Multinational Corporations co-hosted the release of a report produced by the Netherlands-based Center for Research on Multinational Corporations that provided the backdrop for a broader analysis and debate on the value of linkage and preference programs un AGOA, and the future of global investment and trade under the New Partnership for Development Act (NPDA).
Participants included:
Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL)
Esther De Haan, Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations
Steve Ouma Akoth, Human Rights and Governance Expert, Kenya
Matsepo Anna Lehlokoana, Organizer, Lesotho Clothing and Allied Workers Union
June Hartley, Activist and International Labor Rights Expert, South Africa
Jeff Vogt, Global Economic Policy Specialist, AFL-CIO
Jayme White, Legislative Director, Office of Congressman Jim McDermott
Carol Pier, Senior Labor Rights and Trade Researcher, Human Rights Watch
Peter Bakvis, Director Washington DC Office, International Trade Union Confederation
Kimberly Ann Elliot, Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development
Dan Henkle, Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility, Gap Inc.
Mark Levinson, Chief Economist and Director of Policy, UNITE-HERE
Moderators:
Tony Avirgan, Organizer, Global Policy Network
Bama Athreya, Executive Director, International Labor Rights Forum
