120 likes | 288 Views
Defining Trade Union Agenda on ASEAN Free Trade Agreement with China: Phase 1. by Raquel DC Arpojia Federation of Free Workers, Philippines. Why?. Economic Cooperation Agreements - significant instrument in promoting regional and global economic development
E N D
Defining Trade Union Agenda on ASEAN Free Trade Agreement with China: Phase 1 by Raquel DC Arpojia Federation of Free Workers, Philippines
Why? Economic Cooperation Agreements - significant instrument in promoting regional and global economic development • Free Trade Area between ASEAN and China will create the world’s largest free trade zone 1.7 billion consumers a regional GDP of about US$2 trillion total trade estimated at US$1.23 trillion.
The Vision: Creating An ASEAN Community • ensuring durable peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region 3 Pillars: • political and security cooperation • economic cooperation and • socio-cultural cooperation
The Vision: Creating An ASEAN Community • to create a free trade area by 2020 • complete deals with other Asian countries • Complete deal with China by 2012 elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers standardization of customs procedures gradual reduction of capital controls abolition of visa in the region.
Opportunities and Threats + - lower costsdisplacement of workers increase in trade and rationalization of some economic efficiency industries and firms attract more investmentsloss of tariff revenues promotion of specialization etc. etc. etc.
Problem & Challenges • trade unions need to have a better grasp, understanding and analysis of its implications to work, workers and the workplace • Make their voices heard and let it be reflected in agreements • a pro-active measure for TUs to propose policies and strategies • promote TU agenda on said multilateral agreements
Who? • FFW : leadership, sectoral membership • Other TUs • Government Development Objectives • Mainstreaming macro-economic issues in particular the FTAs into the Trade Union Agenda; • Active participation of TUs on matters pertaining to macro-economics through studies, discussions, debates and social dialogues
Immediate Objectives • generatean exchange of information and experiences • increase level of awareness • identifyand prioritize major labor agenda • formulate program and policy thrusts recommendations
How to realize • Desk Research • Networking/Linkage Building • Seminars, RTDs, Consultation workshops, etc. • Maximize website • Publications • Etc.
Outputs • Briefing Paper on FTA between ASEAN and China • Trade Union leadersable to articulate and discuss the concept of FTA particularly between ASEAN and China • Labor Agenda on FTA between ASEAN and China • Approved Policy and Program of Action
Cost • US$33,901.81 Requested Amount from Partner Organization: US$25,426.36 Local Counterpart US$ 8,475.45 Project Duration 18 months : July 2004 – December 2005