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Resolutions Adopted at the
67th Annual Conference of Mayors
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 11-15, 1999 |
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
THE 1999 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
MINISTERIAL IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, AND NEW ROUND OF WTO TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
WHEREAS, trade creates jobs, raises living standards, and stimulates economic
growth in America; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, 1.8 million new jobs supported by exports of goods and
services have been created in the United States; these jobs pay 13-16% above the average
wage; and one-third of U.S. economic growth is derived from increased exports to the
world; and
WHEREAS, the United States was a leading force in establishing the World Trade
Organization (WTO), which administers a set of agreements among the United States and 133
other members to reduce barriers to trade; and
WHEREAS, the WTO Agreements help open foreign markets to U.S. exports and create
rules to safeguard U.S. workers and companies from unfair trading practices by foreign
governments; and
WHEREAS, over one-third of U.S. agricultural production has been exported in
recent years, helped by WTO rules; and
WHEREAS, the WTO respects governments’ right to maintain high standards for
the environment, health and safety; and
WHEREAS, WTO governments have renewed their commitment to the observance of
internationally recognized core labor standards; and
WHEREAS, the WTO helps to advance democratic vales abroad, such as freer
markets, more open societies, and the rule of law in commercial transactions; and
WHEREAS, institutions of trade must be more transparent, accessible and
responsive to citizens, and because the United States is advancing this program within the
WTO,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors
endorses the call for a new round of trade negotiations within the WTO to further reduce
trade barriers in manufactured products, agriculture, and services; broaden participation
in the WTO and increase openness and accountability to citizens; and address environmental
and labor matters; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors welcomes the
decision of the United States to host the 3rd WTO Ministerial Conference in
Seattle, Washington in 1999 which will enable America to exercise leadership in shaping
the 21st century economy and promote the continued prosperity and well-being of
our citizens.
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