BBC NEWS    BBC Sport >>   Graphics version >>   Change to World edition >>
News Front Page | World | UK | England | N Ireland | Scotland | Wales | Politics | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health | Education | Talking Point
Monday, 13 December, 1999, 18:23 GMT

The Battle for Free Trade


The failure to launch a new round of global trade talks in Seattle amid mass protests highlights deep divisions over the issue of free trade, once seen as the engine of world economic growth. BBC News Online provides full coverage of the events and controversy.

World trade talks collapse
The WTO's attempts to launch a new trade round in Seattle end in failure after four days of bitter disputes and street protests.

Other stories:

Audio/visual media

"Labour proved the sticking point"
Andrew Walker analyses the negotiations
"Together we have common responsibilities"
President Clinton at the WTO
"A disaster for world trade"
Paul Reynolds on the collapse of the trade talks

Texts and transcripts
World trade organisation official briefing

Trade bullies and blocs
Trade has been growing faster than world output. But a free trading system has been difficult to fashion.

Other stories:

Free trade flashpoints
It should be simple. But even constructing an agenda has stymied trade talks, as the BBC's Andrew Walker explains.

Other stories:

Arguments and controversies
Everyone is in favour of free trade - but everyone interprets it differently. The BBC's Chris Giles supplies a guide for the perplexed.

Other stories:

Audio/visual media

"Labour standards will hurt the poor"
Robert Pigott on developing countries' concerns

China moves to join the WTO
Advocates of free trade are encouraged as China reached a deal with the USA that moves it closer to joining the WTO.

Other stories: