<p>Hey, I just started Model U.N. and did my position paper. Its already emailed to the committee chair, but I'd like some input. Thanks.</p>
<pre><code> Belgium has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 1995. We were one of the founding members of the European Union. Three issues that have been prevalent as of late, are tariffs, the cultivation and consumption of rice, particularly regarding South Korea, and the accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization.
The issue of Tariff Wars is a complicated and multifaceted one. What may be beneficial for one nation can be detrimental to another. Belgium supports tariffs on imported good, and realizes that is essential to protect domestic industries. We are a small nation, and as such, it is imperative for our economy that tariffs are instated on foreign competitors exports, so we can be on a more level playing field with the domestic market and foreign consumers. In general, our government would like tariffs to be instated on goods like iron and steel, textiles, diamonds, petroleum products, etc. These are our main exports. If other nations are instated tariffs, the cost of production will be more costly, and their products would be more expensive
Obviously, many a nation are resisting the institution of tariffs. However, they are necessary. I propose that for larger, more prosperous countries, there be instituted a tariff for exported goods, because they can afford it. For smaller nations, tariffs on imported goods from affluent regions would help keep up with costs of production and stay competitive within the realm of trade. It is a fair and just compromise.
In regards to rice cultivation and consumption, this is a key issue right now. The Republic of South Koreas main staple crop is rice, and for the past ten years, the World Trade Organization has allowed them to limit their imports to 4%, which helps protect farmers from foreign competition. However, this period has now expired in 2005, and the current dispute is whether they should expand their import quota, which would mean more competition domestically, or the institute a tariff system, which would also be unfavorable for their government. Belgium would generally support either alternative, as both would be advantageous to our economy. In particular, the institution of a tariff system would be more favorable, mainly because rice is not a common import for Belgium, so it wouldnt be quite practical. For our government, the expiration of South Koreas grace period as is referred to, is a godsend economically and helps us competitively with trade.
It would appear to be most practical for all parties for the WTO to institute a tariff on South Koreas exported products. Expanding the import quota, while a viable option, is not favorable because many countries dont import rice in great quantities. South Korea has been fortunate enough to have not had to pay a tariff on exported goods. Now it is inevitable. This resolution will prove most effective to the masses, fiscally and otherwise.
A major issue as of now is Russian accession to the World Trade Organization. Belgium is very interested in Russia joining the organization, mainly because lowering their barriers economically and having them as trading partners would be beneficial for Belgiums economy. However, we are slightly apprehensive about their stability and Vladimir Putins leadership. Belgium is also worried that once Russian producers can export goods to Belgians they will essentially conquer certain sectors of EU markets because their goods are so inexpensive. In particular, our nation is concerned with the agricultural production and marketing which is fiercely competitive. Farming production is half subsidized, as of now, but when the trade is liberalized within the network of the WTO, subsidies will be removed and exports/domestic goods will in turn be twice as expensive. This will give the Republic of Russia an edge trade wise. Nonetheless, our relations are strengthening constantly and we are overall confident and optimistic about the accession of Russia, which will be the first step towards their eventual stability.
It would be favorable to most WTO member states to have Russian accession. It would open up a new market for exports. And the concerns regarding the nations stability would become less of an issue with their adherence to the policies and regulations of the organization.
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