International Trade: Observations on the Uruguay Round Agreement (Testimony, 02/22/94, GAO/T-GGD-94-98). After seven years of negotiations, the Uruguay Round has been concluded. GAO testified that although specific tariff negotiations are still being finalized, on balance the agreement so far appears to be in the U.S. interest. The United States achieved its most important negotiating objectives, most studies project a net economic gain to the United States and the world economy, and experts generally agree that rejecting the agreement would worsen international trading conditions. Notwithstanding the positive overall benefits, the agreement is so complex and far-reaching that Congress will hear a wide range of views and concerns. This situation reflect the fact that trade liberalization imposes costs on certain industries and their labor forces. Effective and adequately funded programs must be in place to address these dislocations. In addition, some effects of the agreement will only become apparent over time, such as how the new dispute resolution mechanisms will affect U.S. interests and what will be the role and significance of the World Trade Organization. --------------------------- Indexing Terms ----------------------------- REPORTNUM: T-GGD-94-98 TITLE: International Trade: Observations on the Uruguay Round Agreement DATE: 02/22/94 SUBJECT: International relations Foreign trade agreements Foreign trade policies International trade International economic relations Tariffs International trade restriction International trade regulation Economic growth ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We regret that electronic text of GAO Testimony is not available at this time. See the GAO FAQ - Section 2.0 for printed copy ordering information. The FAQ is automatically retrieved with all WAIS search results or can be obtained by sending e-mail to: [email protected]