NGOs, industry groups get their voices heard at TPP talks

SINGAPORE: Delegates to the Trans—Pacific Partnership talks heard the views of industry groups, NGOs, and others who want a say in how free trade is regulated.

The various stakeholders held four hours of presentations at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore on Wednesday.

The entertainment industry was there in force to discuss how to protect their material, with speakers from Warner Brothers, HBO, NewsCorp and Walt Disney.

Clothing companies discussed the issue of country—of—origin for products from Vietnamese Warp—knit fabric to rubber sandals, while wildlife and conservation groups voiced concerns over the effects of growing trade on the eco—system.

Delegates also heard from health groups, ranging from the Malaysian AIDS Council —— who are concerned that the TPP will make drugs more expensive —— to the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

Malaysian campaigner Dr Zarihah Mohn Zain said that tobacco companies will be able to restrict attempts to control smoking if the TPP brings in new laws which contradict existing legislation.

While the event was open to the media, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry did not allow anyone to film the presentations.

—CNA/ac