Trade : Origin rules critical for dynamism in textiles and clothing sector (PRIV)
(Chakravarthi Raghavan, Geneva)
Textiles and clothing is a mature industrial sector, but by no means can it be viewed as a 'declining' or 'sunset' industry in developed countries and in overall terms - given the demand for innovation, diversification, and niche-product development - it could be a dynamic sector where developing countries have a competitive advantage.

Trade : NGOs mobilize against WTO services negotiations (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
Swiss civil society groups as well as international non-governmental organizations have joined forces to call for a mass mobilization against the current round of services negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

United Nations : Is beleaguered UN chief caving in to US pressure? (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
A rash of recent headlines in mainstream US newspapers portray a UN secretary-general struggling to survive: "Kofi Annan Must Go", "Annan's Post at the UN May be at Risk, Officials Fear" and "Criminal Probe Eyes Kofi's Son".

Trade : US dumping threatens small farmers, warns report (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
US agricultural companies are selling crops to the world market at prices well below their cost of production, a practice called "dumping" that is one of the most damaging of all anti-competitive trade behaviours, says a new report.

Trade : Record US deficit challenges free trade assumptions (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
The US trade deficit swelled last year to a record high of $617 billion, a nearly 25% increase over 2003, prompting some analysts to blame the administration's aggressive free trade agenda.

United States : Iran war drums beat harder (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
Despite the Bush administration's insistence that, at least for now, it remains committed to using diplomatic means to halt Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme, war drums against the Islamic Republic appear to be beating more loudly here.