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The IMF as ""A Crucial Cornerstone""

By ALAN COWELL / New York Times Laying out his vision of the future of the International Monetary Fund, Horst Kohler, the new managing director, said today that rather than shrinking as some critics have suggested, the fund should expand its role as "a crucial cornerstone" of globalization.

Rice Nations Urged to Prepare for PVP and IP

IRRI Press Release Los Baoos, Philippines -- The world's rice-producing nations, which feed well over half the people on the planet, have been warned research efforts to ensure the food security of their burgeoning populations could be affected unless they prepare proper laws on plant variety protection (PVP) and intellectual property (IP).

U.S. Ag Lenders Say Farmers Fragile, Call on Congress

WASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - A third year of low grain prices will weaken the financial footing of many U.S. farmers unless Congress intercedes again, agricultural lenders said on Wednesday.

U.S. Economy, Security Will Suffer Without New China Trade Ties: Clinton

Agence France Presse / Nathaniel Harrison WASHINGTON, March 29 (AFP) - President Bill Clinton on Wednesday warned Congress that both the economy and national security of the United States would be endangered if it failed to grant permanent trade privileges to China.

Should the U.S. Permanently Normalize Trade Relations with China?

The San Francisco Chronicle / Editorial U.S. Shouldn't Yield To Unreasonable Demands of China BY Nancy Pelosi

Chinese Rules Impress Barshefsky and Glickman, But Not Meat Industry

CongressDaily

Africa: Leveling the Playing Field

by Lewis Machipisa HARARE, Mar 28 (IPS) - Developing countries should not be expected to compete on the same playing field as developed countries with regards to trade in agriculture, trade experts meeting here Tuesday said.

French Farmers to Set Up "WTO Watch" Body

GENEVA, March 28 (Reuters) - Militant French farm leaders opposed to open trading in agricultural produce said on Tuesday they planned to set up a watchdog in Geneva to exert "democratic control" over the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

United States: Public Supports Globalization with Conditions

By Jim Lobe WASHINGTON, Mar. 28 (IPS) -- Most U.S. citizens support trade and deeper integration into the global economy so long as workers' rights and environmental protection are not compromised, according to a new study released here Tuesday.

Saudi Membership of WTO Still at Least Two Years Off

Agence France Presse ABU DHABI, March 28 (AFP) - Saudi membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is still at least two years off, a senior WTO official said Tuesday, while welcoming an easing of US sanctions against Iran.