Event Name:
Policy Responses to the Collapse in World Trade

Where:
Suite Hemisphere A Concourse Level Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Penn. Ave. NW Washington, DC

When:
May 06, 2009

Cost
$45.00

Event Description
Last December, the Director of the World Bank's International Trade Department, Bernard Hoekman, provided a WITA audience an initial assessment of the impact of the global financial crisis on international trade. With the passage of an additional six months, a very gloomy picture indeed has unfolded for the global trade community. In late March the World Trade Organization issued the most pessimistic report on international trade in its history, forecasting a drop in world trade of at least 9 percent in 2009. Some are now predicting a drop of at least 10 percent as the economic crisis continues to circle the globe with ever more devastating economic news. Yet, the April 2 G-20 meeting in London did little to address directly international trade issues or growing protectionist sentiment in many key countries. This perhaps reflected the belief among many world leaders that the problems of the financial sector and the regulation of that sector had to be addressed first.

But international trade is a 24/7 activity which enormously impacts economic growth, employment, and even survivability for many companies and individuals. It can't be ignored. With this back drop, Mr. Hoekman will lay out an up-to-date picture of what has been happening on the trade flows front; break it down by sector/region; discuss the extent to which we are observing protectionist responses; and review what the World Bank is doing, including on trade finance. In addition, he will discuss what more could or should be done by leading trading nations.

This program will provide the critical background analysis on the current shape of international trade flows, how they are now challenged, and what appropriate policy responses are possible.

Sponsors :
WITA

Event Speakers
Mr. Bernard HOEKMAN, Director, International Trade Department, The World Bank.

Additional Event Information
Light breakfast will be served.

Reagan Building security requires photo ID.

Event held with generous support of the International Gateway at the Ronald Reagan Building.

Cancellations within 48 hours of event will be billed to cover costs.

Spaces are limited so please register by COB Tuesday May 5.

Closest Metro: Federal Triangle (orange/blue), Metro Center (red).

Directions To the Hemisphere Suites of the Ronald Reagan Building: --Walking or by Cab: Enter 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue (across from Freedom Plaza, between 13th and 14th.) After passing through security, go immediately left. Go through double doors, and down the stairs one level to Conference Center (Concourse Level.). At bottom of stairs go straight past the Amphitheater (on right) and the Hemisphere Suites will come up on your right. --From Metro Center: Use 13th St. exit. Go 2.5 blocks South on 13th St. Follow Walking directions above. --From Federal Triangle (orange/blue lines): When exiting Metro, follow signs to the right after first set of escalators to enter the Ronald Reagan Building. You will be on the Concourse Level (downstairs.) Proceed down corridor; turn right at first hallway following signs towards Conference Center. Hemisphere Suites will come up on the left.

Contact phone * :
202-312-1600

Contact Email * :
events@wita.org

Event Type
WITA Event