Deep concerns about trade impact on health

Trade issues are “highly sensitive” in Samoa according to the authors of a new academic paper that calls into question the impact free trade is having on national health standards.

The 12 page paper quotes just seven sources, none of them named.

“Trade issues are highly sensitive in Samoa, which accounted for the small sample; few people were willing to or felt competent to discuss the trade issues in detail,” said the authors, Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow, Judith McCool, and Teuila Percival from Auckland University.

Ms. Fa’alili Fidow is Manager of the UniService’s Pacific Health, Ms. McCool is a senior lecturer at the School of Population Health, and Ms. Percival is director of the university's Pacific Health Unit.

The authors say that the lack of debate around trade deals and their impacts on health mean there is a need for more study on the subject.

“Since Samoa’s accession to the World Trade Organisation in May 2012, even closer public scrutiny and rigorous research is needed to generate evidence of impact, not only on the growth in international investment, but on the health of its population.”

They quote critics as saying there is a lack of consultation surrounding trade issues, including joining the World Trade Organisation in May 2012.

“Those opposing the move (towards W.T.O. accession) voiced concerns about the lack of a full consultation with all relevant groups, the need to make everyone aware of the consequences of W.T.O. membership.”

Others surveyed for the report, supporters of the trade deal, viewed it as “a rigorous and therefore appropriate progression” that had taken since 1988 to finalise, and that “valuable lessons” had been learnt along the way from other countries, in particular Tonga, which retained a top tariff of 20% in their W.T.O. package.

“Yet, our focused interviews uncovered a depth of concern about the reliance on trade as a mechanism for achieving sustainable health gains in Samoa.

“The critical importance of such an informed and engaging process of trade negotiations was questioned, particularly regarding the technical details embedded within the negotiation process and implications being presented during trade negotiations.

“Similarly, there was deep concern regarding the importance of ensuring new agreements included a tangible incentive, within a legal capacity, to support Samoa to determine and manage health risks as a result of free trade deals.”

The seven in-depth interviews conducted were with four senior leaders in New Zealand, consisting of a government department Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.), a Non-Governmental Organisation (N.G.O.) C.E.O., a business and trade C.E.O. and a government Minister. In Samoa, three interviews were with the C.E.O. of a regional N.G.O., a senior business leader and a senior government official.

Concerns – and support – for free trade in Samoa were expressed in both countries.

“Apprehension amongst the health sector about trade agreements and their implications on public health reflects an inherent lack of trust in a process that lacks transparency and that are legally binding.” They pointed to increased trade

Such arrangements, they said, bind countries to “complex long term and inflexible agreements” that hinder the government’s capacity to respond with public policy.

Last year, public attention focused on government moves to ban turkey tails which were limited by W.T.O. rules.

This was referred to in the report.

“The process which Samoa follows in negotiating trade partnerships was for some informants consultative, informed and autonomous.”

For others, they said, the process was influenced in part by the pressures from its trading partners and political factors such as the donor-recipient relationship between New Zealand and Samoa.

“Autonomy in itself is a measure of a country’s wellbeing, and trade policies that compromise its self-governance is viewed by some informants as a negative impact of trade relationships,” said the authors.

“Samoa’s recent lifting of its ban on turkey tails to meet W.T.O.’s detailed criteria was cited by some as an example of this compromise.”

Authors said there were also benefits.

“Our findings reveal evidence for both genuine concern and optimism regarding the potential impact of trade agreements on the health outcomes in Samoa.” opportunities for women as one example. “Another significant potential gain for Samoa is the potential for increasing women’s participation in employment such as, the Women in Business and Development Initiative in Apia.

“There is evidence to suggest that the benefits of empowering women to hold employment and to receive income have a possible flow-on effect for women’s wellbeing and for other members of her family which underpins development and health equity in low resourced settings such as Samoa.”

However the authors say concerns remain.

“Careful consideration needs to be given to the rules of trade and the implications of signing trade agreements, particularly where decisions and compromises that initially create opportunities and wealth but inadvertently create inequalities and increased health and social disparities.

“Given the rapid and ever-changing landscape of trade, these actions should be taken sooner than later,” they conclude in their report, published 4th April 2014.

Comment has been sought from the Samoa Chamber of Commerce on issues raised.