Answer That may be true in a theoretical model, and sometimes in practice. But the bulk of the empirical literature suggests that industires do not seek out pollution havens. This is related both to the extent of pollution abatement costs in total costs and issues todo with reputation among consumers. As incomes rise in developing countries, they care more about environmental quality. And foreign investment can be an important mechanism for transferring cleaner technologies. As for child labour, better opportunities mean more children can go to school. It's unlikely that developed countries are going to make use of child labout becasue some developing countries do so.
Question: How do you see world trade and WTO from here to 2015 ?
Answer I see it continuing to grow, but I also see some developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil taking greater shares. I see the WTO as a central part of this story.
Question: when do you expect the US and EU to transfer some of the agricultural subsidies to developing countries?
Answer I do not think either the EC or the US are ready to transfer their spending on agriculture to spending on agriculture in developing countries. But they are ready and have made proposals that wd mean a big reduction in their subsidies which would benefit developing countries. If the size of the reductions is enough is up to the other Members to decide, like the G20 group of developing countries.
Question: Could you give a brief comment on the performance of the compliance by China with the rules of WTO since 2001??”
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