World Trade Center Palm Beach Sets Stage For Big Debate On Free Trade Area Of The Americas, As Activists Worldwide Prepare Major Protests In Miami WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., October 3, 2003 -- In an effort to shine a spotlight on the tough road ahead for trade representatives trying to achieve a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by 2005, the World Trade Center Palm Beach (WTCPB) is bringing together consulates from some of the key regions involved in the FTAA, including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Jamaica. On the heels of FTAA talks in Trinidad, which ended with wide differences, a WTCPB panel discussion 6 to 8 P.M Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott will offer both sides another chance to tackle some of the tough issues before the Trade Minister meeting in Miami this November, when major rallies are expected, said Al Zucaro, president of WTCPB. The United States is pushing most aggressively for adoption of an FTAA, which is an effort to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement. But it hasn't been easy, says Zucaro, since the US and Brazil are at odds over the scope of negotiations to create the world's largest free trade area by January 1, 2005. The US wants a more ambitious and wide-ranging pact, and is pushing for a single comprehensive agreement that would cut tariffs on manufactured and agricultural goods, while strengthening rules governing services trade, investment, intellectual property protection and government procurement. The proposed FTAA would be the largest free trade zone covering 34 countries and almost 800 million people. But opponents say this expansion of NAFTA -- a proven disaster -- will undermine labor rights, push down wages and cause job loss. Activists who are calling for mobilization against corporate-controlled globalization say the FTAA will give corporations outrageous rights to sue governments and will make the rich richer and increase poverty throughout the hemisphere. Opponents say they're determined to stop the US government and powerful international financial institutions from accelerating corporate globalization in Latin America and the Caribbean. The WTCPB is the region's lead entity on issues of international trade and is focused on expanding business opportunities in its greater economic region - Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Hendry and Okeechobee counties. # # # CONTACT: Michelle Rosen, +1-561-750-9800, ext. 14, or MRosen@transmediagroup.com