By: Thaís Trapp

On November 3rd Brasscom signed a letter to the G20 in partnership with representative bodies from the service sector in 13 countries concerned about the financial crisis that has transcended national borders. The initiative aims to rescue the Doha Round during the Washington Summit in the USA on November 15th. ?In the current scenario, attempts have been made to revert to protectionist and isolationist policies. Experience teaches that such action only adds to the negative consequences of an already difficult situation. Individualist policies must be a thing of the past; global problems require global solutions?, says the letter. ?Now, more than ever, governments need to publically join together with strong political will to assure that the opportunities for growth of free trade and greater market access can be and are offered to every corner of the world?.

Commitment by all the bodies fosters initiatives by other governments to steady the uncertainty imposed on the market. Sector representatives say this effort must drive business confidence in the next quarter, in addition to promoting economic growth and development in the countries, reducing global poverty indices in the long term. ?We must not lose sight of the objective of the global trade negotiations: to promote economic growth, generating greater international commitment in regard to ease of access to the market, with non-discriminatory regulatory practices?.

This moment in the economy, with shockwaves flowing through the global financial system, requires worldwide authorities to join together to promote confidence and to guarantee the safety of worldwide business. ?The commitment of leaders to keeping markets open is the best answer to the economic crisis?, says the letter. ?As a leading priority, the service community seeks to build a reliable environment in all global markets?.