The Stream

Is free trade fair in Colombia?

Farmers say they are not benefiting from their country’s economic policies.

Colombian coffee farmers march during a protest in Medellin, Colombia, on 20 August 2013. (EPA/LUIS EDUARDO NORIEGA)

How fair is “free trade” in Colombia? Many farmers there say unbalanced trade agreements that favor foreign goods are ruining their livelihoods. In response to Colombia’s economic policies, thousands across the country are protesting and calling for reform.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Juan Carlos Hidalgo @jchidalgo
Policy analyst, CATO Institute
cato.org 

Robert Valencia @rvalentwit 
Writer, Global Voices Online
 
Alberto Bejarano
Chief of staff and labor adviser to Senator Alexander Lopez, Senate of Colombia

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.