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Glossary on free trade agreements and health part 1: The shift from multilateralism and the rise of 'WTO-Plus' provisions

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Courtney McNamaraORCiD

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Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. The global trading system has undergone a shift away from multilateral trade negotiations to a 'spaghetti-bowl' of regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). In this two-part glossary, we discuss why this shift has occurred, focusing on how it poses new challenges for public health. Specifically, we introduce key terms that shape this new trading environment and explain them through a public health lens. Part 1 of this glossary focuses on provisions in FTAs that build on previous agreements of the World Trade Organization (WTO). These provisions are commonly designated as 'WTO-Plus'. This approach continues into part 2 of the glossary, which also considers components of FTAs that have no precedent within WTO treaties. Following a broader discussion of how the current political context and the COVID-19 pandemic shape the contemporary trade environment, part 2 considers the main areas of trade and health policy incoherence as well as recommendations to address them.

Publication metadata

Author(s): McNamara CL, Labonte R, Schram A, Townsend B

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Year: 2021

Volume: 75

Issue: 4

Pages: 402-406

Print publication date: 01/04/2021

Online publication date: 05/01/2021

Acceptance date: 29/11/2020

ISSN (print): 0143-005X

ISSN (electronic): 1470-2738

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-215104

DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-215104

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