Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has issued a compelling call to action on the world stage, cautioning against the pitfalls of protectionism in international trade. Ahern, who steered Ireland through a transformative period from 1997 to 2008, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with China Daily. He emphasized that the key to prosperity lies in embracing multilateralism and dismantling trade barriers, advocating for a global environment where trade flourishes. Ahern’s perspective, drawn from Ireland’s own economic evolution, carries considerable weight as he highlights the significance of cooperation in an interconnected world.
Historical Lessons Echo: Protectionism is a Mistake
In the interview, Bertie Ahern reflected on Ireland’s historical journey, a country that once believed in the protective power of tariffs during the 1930s and 1940s. It took several decades for Ireland to realize that such protectionism was fundamentally flawed. “And it was only when we did away with the tariffs and the restrictions and opened up trade (that) we developed more,” Ahern noted. Today, Ireland stands as one of the most business-friendly destinations globally, often dubbed the Silicon Valley of Europe. This transformation underscores the benefits of embracing open trade policies, as it paved the way for Ireland’s economic prosperity.
China and Ireland: A Model of Trade Growth
Ahern underscored the vitality of global trade by highlighting the blossoming economic relationship between China and Ireland. In recent years, the two nations have witnessed their bilateral trade expand, reaching a staggering $23.8 billion last year, marking a 3.8 percent year-on-year growth. Ahern emphasized that this remarkable achievement was not the result of protectionism but rather the fruit of fostering trade while safeguarding intellectual property rights. He reiterated that when trade surges, it’s a win-win situation for companies, consumers, and investors, creating benefits that ripple across borders.
Challenges to Free Trade: Protectionism’s Hindrance
The interview delved into the challenges faced by global trade in the present landscape, with Ahern shedding light on how politics can obstruct economic progress. Ahern lamented that some nations always find reasons to oppose unrestricted trade, which can be counterproductive. He pointed to the recent European Commission anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicle makers as an example, asserting that such actions hinder normal business operations. Additionally, he highlighted the disparities between large and small European countries, such as Ireland, when it comes to offsetting tariffs with subsidies, emphasizing that protectionist measures disproportionately harm smaller nations.
Amid these challenges, Ahern expressed optimism in the collaborative efforts of the Chinese government and the EU to find common ground. He cited recent dialogues, such as the 10th China-EU High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue, as promising examples of constructive engagement. Ahern concluded by emphasizing that sitting down, discussing, and compromising are the most effective ways to resolve disputes and differences in an interconnected world.
In conclusion, Bertie Ahern’s resounding message against protectionism serves as a rallying cry for global unity in trade. His insights, grounded in Ireland’s history and its economic resurgence, emphasize that cooperation and open markets are essential for shared prosperity. As nations navigate the complexities of the global economy, Ahern’s wisdom serves as a beacon, guiding them toward a future where trade is not hindered by politics, but rather driven by mutual benefit.
