In the international arena, many organizations assist transnational corporations in their efforts to lobby both international and domestic policy makers. With money and political connections these companies push for business-friendly policies that protect their interests. In addition, rich governments fund ministerial forums, think tanks, and lending institutions that advise businesses and policy makers on global policy and support market liberalizing initiatives. Yet, should major corporations have special privileges to "develop" poor communities for corporate profits? Here is a list of links to the websites of business and government alliances.
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
A ministerial forum of twenty-one economies that support regional collaboration on market liberalization and free-trade.
European-American Business Council (EABC)
A Washington Based group of EU and US companies active in lobbying governments and international financial organizations for business-friendly policy on trade, tax, regulations and investment.
The European Round Table of Industrialists
The European Round Table consists exclusively of chief executives officers, of a number of TNCs based in Europe. CEOs lobby EC, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, and international organizations; and played a key role in the development of a European single market.
International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
An institution that arbitrates trade disputes between states and foreign investors. States that have signed the ICSID Convention cannot appeal the decisions made by this court, which is closely affiliated with the World Bank and is co-sponsored by International Chamber of Commerce and other business associations.
International Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber lobbies as key voice for business interests against international regulations (like environmental protection), in favor of "free trade." The ICC was instrumental in killing the proposed UN Centre on Transnational Corporations.
Inter-American Development Bank
Members from rich countries lend money to this bank, which funds industrial and social projects in poor Latin American and Caribbean countries and supplements private investment.
International Finance Corporation
A member of the World Bank Group created in 1958 to spur private sector investment in poor countries by financing investment projects and advising poor countries on how create a business environment favorable to foreigners.
TransAtlantic Business Dialogue
The Transatlantic Business Dialogue functions as an internal network of European and American companies and business associations working to develop joint EU-US trade policy recommendations with the highest levels of government.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
An international organization of delegates and experts funded by 30 developed countries. OECD provides nations and multi-lateral financial institutions with policy deliberations and statistics based on its scientific and economic research of globalization issues.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
A US federal agency established in 1971 that generates its own funds by offering risk insurance and loans to small and large US businesses that want to operate in poor countries. By supporting the interests of foreign direct investors, OPIC supports US economic expansion and neo-liberal economic policy.
United States Council for International Business (USCIB)
US multinational companies, law firms and business associations unite to lobby international organizations and governments for pro-business ideas, values and policies on a wide range of issues – from environment to e-commerce to labor relations.
US Export-Import Bank
A US export credit agency that uses lender money to assist the financing for the export of US goods and services from the US to international markets.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development constitutes a coalition of 165 TNCs and play a crucial role in setting a business strategy to handle the challenge from environmental problems in different world organizations and from public criticism.
World Economic Forum
Each year the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland brings together CEOs of over 1,000 TNCs, prime ministers, trade and economic ministers, top political and corporate decision makers and big media representatives. The informal discussions on global issues in this forum do not go unnoticed at world level.
