By Winnifred Bulus
Kaduna (Nigeria) — Soon after assuming power, America’s new President, Donald Trump had appeared set to withdraw from the 12 nation Trans – Pacific Partnership (TPP) and renegotiates North American Free Trade Agreement, which had been signed in 1994, by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Trump adopted this strategy in hope of gaining economic independence for the United States and freeing it from all ties that holds its success as well dominating world business.
He believes by doing so, America will not only be free, but will also set economic standard for the world and fortify itself against East Asia, especially China.
Speaking from his office, Trump said, “We’re going to stop the ridiculous trade deals that have taken everybody out of our country and taken companies out of our country, and it’s going to be reversed. I think you’re going to have a lot of companies come back to our country.”
He emphasised that from now on, the United States would sign trade deals only with individual allies.
Michael B. Froman, the trade representative, who worked with Obama in negotiating the agreement to become part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (which was not approved by congress) said, “For the Trump administration, after all this talk about being tough on China, for their first action to basically hand the keys to China and say we’re withdrawing from our leadership position in this region is geo-strategically damaging.”
He added that China is likely to take over world economy if the TPP fails.
The Trans Pacific Partnership is a trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States of America and Vietnam, formed to promote economic growth; support the creation and retention of jobs; enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness; raise living standards; reduce poverty in the signatories’ countries; and promote transparency, good governance, and enhance labor and environmental protections
Same day, Donald trump also prohibits abortion policies that funds non-governmental organzations abroad.
Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Right, said in a statement: “Trump’s Global Gag Rule will only lead to increases in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal and newborn deaths.”
Former President Obama allowed funding of non-governmental organisations that performed abortions abroad despite banning the act in the United States.
