Free Trade/Fair Trade

The world is becoming smaller every day. I see it in my blog readership. Though most of my readers come from the United States, I have readers from different parts of the world. Each day people from Mexico, Turkey, France, Malaysia, Australia, and many other countries come to read about being an entrepreneur. They learn about doing business in the United States, and I learn about them.

Whether we like it or not, trade is here to stay. We hear about products or services in other countries, and we want to duplicate what others are doing. And if we find that it is impossible to duplicate, we seek ways to adapt those economic activities so that they will work well in our communities.

But when we deal with people across borders, especially if our contacts are through the Internet, it is easy to be anonymous, at least that is what we think. In fact we are not anonymous at all, and if we hope to have lasting business relationships, we must not be so. We need to forge strong personal contacts in order to succeed. But with those personal contacts come responsibilities, and because our reputation is on the line, we must act ethically in all our dealings

One ethical concept that has been around for a while, but has gathered steam in the last few years is the Fair Trade movement. There have been several scandals about companies and celebrities who are importing products that are manufactured under horrible conditions. The reputations of companies such as Nike, and celebrities such as Kathie Lee Gifford, have suffered tremendously as the public becomes aware of how they are making their money. Others, such as Starbucks, have improved their reputations greatly, and made a lot of money by partnering with Fair Trade programs. Now the coffee giant is perceived as a progressive, fair, and very cool company.

The Fair trade system wants to create awareness, and to improve the lives of workers around the world. The goal is to educate consumers so that they will demand products manufactured by laborers who earn a fair wage within the economic context of their country. The idea is that by encouraging long-term business relationships, the workers have a safe and healthy workplace in which to earn their living; and it will be in a situation that respects their cultural identity.

Many people around the world believe that trade can be detrimental to individuals, but it need not be so. Stopping international trade is like trying to tame the sea, just about impossible. Better to trade within an ethical framework that benefits many rather than just a few. If you are considering, or are now involved in international trade, I believe there is a great business opportunity in pursuing the Fair Trade way, just ask Starbucks!