Do Agencies that Facilitate International Trade Prevent Free Trade?

POINT: Yes. The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. provides many programs to help U.S. exporters conduct international trade. Through its actions, the government essentially subsidizes the exports. Governments in other countries have various programs as well. Thus, some countries may have a trade advantage because their exporters are subsidized in various ways. These subsidies distort the notion of free trade.

COUNTER-POINT: No. It is natural for any government to facilitate exporting for relatively inexperienced exporting firms. All governments provide a variety of services for their firms, including public services, and tax breaks for producing products that are ultimately exported. There is a difference between facilitating the exporting process and versus protecting an industry from foreign competition. The protection of an industry violates the notion of free trade, but facilitating the exporting process does not.

WHO IS CORRECT? Use the Internet to learn more about this issue. Which argument do you support? Offer your own opinion on this issue.

Click the title Week 4 Finance Discussion Forum above and click "Create Thread" to reply to each question in your initial post. I may also add more questions throughout the week to cover more material. Be prepared to respond to these questions as well.

Expectations:

Your first weekly post should be made no later than Wednesday of the week. It should be intuitive, thoughtful, and properly documented with supporting references using proper APA style (in-text citations AND a reference list). Your minimum of two additional posts to classmates should be done on separate days between Thursday and Sunday. These responses to other posts should also be well-written, thorough, and professional. The week closes on Sunday at 11:59 PM and you will no longer have access to the discussion.

EACH POST FOR THE DISCUSSION SHOULD BE AT LEAST 1 PARAGRAPH IN LENGTH (150 words). Quantity is IMPORTANT BUT QUALITY is just as important. Say something deep & intuitive, don't just rephrase something you read or another student's posting. Also remember the MINIMUM number of substantial posts each week is 3, but a MINIMUM effort will not earn a 100%. You need to go a bit beyond minimum for that. Support your writing with proper APA style documentation -- ALWAYS.

Answer with 500 words minimum or the assignment will result in a F

Discussion Grading Criteria:

(40) Thoroughly answered all questions (10) Original post by Wednesday (20) Quality of responses to at least two classmates (more is better!) (10) References to text and/or other sources (10) Spelling & grammar at college level (10) Posted on separate days

TOTAL: 100 points