Execs Urged To Tout Globalization's Benefits

Even as Americans and Europeans battle over bananas -- the U.S. says the 15-nation European Union (EU) has unduly restrictive import rules -- the trading partners agree that industry's leaders must address a perceived social downside to globalization. "Many consumers and workers fear that globalization will diminish rather than enhance their future well-being," noted participants at this month's Transatlantic Business Dialogue conference of CEOs in Charlotte. In remaking the case for free trade and market expansion, "business on both sides of the Atlantic [are strongly urged] to inform their employees and other stakeholders of the important contribution that international trade makes to improved business results," stated the U.S. and EU conferees.