| CEO Conferences |
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The
1996 Chicago Conference resulted in a number of innovative ideas, most
specifically the idea for a set of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA).
The meeting also produced strong support for the Information Technology
Agreement (ITA) and revised the negotiations on ITA in the WTO,
resulting in successful conclusion the following year.
In 1997, the TABD added electronic commerce
to the agenda. The TABD became one of the first forums for business and
government to discuss new technologies and ways to adapt the
regulations on-line. The Rome Conference featured remarks by Renato
Ruggiero, the first Director General of the World Trade Organization
(WTO). Vice President Al Gore was the keynote speaker at the 1998 CEO Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The meeting itself focused on advancing interests on global trade in the WTO, dealing with the controversy over protection of personal data and dealing with the economic fluctuations resulting from the Asian financial crisis. In Berlin in 1999, the TABD focused on promoting a cooperative EU-US agenda for the Seattle WTO Ministerial. The business community worked directly with Mike Moore, Director General of the WTO, European Commissioners for Trade and Enterprise, and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in order to promote continued trade liberalization progress. The TABD also provided recommendations on how to rebuild southeastern Europe by creating the conditions for increased private sector investment. In 2000, the TABD meeting in Cincinnati dealt with a number of specific topics, as well as the over-arching issue of globalization. The CEOs focused on promoting positive messages of the benefits of trade growth, while recognizing the importance of ensuring the benefits were shared globally. Meeting in the aftermath of the U.S. election turmoil, the CEOs in attendance worked to promote a positive trade agenda for action by the new U.S. Administration. With the support of the new U.S. Administration and the European Commission in 2001, the TABD reformatted its structure, creating a parallel agenda of CEO priority and Expert-level issues. Focusing on the key issues of concern to business, the TABD was able to make significant progress on the launch of the New Round in Doha, finalizing the negotiations on the Guidelines on Regulatory Cooperation and ensuring the effective development of the Early Warning System. Faced with the tragic events of September 11th, the TABD did not go forward with the CEO Conference. Meeting by videoconference in October, the CEOs pressed senior government to implement the TABD's recommendations in order to reinvigorate economic growth. |