Music tour opposing TPP underway in America

Global Business

Music tour opposing TPP underway in America1

As countries like Singapore push the U.S. to pass the TPP, an active effort is underway in America to defeat that trade deal. A nationwide anti-TPP concert tour aimed at younger Americans is part of that strategy.
CCTV America’s Hendrik Sybrandy reports.

One recent Saturday night, young music fans descended on a Denver, Colorado music hall for an event that was one part entertainment and one part information about an agreement many knew little or nothing about.

Organizers said the Rock Against the TPP roadshow explained to people why TPP was a toxic deal. The biggest complaint is that it would encourage U.S. companies to move jobs overseas. Some U.S. studies have shown that around a million jobs had lost after the U.S. signed the North American Free Trade Act, or NAFTA.

Both U.S. presidential nominees currently oppose TPP. There aren’t enough votes in the U.S. Congress to pass it. But the anti-TPP side is keeping up the political pressure, arguing you can count on many hands the way this deal is bad for the U.S.

Pam Reichert, with the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation said trade, while disruptive, was often a net plus to the economy. She said TPP’s thousands of tariff reductions can only help states like Colorado.

Opponents worry TPP could still pass Congress after this November’s election. That’s why they’re pumping up the volume. And they believe these young people are the key to their strategy.