Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
On February 15, Ecuador ratified its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, becoming the fourth Latin American country to do so. However, the agreement has raised concerns about its potential environmental and social repercussions. Critics fear that it will facilitate the entry of toxic waste under the label of “raw material”.
Ecuadorian civil society groups, such as the NGO Alianza Basura Cero, expressed concern about the FTA, arguing that it allows the entry of hazardous waste under the guise of “raw material” and poses significant environmental and social risks, including radioactive contamination. In addition, the agreement allows China to ship a variety of products, from waste to toxic waste, while Ecuador cannot ship any waste.
María Fernanda Solíz, of Alianza Basura Cero, warns against “green washing”, a deceptive tactic that disguises harmful practices under ecological discourse. Ecuador, already facing a waste management crisis, would receive more waste, exacerbating its environmental and public health problems.
The FTA also raises concerns about food sovereignty, deforestation, and indigenous rights in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The duty-free import of transgenic seeds and the possible “over-export” of food to China could have negative effects on the environment and soil health.
Another area of concern is the lack of oversight of Chinese companies abroad, which could result in unchecked environmental and social impacts. Unlike Western corporations, Chinese corporations do not face sanctions for abusive behavior, which raises questions about corporate responsibility and environmental protection.
In conclusion, while the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement offers favorable economic prospects, the environmental and social concerns raised serious doubts about its long-term suitability. As the risks associated with the entry of toxic waste, the threat to food sovereignty and the unchecked impacts of Chinese companies abroad become more evident, a deep reflection on sustainability and responsibility in international trade relations is needed.
Main source:
TLC entre Ecuador y China suscita inquietudes medioambientales. (2024, marzo 21).https://dialogo-americas.com/es/articles/tlc-entre-ecuador-y-china-susciata-inquietudes-medioambientales
Other related sources:
Infobae, (5 de marzo, 2024). https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/02/05/colectivos-de-la-amazonia-de-ecuador-reiteran-su-oposicion-al-acuerdo-comercial-con-china