What were the GATT /WTO discussions about?
During the final phase of the GATT trade negotiations, France, acting in agreement with its European Union and Francophone partners, insisted that special conditions must apply to cultural goods and services in international trade. The above article( website above) about French cultural priorities makes it clear that this stand was in no way dictated by any desire to limit cultural exchanges. On the contrary, by asserting that culture cannot be considered as an ordinary merchandise, and by supporting the right of every state to encourage its own creative artists, France’s intention was to help maintain the diverse traditions which make up the cultural heritage of humanity. This ambition also fuels French policy within international bodies dedicated to promoting culture, such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO. France’s goal is to facilitate freedom of movement for works of the mind, while at the same time ensuring that all cultures enjoy equal dignity and are enabled to safeguard the
