Whose Interests Should Be the Paramount Concern of Government Trade Policy- the Interests of Producers or Those of Consumers?

Question: "Whose interests should be the paramount concern of government trade policy- the interests of producers (farmers, businesses and their employees) or those of consumers?

Answer

This is just a personal opinion; however I believe the policy must incorporate the interests of all parties concerned. If most of the interest is placed on producers, and the organizations and their employees, the customer may suffer. If most of the interests is placed on the customer, then the producers, business organizations, and their employees may suffer which would have a negative impact on all parties in the long run. All concerned parties cannot work in separate silos and realize successful outcomes. They must work as integral parts of a greater whole. This is where the development of "learning teams" becomes critical to the stability and long-term survivability of each. It is the development of a common purpose, common cause mentality, instead of self-interests. It is not easy, but it can be done, and is being accomplished in many fortune 500 companies today. These teams are made up of representatives from each area. These representatives are individuals each having an expertise all their own. The teams are multilevel, multicultural (in terms of organizational culture), and cross-functional, and work on the basis of an overall common goal or objective for the benefit of the greater whole, for as it has been stated, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." However, in order for that whole to benefit, all parts must be working together in sync, and in harmony, for successful outcomes to be realized.