Global Economy Director and WTO expert Deborah James will lead this special delegation. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

After ten years of experience with the WTO, word on the street has gotten out: rather than promoting economic prosperity, the WTO is a giant corporate power grab threatening democracy, natural resources, and labor rights across the globe. Farmers, workers, environmentalists, and human rights groups mobilized tens of thousands in Seattle and Cancún to protest the WTO - and Hong Kong is next.

China is a rising superpower that will soon surpass the US in sheer economic size. China's industrial and textile development is lifting millions out of poverty, but are also causing a race-to-the-bottom globally as factories shift production to find the cheapest wages in a country that highly restricts labor rights. These days it is rare to walk into a retail outlet without seeing the "made in China" label, especially after the WTO abolishedhistoric global textile quotas.

Rising energy consumption brings electriciy and cars to millions of Chinese people, yet threaten massive increases in global warming. Given the opportunities of a mixed economy, will China pursue ecologically damaging coal, oil, and massive hydropower energy supplies, or choose a path to sustainable development?

And as the largest, most powerful economy in the history of the world, what will the US's response be to a challenger as world economic powerhouse? Will Americans sink deeper into China-bashing, or will we construct a fair foreign policy that safeguards US jobs and industries while allowing China to create the world's largest middle class?

Find out firsthand about the world's emerging superpower as you visit with various organizations working for labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Read Kevin Danaher's article about our July 2005 delegation to China here.

Also, see what past participants have to say about their trips here.

Program Highlights:

• This delegation begins in Shanghai, China's economic nerve center. The group then flies to the dynamic city of Guangzhou in the South for two days before continuing on to Hong Kong on December 12 for the People's Week of Action on the WTO.
• Visit a garment factory and learn about China's changing export economy, particularly in light of the abolition of global textile quotas. Hear from labor advocates about wages and working conditions.
• In Guangzhou visit a Buddhist temple with over 1800 years of history. Also visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial to learn the modern revolutionary history and about the founding father of modern China.
• Witness firsthand the spectacular recent growth of Shanghai, and hear from urban planners about the city's vision for the future.
• Hear about China's increased energy needs, and how this will affect global oil supplies, coal production, and efforts to promote sustainable development.
• Dive into discussions with insightful professors and specialists in economy, energy, history, and US-Chinese relations - and come away with a fresh perspective on China's past and future.
• In Hong Kong, jump into the fray of WTO negotiations that will decide the future of industrial development, public services and agriculture. Participate in seminars, events, and mobilizations on the WTO with activists from Korea, the Philippines, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and around the world.
• Meet with migrant workers' associations, labor advocates, and religious groups in Hong Kong about the WTO's impacts on local communities and the differences between Hong Kong and mainland China's politics and economy.
• Journey through the past, present, and future of this amazing country as you explore China's challenges and opportunities in the shifting global economy.
• Contact trip coordinator, ladan@globalexchange.org for the calendar of activities in Hong Kong for the WTO.

Cost: $1750 - A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Price Includes:

• In mainland China trip costs include all transportation, meals, guide and trip leader, entrance fees, program activities, accommodations in twin rooms, and translation. An extra fee applies for single rooms.
• In Hong Kong trip costs include trip leader, program activities, accommodations in twin rooms and breakfasts.
• Participants will also receive reading materials about China and the WTO to prepare them for the delegation.
• Not included:
• * International airfare to Shanghai and from Hong Kong
• * tips, drinks and personal expenses
• * transportation in Hong Kong, which is via Metro
• * lunch and dinner in Hong Kong

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Reality Tours Program.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Sanaz with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251.