There has been considerable momentum to reduce or remove trade barriers in an effort to achieve 'free trade' .discuss??

Free trade refers to the unrestricted flow of goods and services between countries without the imposition of tariffs, quotas, or other trade barriers. Proponents of free trade argue that it leads to increased economic efficiency, lower prices for consumers, and greater economic growth. However, there are also critics who argue that free trade can lead to job losses, income inequality, and environmental degradation.

In recent years, there has been considerable momentum to reduce or remove trade barriers in an effort to achieve free trade. This has been driven by a number of factors, including advancements in technology that have made it easier to conduct international trade, the growth of global supply chains, and the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy.

One of the most significant efforts to reduce trade barriers has been the establishment of regional trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union. These agreements aim to eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade between member countries, in order to promote economic growth and cooperation.

In addition to regional trade agreements, there have also been efforts to reduce trade barriers through multilateral agreements, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO aims to promote free trade by negotiating and enforcing trade agreements between its member countries.

Overall, the momentum towards reducing trade barriers and achieving free trade has been driven by the belief that it can lead to greater economic prosperity and cooperation between countries. However, it is important to consider the potential downsides of free trade, such as job losses and income inequality, and to ensure that trade agreements are fair and beneficial for all parties involved.