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06/07/2004
Developed world must make globalisation a force for good: Hewitt
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt today set out a new vision for UK trade and investment policy with the publication of a White Paper, entitled 'Making Globalisation a Force For Good'.
Billed as marking a new direction in the UK's approach to trade and WTO negotiations, the White Paper calls for a pro-development approach that allows poorer countries greater flexibility in opening their markets, as part of their broader plans for tackling poverty.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for the international trade agenda and contains challenging policies for the UK’s partners in Europe and the rest of the international community.
Ms Hewitt said: "This paper provides a much better understanding of the constraints faced by poorer countries.
"It is time to end the mercantilist style of trade negotiations which treat opening markets as concessions that have to be battled over.
"Poorer countries should not be expected to pay a price for any concession on subsidies, tariffs or market opening by a developed country - as trade negotiators too often imply. Developed countries should make reforms willingly because all have something to gain.
"We need a system that allows developing countries to remove trade barriers in a way that is properly sequenced and, vitally, within their own plans for development and poverty reduction.
"This Autumn I will visit European member states to build support for the UK approach. This is my calling card on the new European Commissioners."
The White Paper states that many poorer countries face severe supply side constraints that limit how their economies respond to the international market. Investment and international support - such as the International Finance Facility - may be needed to create the infrastructure to ensure they can compete and benefit from trade.
(GB)
Billed as marking a new direction in the UK's approach to trade and WTO negotiations, the White Paper calls for a pro-development approach that allows poorer countries greater flexibility in opening their markets, as part of their broader plans for tackling poverty.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for the international trade agenda and contains challenging policies for the UK’s partners in Europe and the rest of the international community.
Ms Hewitt said: "This paper provides a much better understanding of the constraints faced by poorer countries.
"It is time to end the mercantilist style of trade negotiations which treat opening markets as concessions that have to be battled over.
"Poorer countries should not be expected to pay a price for any concession on subsidies, tariffs or market opening by a developed country - as trade negotiators too often imply. Developed countries should make reforms willingly because all have something to gain.
"We need a system that allows developing countries to remove trade barriers in a way that is properly sequenced and, vitally, within their own plans for development and poverty reduction.
"This Autumn I will visit European member states to build support for the UK approach. This is my calling card on the new European Commissioners."
The White Paper states that many poorer countries face severe supply side constraints that limit how their economies respond to the international market. Investment and international support - such as the International Finance Facility - may be needed to create the infrastructure to ensure they can compete and benefit from trade.
(GB)
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