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23/09/2004
Trade minister calls for closer Anglo-French cooperation
New trade minister Douglas Alexander has today called upon UK and France to work together to keep Europe "at the forefront of world trade negotiations" following the recent Geneva agreement.
Mr Alexander used his first major overseas engagement to drive forward a "free and fair world trade agenda" as the two countries celebrate 100 years of close partnership.
At an economic seminar in Paris to mark the centenary celebration of the Entente Cordiale, attended by French trade minister Francois Loos, Mr Alexander pressed the case for the two countries to work together to achieve progress in the current world trade round as well to promote European competitiveness and productivity.
The minister pointed to the success of recent talks in Geneva and the achievement of a framework agreement and urged the need for momentum in the run-up to the Hong Kong ministerial meeting in 2005.
Joint efforts to liberalise world trade will be good for business and good for the world: increasing wealth, security and the standard of living in globally, the Minister told the audience of leading businessmen.
Broad liberalisation of world markets could add 1.3% to EU GDP and give developing countries $150 billion a year - three times the value of development aid. By 2015 that could lift more than 300 million people across the world out of poverty, the Minister concluded.
Mr Alexander said: "The UK and France have enjoyed 100 years of military, political and economic partnership.
"We must build on this strong bond and work together - whether as members of the EU, NATO, UN Security Council or in the WTO -- to make a very significant difference to global efforts to resolve the crippling problems faced by some of the poorest countries in the world.
"Liberalised global trade ultimately helps raise the prosperity of all countries. The UK and France are two of the world's oldest established trading nations and have links to all corners of the world. Our goal over the next 100 years of partnership should be to use these links for the benefit of all."
Mr Alexander said the two nations had a responsibility to tackle the causes of instability and insecurity affecting the world today by playing a part in resolving conflicts and restoring peace.
(gmcg/mb)
Mr Alexander used his first major overseas engagement to drive forward a "free and fair world trade agenda" as the two countries celebrate 100 years of close partnership.
At an economic seminar in Paris to mark the centenary celebration of the Entente Cordiale, attended by French trade minister Francois Loos, Mr Alexander pressed the case for the two countries to work together to achieve progress in the current world trade round as well to promote European competitiveness and productivity.
The minister pointed to the success of recent talks in Geneva and the achievement of a framework agreement and urged the need for momentum in the run-up to the Hong Kong ministerial meeting in 2005.
Joint efforts to liberalise world trade will be good for business and good for the world: increasing wealth, security and the standard of living in globally, the Minister told the audience of leading businessmen.
Broad liberalisation of world markets could add 1.3% to EU GDP and give developing countries $150 billion a year - three times the value of development aid. By 2015 that could lift more than 300 million people across the world out of poverty, the Minister concluded.
Mr Alexander said: "The UK and France have enjoyed 100 years of military, political and economic partnership.
"We must build on this strong bond and work together - whether as members of the EU, NATO, UN Security Council or in the WTO -- to make a very significant difference to global efforts to resolve the crippling problems faced by some of the poorest countries in the world.
"Liberalised global trade ultimately helps raise the prosperity of all countries. The UK and France are two of the world's oldest established trading nations and have links to all corners of the world. Our goal over the next 100 years of partnership should be to use these links for the benefit of all."
Mr Alexander said the two nations had a responsibility to tackle the causes of instability and insecurity affecting the world today by playing a part in resolving conflicts and restoring peace.
(gmcg/mb)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
