Aid for Trade
The EU and G8 are making Aid for Trade a priority in the fight against global poverty
History tells us that no country has lifted itself out of poverty by turning its back on international trade. Trade drives growth. Rapid, sustained growth is the most direct route to reducing poverty. High transport costs, red tape, lack of skills and poor product standards are some of the many barriers which block poor countries from competing in the market-place.
Aid for Trade is a framework reflecting trade as a cross-sector, multi-dimensional challenge. It is a joint venture between donors and partner countries and a proven means of helping countries overcome these barriers and to integrate into the global economy.
As donors must provide more resources to boost trade, promote regional integration and support adjustment, partner governments must make trade central to development, working with the private sector and other parts of civil society.
The EU and G8 are making Aid for Trade a priority in the fight against global poverty – the UK will be contributing at least £1 billion per year to trade and growth over the next three years. This investment must be designed to boost trade that rewards the many, not just the privileged few and to accelerate an international system delivering the benefits of trade to the poorest countries and producers.
