05 June 2009
Trade drives growth. And rapid, sustained, inclusive growth is the most direct route to reducing global poverty.
And while increases in trade and growth have been unevenly spread among countries and within countries, no country has lifted itself out of poverty by turning its back on trade. That's why the UK is investing in transforming the trading capacity of developing countries to ensure they share in the benefits of trade. 
World Trade Week UK (official website), on 8-12 June 2009, showcases the critical role global trade can play in reducing world poverty.
World Trade Week builds on the achievements of the G20 Summit where international leaders agreed on the importance of preserving an open trading system and signed a historic commitment to make $250 billion available to halt the slow-down in trade finance.
In uncertain economic times, the major conference, discussions and events which make up the World Trade Week 2009 calendar focus on how we can keep trade flowing to rebuild global prosperity and security.
DFID and trade
The UK is determined that the poorest countries should be assisted in the global economic downturn. On June 8, Secretary of State Douglas Alexander announced that funding for Aid for Trade would be increased to £800 million.
DFID supported the North-South Corridor Conference, which saw the international community pledge $1.2 billion for trade infrastructure and facilitation along one of Africa's oldest and busiest trading routes.
And the UK is pushing for reform of global markets and access to new markets; 36 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries now have duty-free quota-free access to European markets.
We also support the Fairtrade movement which has raised public awareness of the situation of poor producers in poor countries and Fairtrade is now the most recognised ethical label in the UK. More on what we're doing to help share the benefits of trade
DFID in action
How DFID and the ingenuity of Guyanese businesswomen are combining to creating new opportunities. Read Fancy fish, females and micro-finance
Akwaaba fruit drinks and smoothies will hit the shelves later in 2009. Find out how a unique initiative funded by DFID is helping Ghana's fruit producers enter the juicy UK market
We're working with the UN to help India's female artisans protect their livelihoods. Read more in our case study
Read more trade-related case studies at the 'success stories' section of the World Trade Week 2009 website