Trade agreements and negotiations
Trade agreements and negotiations
For developing countries to prosper, they need to be able to trade internationally under an open and fair system.
Trade is not currently working for the poor. The world's 49 poorest countries together accounted for 0.4% of world trade in 1999 - half of the level of 1979. One of the biggest problems poorer countries face is barriers to markets in richer countries. The World Bank estimates that eliminating all barriers to trade in goods would generate $350 billion for low and middle income countries.
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Sharing the benefits of trade
Sharing the benefits of trade
In the Central African Republic, moving a container from a factory in Bangui, the capital, to the nearest port and getting through customs takes 116 days. In Denmark it takes five days.
Developing countries face big challenges to improving their prospects for growth through trade.
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Fair and ethical trade
Fair and ethical trade
By choosing products from developing countries, demanding higher standards from retailers and asking them if they know where the products really come from, who grew them and what conditions they work in, individuals can transform the way that poor people are employed in developing countries. Working together the government, consumers and the private sector can make sure that poor people in developing countries really are able to earn their way out of poverty.
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Trade and climate change
Trade and climate change
We need trade policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and encourage transfer of technology.
Trade is important in promoting sustainable development and tackling climate change. It encourages efficient production of goods and services and can increase incomes in poor countries. There is no doubt that good trade policies help accelerate development and increase the use of low carbon goods, services and technologies.
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Trading for peace
Trading for peace
Trading for Peace is a programme that aims to understand better the role of trade in peace-building and poverty reduction in the Great Lakes area of central Africa.
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