Trade is a major tool for development

In adopting two Reports by EPP Group Members Tokia Saïfi and Alf Svensson by a large majority today, the European Parliament is calling on the EU to take trade aspects more into consideration when defining development policies.

In her Report on 'Trade and investment-driven growth for developing countries', Tokia Saïfi insisted on the importance of trade and investment policies as a supporting tool for development policies.

"We are currently discussing our position on the Millennium Development goals after 2015. Now more than ever, we need to build solutions which have been proven effective on the ground. For example, in the Ivory Coast, all observers say that the country has been able to catch up in terms of development by developing a trade and investment policy which is innovative and systematic", she said.

In his Report on 'Advancing development through trade' which was adopted with a large majority today, Alf Svensson MEP underlined the need to increase international trade with developing countries to help them develop.

"In order for the benefits of international trade to have the best possible impact on societal development, we need to look into increasing trade with developing countries, not least in sectors where poor people are active. Lowering barriers for trade is key for development", he said.

"Peace, the rule of law, good governance and sound public finances in developing countries are essential to create a conductive environment for efficient Aid for Trade and trade development", concluded Alf Svensson MEP.