Poor nations losing out in trade deals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The poorest countries are losing out in the new trade order and today's international summit of trade leaders in Singapore should address the problem, says the charity Christian Aid, writes Louise Jury.
Ministers from 150 countries belonging to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Gatt), are to discuss cutting tariffs and reducing protection.
But in a report published today, The Lands that Trade Forgot, Christian Aid argues that the opening up of markets has helped only the richer countries. Peter Madden, the report's co-author, said: "There is no level playing field in international trade. Christian Aid believes there must be action to support poor countries if they are to become independent members of the global economic family."
The 48 poorest countries have 12 per cent of the world's population but only 0.4 per cent of global trade.
Ian Lang, President of the Board of Trade, who is leading the British delegation, said the Government wants greater freeing up of trade, although business leaders have argued for consolidating existing deals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments