Skip to main content
Normal View

Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Questions (509)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

509. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, directly and through the aegis of the European Union and the United Nations, continues to monitor the development of the aid-for-trade policy pursued by some countries in respect of the various deserving countries throughout Africa. [45689/15]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s development co-operation programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy, recognises that international trade can play a major role in the promotion of economic development and the alleviation of poverty. The World Trade Organisation-led Aid for Trade initiative encourages developing country Governments and donors to recognise the role that trade can play in development. In particular, the initiative seeks to mobilise resources to address the trade-related constraints identified by developing and least-developed countries.

My Department actively monitors the development of aid for trade policy. Ireland was represented at the 5th Global Review of Aid for Trade which was held from 30th June to 2nd July this year in Geneva. The review found that the Aid for Trade initiative was delivering and had the continued commitment of the trade and development community. The areas identified for greater focus at the Review were reducing trade costs, especially for the poor; Least Developed Countries; gender; and adapting to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The new EU trade strategy Trade for All published in October includes a commitment to review, with EU Member States, the EU’s Aid for Trade strategy to enhance the capacity of developing countries to make use of the opportunities offered by trade agreements, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ireland will actively participate in this review of the EU Aid for Trade strategy.

I am pleased that since 2000, Ireland has provided support to the major, mainly Geneva based, international organisations involved in Aid for Trade work. This includes two technical assistance programmes of the WTO; the International Trade Centre; the Advisory Centre for WTO Law; and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Port Training Programme. Our funding to these organisations amounted to €1.65m in 2015.

Top
Share