World Day for Eradication of Poverty, October 17 2007 (Sharon Bowles MEP)

Sharon Bowles MEP <info@sharonbowles.org.uk>

World Day for Eradication of Poverty, October 17 2007

October 16, 2007 12:00 AM

Trade is essential to tackle poverty

Speaking ahead of the World Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Wednesday, 17 October 2007, Sharon Bowles MEP has called for greater European efforts to assist development in the world's poorest countries.

Sharon Bowles said, "Europe has done a lot of good work to raise many of the world's poorest people out of poverty. However, there is always scope to do more, particularly in terms of the way in which we trade with the developing world. Trade is, and will continue to be, a key factor in our efforts to assist development in Africa and elsewhere."

The Global Call to Action against Poverty has designated 17 October as the Global White Band Day for 2007. People across Europe will be wearing white wristbands to show their support for more action to assist development in the world's poorest countries, particularly in areas such as trade. Campaigners believe that trade deals between the European Union and developing countries could be structured in ways that do more to tackle poverty.

Sharon Bowles added, "The EU can be rightly proud of its record as the world's largest provider of overseas aid. As Europeans, we now need to ensure that we structure our trade deals with poor countries in more innovative ways to actively facilitate and encourage development."