But globalisation also brings opportunities. We are now asking business to behave in a more socially responsible manner and good companies realise that ethical business makes good business sense. The power of this movement to make a real difference to the lives of poor people is immense. It also gives the consumers through their purchasing power a practical way to help make the difference. At the same time it creates a greater awareness of development issues in this country.
Ethical trade is here to stay and is a key to a better future.
We should all get behind it. George Foulkes is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development As the Government's recently published White Paper on International Development clearly says, the challenge for the next century is the elimination of absolute poverty. Nothing could be more important. The challenge is immense but entirely achievable. We are now at a unique point in our history.