This means that a strategy for increasing trade with the poorest countries must have a positive impact on development assistance, private sector development and trade. The Labour Party s policy does this. But this is an evasion of responsibility. If the poorest countries are to have any hope of becoming part of the world trading system, they need both aid and trade. Trade does not materialize by itself in a vacuum.
Trade requires knowledge and expertise.
Trade requires a healthy, able-bodied and productive population. Trade requires a robust social system. This is why the Government is giving priority to increasing development assistance funding because this helps people to survive and lead a decent life and because it is a way of helping people to help themselves. In this year s fiscal budget, there is a substantial increase in aid for economic development, investment and private sector development in our partner countries. Support schemes have been simplified and given a sharper focus to ensure that our assistance becomes even more effective.