Aid for Trade

There is a growing recognition in the international development community of the role trade can play in assisting sustainable economic growth in developing countries and the importance of this in both eradicating poverty and empowering developing countries to help themselves, this is known as “Aid-for-Trade”.

 

“Increased trade, regionally and globally, is central to sustained economic growth for the world’s Least Developed Countries. Africa has the potential to earn from trade many times what it obtains in Official Development Assistance''.

Irish Aid White Paper, September 2006 (Link to http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/whitepaper/)

 

This has been recognised at the highest levels in Ireland with commitment from the Taoiseach and Minister for State for Foreign Affairs pledging support for the promotion of trade with developing countries.

 

“We know from our own experience that reducing poverty needs strong economic growth and a vibrant private sector. We will work together with Irish industry and partner companies in Africa to promote trade, investment and technology transfer.”

Speech by former Taoiseach Bertie Aherne T.D. at the United Nations General Assembly, 14th September, 2005.


Aid-for-Trade focuses on using funds historically spent on direct aid to support and develop business and trade growth in developing countries.  This occurs in conjunction with traditional direct aid and humanitarian relief. Effective Aid for Trade enhances economic growth and reduces poverty in developing countries. Though East Africa is one of the poorest regions in the world, the African people do not want to rely on foreign aid indefinitely.

Heart of Africa represents a group of Irish food companies who, by working with African businesses, are creating premium food products that benefit the communities where they are produced.  Heart of Africa is an opportunity for you to empower the people of Africa to help themselves, fight poverty and harness the power of trade for sustainable growth.  Heart of Africa reinvests its profits back into African communities to improve business skills and technology, and so create more jobs and help build a better life for people.

For further information on Aid-for-Trade models visit any of the below links:

  1. Traidlinks ( www.traidlinks.ie )
  2. Oxfam (www.oxfamireland.org )
  3. Make Trade Fair (www.maketradefair.com )
  4. World Trade Organisation (www.wto.org )
  5. Suas (http://www.suas.ie/global-issues-evenings.html )
  6. Fairtrade Ireland (www.fairtrade.ie)
  7. Rainforestalliance (www.rainforest-alliance.org)
  8. World trade Organisation (www.wto.org)
  9. Comhlamh (www.comhlamh.ie)