Free trade not only for growth but for social security and freedom

"Free trade is a driver not only for economic development in poor countries, but is also essential for building social security and promoting access to human rights and freedoms", said Alf Svensson MEP, responsible for the European Parliament's response to the Commission's year-old statement on trade, growth and development.

The Report, that got the full support from the EP's Development Committee in a vote on Tuesday, calls for the EU's Aid for Trade instruments to be focused not only on trade between the EU and developing countries, but also on support for internal and South-South trade, in order to promote growth and prepare developing countries for trade on the global market.

It further calls on the EU to actively use the many instruments at its disposal to support peace, good governance and sound public finances in developing countries and thereby help create a conducive environment for efficient trade development.

"Human rights and free trade are two pillars for sound and sustainable societal development, and the EU needs to use its development instruments to promote both pillars", concluded Alf Svensson.