Menu
23/09/2004
Trade minister calls for closer Anglo-French cooperation
New trade minister Douglas Alexander has today called upon UK and France to work together to keep Europe "at the forefront of world trade negotiations" following the recent Geneva agreement.
Mr Alexander used his first major overseas engagement to drive forward a "free and fair world trade agenda" as the two countries celebrate 100 years of close partnership.
At an economic seminar in Paris to mark the centenary celebration of the Entente Cordiale, attended by French trade minister Francois Loos, Mr Alexander pressed the case for the two countries to work together to achieve progress in the current world trade round as well to promote European competitiveness and productivity.
The minister pointed to the success of recent talks in Geneva and the achievement of a framework agreement and urged the need for momentum in the run-up to the Hong Kong ministerial meeting in 2005.
Joint efforts to liberalise world trade will be good for business and good for the world: increasing wealth, security and the standard of living in globally, the Minister told the audience of leading businessmen.
Broad liberalisation of world markets could add 1.3% to EU GDP and give developing countries $150 billion a year - three times the value of development aid. By 2015 that could lift more than 300 million people across the world out of poverty, the Minister concluded.
Mr Alexander said: "The UK and France have enjoyed 100 years of military, political and economic partnership.
"We must build on this strong bond and work together - whether as members of the EU, NATO, UN Security Council or in the WTO -- to make a very significant difference to global efforts to resolve the crippling problems faced by some of the poorest countries in the world.
"Liberalised global trade ultimately helps raise the prosperity of all countries. The UK and France are two of the world's oldest established trading nations and have links to all corners of the world. Our goal over the next 100 years of partnership should be to use these links for the benefit of all."
Mr Alexander said the two nations had a responsibility to tackle the causes of instability and insecurity affecting the world today by playing a part in resolving conflicts and restoring peace.
(gmcg/mb)
Mr Alexander used his first major overseas engagement to drive forward a "free and fair world trade agenda" as the two countries celebrate 100 years of close partnership.
At an economic seminar in Paris to mark the centenary celebration of the Entente Cordiale, attended by French trade minister Francois Loos, Mr Alexander pressed the case for the two countries to work together to achieve progress in the current world trade round as well to promote European competitiveness and productivity.
The minister pointed to the success of recent talks in Geneva and the achievement of a framework agreement and urged the need for momentum in the run-up to the Hong Kong ministerial meeting in 2005.
Joint efforts to liberalise world trade will be good for business and good for the world: increasing wealth, security and the standard of living in globally, the Minister told the audience of leading businessmen.
Broad liberalisation of world markets could add 1.3% to EU GDP and give developing countries $150 billion a year - three times the value of development aid. By 2015 that could lift more than 300 million people across the world out of poverty, the Minister concluded.
Mr Alexander said: "The UK and France have enjoyed 100 years of military, political and economic partnership.
"We must build on this strong bond and work together - whether as members of the EU, NATO, UN Security Council or in the WTO -- to make a very significant difference to global efforts to resolve the crippling problems faced by some of the poorest countries in the world.
"Liberalised global trade ultimately helps raise the prosperity of all countries. The UK and France are two of the world's oldest established trading nations and have links to all corners of the world. Our goal over the next 100 years of partnership should be to use these links for the benefit of all."
Mr Alexander said the two nations had a responsibility to tackle the causes of instability and insecurity affecting the world today by playing a part in resolving conflicts and restoring peace.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2009
Armistice Day Marks Passing Of WWI Veterans
A special Armistice Day service at Westminster Abbey has been held to mark the deaths of the last three remaining First World War veterans in the UK, who all died in the past year. William Stone, 108, died in January, followed by Henry Allingham, 113 and Harry Patch, 111, in July.
Armistice Day Marks Passing Of WWI Veterans
A special Armistice Day service at Westminster Abbey has been held to mark the deaths of the last three remaining First World War veterans in the UK, who all died in the past year. William Stone, 108, died in January, followed by Henry Allingham, 113 and Harry Patch, 111, in July.
28 March 2006
Compensation scheme extended for Japanese POWs
The government has announced an extension of the compensation scheme for British POWs and civilian internees held by the Japanese during the Second World War.
Compensation scheme extended for Japanese POWs
The government has announced an extension of the compensation scheme for British POWs and civilian internees held by the Japanese during the Second World War.
15 November 2005
Blair urges nations to honour G8 pledges
Tony Blair has called for rich nations to honour the pledges made to poorer countries at the Gleneagles G8 summit. During a speech at the Lord Mayor of London’s banquet at the Guildhall, the Prime Minister called for the cutting of trade barriers and agricultural subsidies in order to help “break the log jam” in world trade talks.
Blair urges nations to honour G8 pledges
Tony Blair has called for rich nations to honour the pledges made to poorer countries at the Gleneagles G8 summit. During a speech at the Lord Mayor of London’s banquet at the Guildhall, the Prime Minister called for the cutting of trade barriers and agricultural subsidies in order to help “break the log jam” in world trade talks.
10 September 2003
Fair trade tops agenda in Cancun
At the first day of the World Trade Organisation talks in Cancun, staunch economic rivals Europe and America will be aligned against many of the world’s poorer nations.
Fair trade tops agenda in Cancun
At the first day of the World Trade Organisation talks in Cancun, staunch economic rivals Europe and America will be aligned against many of the world’s poorer nations.
03 December 2013
China Emergence An 'Opportunity' - Cameron
David Cameron has described the emergence of China as an economic power as an "opportunity for Britain and the world". The Prime Minister made the comments while in Beijing on a business and enterprise trip. "China’s transformation is one of the defining facts of our lifetime," he said.
China Emergence An 'Opportunity' - Cameron
David Cameron has described the emergence of China as an economic power as an "opportunity for Britain and the world". The Prime Minister made the comments while in Beijing on a business and enterprise trip. "China’s transformation is one of the defining facts of our lifetime," he said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
