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Trade relations Cluster of NiZA's Economic Empowerment Programme “Sustainable development that contributes to poverty reduction stands or fall by a healthy private sector.”
Source: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs , In Business Against Poverty (2002, 2e edition)
 | | Walvisbay, Namibia - Pieter Boersma© |
Trade relations
There is a great deal of trade between Southern Africa and Europe. Europe is an important trade partner of Southern Africa as well as a significant investor. This trade can deliver an important contribution to combating poverty in the region and, to this end, honest trade relations are an essential pre-condition.
European lobby
In Europe, the Economic Empowerment Programme will focus on lobbying the European Union. The European Union participates in trade negotiations with countries in Southern Africa. NiZA follows this process closely and, where necessary, will exercise influence. In this manner, it is possible to ensure that the interests of Southern Africa are considered in negotiations on trade agreements. The Economic Empowerment Programme determines its lobby agenda in consultation with the NGOs in Southern Africa. NiZA attempts to bring a halt to the practice of protectionist agricultural subsidies in the European Union. It is only in this way that African farmers will be able to compete with European products, in their own region as well as in Europe.
 | | Tireshop, Ronald de Hommel © |
African lobby
The NGOs in the South want to ensure that profits from Southern African trade go towards combating poverty in the region. To achieve this, they actively lobby their own governments and inform them about the range of interests that governments should aim to protect when negotiating trade agreements with the European Union.
Activities
In addition to the lobby in Europe, NiZA also supports NGOs in Southern Africa. Information is exchanged in order to ensure more effective results from the European and African lobbies. In addition to this, the Economic Empowerment Programme supports partners in Southern Africa to strengthen their own organisations.
More information
For questions on the cluster Trade, please write to economie@niza.nl ( manager Gerno Kwaks)
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