The Netherlands has climbed to the number one position as the relatively most important poverty fighter in the world.

This comes from a list that shows to what extent the twenty-one richest countries in the world contribute to the development of the poorest countries. This list is published by The Center for Global Development (CGD), an American think tank that is focused on fighting poverty. The figures are related to the number of inhabitants and the economics of the countries and includes factors such as the percentage of the national product that is directly used for development aid. The international norm is 0.7% , but The Netherlands gives a lot more than that. The CGD also looks at development policy concerning trade, investments, migration, environment, security and technology. Especially in the area of investments, whereby for instance a Dutch company built a factory in a poor country, The Netherlands had a very high score. Security policy, such as contributions for peace missions in conflict areas, is also a strong point for the Netherlands. Still, the CGD writes that the Dutch can do even better.

Minister van Ardenne (Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation) is very happy with the Number one position. “This independent index is a recognition of the wide Dutch development agenda. Effective poverty fighting will not result from only help. The Dutch approach also targets better export chances, more private investments and less trade-disturbing subsidies for developing countries. By this index the Cabinet’s wide dedication for fighting poverty and contributing to development is rightly estimated  internationally.”

<<	Contents	>>
Refer this page to friends