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Trade Liberalisation

Date of Adoption: November 2001
Policy Serial No: POS 2.3.1

The Problem

Trade liberalisation, whilst having the potential to combat global poverty are working against the interests of the poor. However rich countries and powerful corporations have captured a disproportionate share of the benefits of liberalised trade, while many developing countries and poor men and women have been left behind or made worse off. This is because world trade rules have been developed by the rich and powerful on the basis of their narrow commercial interests.

Oxfam Australia's Principles

Oxfam Australia recognises that trade is becoming increasingly important to creating prosperity but it is concerned that current trade rules have worked against the interests of developing countries.

Fairer rules trade, not simply trade liberalisation, are needed to ensure that developing countries are able to benefit from increased trade.

Consequently, Oxfam Australia calls for: