Tailoring trade and investment policy for those countries most in need: EU sets out 10-year agenda

In a strategy paper, the European Commission will propose to refocus its trade and development policy to those countries most in need. It aims to reflect shifts in the relative trade power of developing countries, notably with respect to the growing weight of emerging economies and the struggle Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have in reaping the benefits of world markets. The paper will outline the EU's trade and investment policies for development for the next decade.

The world economic landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade, with deep implications for trade, investment and development policies. Some emerging countries, such as BRICs are now among the largest and most competitive global economies. However, LDCs still continue to face difficulties to develop their productive capacity, diversify their export base and take advantage of regional or world markets.

The EU has a particular responsibility as the world's largest trading power, the biggest importer from LDCs and the largest provider of development assistance.

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