Intervention by EU Commissioner Michel - UN Side Event on "Transforming the Climate for Business to Accelerate Private Sector-Led Growth and Progress towards the MDGs

Sumario: 22 September 2008, New York - Intervention by Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, at the United Nations Side Event on "Transforming the Climate for Business to Accelerate Private Sector-Led Growth and Progress towards the MDGs"

Key messages

Thank you for inviting me to take the floor at this important Side-Event.

Introduction

Donors have understood the size of the needs of developing countries, in particular of Africa.

But international aid is, and will remain, largely insufficient for the African continent to erase poverty.

It needs a vigorous economic growth, with a very active private sector.

Over the last five - six years:

- average economic growth in the whole continent has been above 5%: not only in resource-rich countries but also in resource-poor countries

- the number and size of military conflicts has been greatly reduced (RDC, Côte d'Ivoire, …)

- democracy and the rule of law are progressing.

Things are thus improving but much remains to be done. Globalisation is accelerating. It is a fact: the world does not stand still and Africa cannot develop in isolation. African leaders have understood that this old temptation is not an option.

The response

Briefly, what I see as key areas of attention, in particular for donors:

- continue our efforts of more, better and quicker aid

- contribute to peace and security in Africa: situation is better than 10 years ago but some nasty conflicts remain: Sudan, Somalia, East of DRC,

- encourage African countries in their efforts of good governance, in the broad sense.

- I am opposed to a focus concentrated on the fight against corruption. We need to help African countries to build the State they think they need. A State that performs well in providing key services accessible to all its citizens: Justice, Peace, Health, Regulation => budget support

- Finally, assist African countries in their development of sustainable and competitive economic activities that provide growth and jobs.

- For me, as European, given our recent history, I am convinced that African countries need to foster regional integration quicker and deeper.

- Regional organisations and markets are the stepping stone for the integration of African countries in the world economy. They provide regional rules, larger and harmonized markets.

- Regional integration is not an easy process, it is a deeply political one.

- But the moment is ripe for political leaders to dare regional integration. It is the best instrument to solidify peace and increase wealth.

Ref: PRESS08-011EN
Fuente UE: Comisión Europea
Foro NU: Otros
Fecha: 22/9/2008

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