More Concern Be Given to Developing CountriesThe international community should pay close attention to demands of developing countries and help to participate in international trade, a foreign economic expert said on June 14.Jean Matteoli, honorary chairman of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutes, made the remark while addressing the 21st Century Forum Wednesday. He said shares of developing countries in the world trade increased from 12 percent in 1970 to 20 percent in 1998 since trade globalization. Developing countries are faced with numerous difficulties during the process of opening up which include developing and promoting technological innovations, said Matteoli. Globalization may threaten cultures, said Matteoli, adding that a controlled trade globalization is the most effective way to ensure sustainable and stable growth of different countries. He suggested some guidelines to follow which include making single commitments while considering the special problems of the less-developed countries and the transitional economies, the rich countries should satisfy the desire of some countries which request for an appropriate transitional period and necessary technical assistance. Matteoli suggested measures to raise funds for the poorest countries which find themselves unable to adapt to trade globalization. He said that France announced in March that it will provide 6.5 million francs to help developing countries implement WTO agreements in the coming three years. WTO has 135 members. More than 30 countries including China are applying for WTO membership. Matteoli said that international community should try their best to help these countries succeed in becoming WTO members. |
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