Chairperson, the Economic Justice Network of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa, Foccisa, is hosting a three-day meeting early next month on the World Trade Organisation, WTO, in preparation for the WTO ministerial conference which could either enhance Africa's position in global trade or undermine its developmental agenda, particularly Nepad.
Lest we forget, Europe is still subsidising its cars at US$2 per day. The United States is still subsidising 25 000 cotton farmers at $3 billion a year, thereby undermining foreign competition whilst also depressing world market prices.
On the other hand, there is a fallacy that the timely conclusion of the Doha Round will help reverse the current global economic crisis. What is lamentable is the soft-pedalling of some of the key emerging powers in the developing world with regard to this fallacy. Such unfortunate conduct will only reinforce the intransigence of developed economies.
The ANC has been steadfast about the intensification of economic diplomacy that leads to changes in colonial patterns of economic relations, an effort which in the end will create equitable and fair global trade, thus generating employment and contributing to poverty eradication.
Here is another noble endeavour by civil society to sensitise and draw the attention once again of global leaders to the long-term risks. The ANC therefore lauds this meeting. Thank you. [Applause.]