Experts examine trade and climate concerns of small developing countries

The relationship between development, trade and climate change has come under the spotlight as leaders seek practical ways to move rapidly towards a low-carbon world economy.

Experts from Africa, the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean are examining key issues in order to suggest steps that policy-makers can take to start the process of adapting their economies to climate change.

The meeting in Mauritius is taking place between 2 and 3 September 2008 where experts are discussing a new study that examines both the needs and concerns of small developing countries, which have so far been largely overlooked.

“People in small developing countries need clear information that will help them understand the opportunities and challenges they face with regard to climate change and trade policy, and to make informed choices about future investments,” said Janet Strachan, an Economic Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The meeting is part of a joint initiative by the Secretariat and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development to explore new and rapidly emerging concerns that policy-makers and enterprises need to work on to ensure that their economies are ready to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities.

The results of the meeting will be relayed to Commonwealth finance ministers when they next meet in St Lucia next month.

“Small states are highly dependent on trade, and are also particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts within key sectors of their economies like agriculture and tourism,” said Vasantt Jogoo, Head of the Secretariat’s Small States, Environment and Economic Management Section.

“For small states, the way forward lies in building resilient, diverse and productive economies that can withstand international trade shocks as well as the projected impacts of climate change.

“This is a burden that has been placed on small states, and they need assistance in making these changes that have been imposed upon them. This meeting will be an important step in getting the concerns of small developing countries on the table.”

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Mauritius
• Sustainability