Supporting Trade

Aid makes an important but a small contribution to a country’s sustainable economic and social development. Today, many developing countries are becoming less dependent on aid and are generating more of their own resources through trade and investment. Ireland is supporting these countries to grow their economies and use trade to generate the resources and income they need to be able lift themselves out of poverty.

Strengthening trade capacity

Trade is central to economic growth and poverty reduction. Virtually every country that has achieved sustained economic growth has done so by opening up their economies. However, many low-income countries are still confronted by major obstacles in expanding and diversifying their trade.

Africa’s share of global exports still remains low at 3%. Countries that miss out on the benefits of global trade are locked out of opportunities to benefit from international expertise, low-cost production inputs and much-needed technology.