HELP LIBERIA FOUNDATION

Fair Trade – Fair Play

Posted by Help Liberia Foundation on November 27, 2005

Help Liberia Foundation was invited to Warsaw on 22 November 2005 to participate in a conference, which was organized by the British Embassy, the Department of Developing Countries of Warsaw University, the Society of Fair Trade “The Third World and We” and the Polish Society for African Studies.

H.E. Charles Crawford, Ambassador of Great Britain to Poland, is opening the conference

The purpose of the conference, whose topic was “Fair Trade – Fair Play – Fair Rules in Trading with Africa,” was to discuss problems associated with the development of the African continent and to show new possibilities of cooperation between Poland and Africa.

Ms Robinah Nyapengdi from Oxfam Uganda is giving a presentation on Fair Trade

The organizers pointed out that although the G8 Summit turned out to be a turning–point in the policy of developed countries towards Africa (as its participants agreed to double the financial aid for African countries), the greatest barrier in practicing free trade has still not been removed. Most African products are still excluded from European markets; whereas, subsidized European goods are sold in great quantities in Africa. This situation forces local producers to abandon local markets, a situation that helps to increase unemployment and create a lot of economic tribulations in Africa.

H.E. F.C. Potgieter – Gqubule, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Poland, is talking about problems of the African economy

From L-R(sitting): Dr Wague Mamadou from Warsaw University and Jan Szczycinski from UNDP. Dr Wague Mamadou is talking about trade between Africa and developed countries

The major aspects of the main topic were presented and discussed in three phases:

I. Africa: problems and searching for solutions
· Difficulties and challenges: perspectives for different countries

II. Is it possible to help Africa through trade? ·
. Idea of Fair Trade: its establishment and development
· Fair Trade in EU countries

III. Can WTO reforms and EU Common Agriculture Policy help Africa?
· Reforms from the African and the poorest countries point of view
· American agriculture products in relation to trade with Africa and the trade with the poorest countries

Following each presentation, participants were given the chance to pose questions. The discussion that ensued was frank and interesting.

During the breaks the participants had the opportunity to see an exhibition of pictures from Africa (taken by three Polish photographers) and to also listen to “Motema Africa,” an African band. Besides, the attendees could see and buy African products such as tea, coffee, and sweets.

A musician from “Motema Africa” is playing the drums during the lunch break

“Motema Africa” is performing at the conference

After the speaking, listening and dancing sessions, it was time to say “Thank you,” not to the organizers, but to Stomach

Among the invited quests were ambassadors, diplomats and university professors. Attending the conference were also representatives of UNDP, Oxfam, DFID (British Department for International Development), the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and different fair trade organizations, as well as students from Warsaw University.

H.E. Tunde O. Ajisomo, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Nigeria, is waiting for the commencement of the second phase of the conference

From L-R: Hanna Gasowska, representative of the Department of Africa and Near East of Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Moderator Maciej Kuzmicz and Laura Kelly from DFID; Ms. Laura Kelly is replying to a question posed by the audience

Help Liberia Foundation expresses gratitude to the organizers for the invitation, which made it possible for the Foundation to have formed part of the conference. HLF was represented by the President of its Board of Directors, Mrs. Anna Dobrowolska.