Despite reforms, European farmers and agricultural firms are still subsidised, thereby driving their poorest competitors out of the market. Every year, Europe pays out 120 million pounds in development aid to South Africa. But every year South Africa loses more than 100 million pounds in potential export income due to the dumping of European sugar on its market. We Europeans fight poverty with one hand, but stop it from disappearing with the other. We alleviate poverty, but we also perpetuate it.

Some poor countries are trying to escape rural poverty. For instance, they are investing in textile and clothing manufacturing. But trade in these products is also blocked by import duties levied by rich industrial countries. Western consumers as well as Asian and African workers pay the price.

The poorest countries need more money. Money can come from debt relief, provided that the proceeds are not spent on new limousines for the ruling elite.

The enhanced HIPC initiative, which links debt relief to a programme of poverty reduction and economic reforms, is a step in the right direction, but it can be expanded further to include more poor countries. This initiative could also be accelerated if it were linked to the efforts being made in favour of increased development aid.

And why not bring together all multilateral, bilateral and private creditors within the HIPC fund and ensure a stronger link with the UN Millennium Human Development Goals?