Asahi (Japanese language – morning edition) 4 June 2005 | See article in Japanese

Summary of the article

Supporting the developing countries

“A need for subsidy reductions by developed countries”

Interviewing with Mr. Båge, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) promotes concessional loan required to promote the increase of agricultural production in developing countries. An interview was undertaken with President Lennart Båge who made a visit to Japan this time (photographed) to inquire what kind of consideration should be given to the development of developing countries in the trade liberalization negotiations (new round) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

(President’s responses to the questions)

The agricultural subsidies in developed countries have been reducing the global market price and perplexing, for instance, African cotton producers. The subsidy reduction is very essential.

The new round is viewed as a development round that should promote the removal or reduction of trade barriers that prevent the products of developing countries from accessing the market in developed countries.

The rural poor would take recourse to any means for their survival. In India, economic development enabled the countries in reducing the air pollution. If the economic level increases and the development process is managed properly, it would contribute to protecting the global environment.