some 70% of exports from thedeveloping world and they receive more than 90% of the investment flowing from developed todeveloping countries. These countries are mainly located in Latin America and Asia - none ofthem in Africa. There is a real risk of exclusion and further marginalization of countries andpeople. This is cause for real concern within the humanitarian agencies and this particular topicwill be addressed at the forthcoming UN Conference on Least Developed Countries to be held inBrussels next month. Humanitarian players need to to advocate forcefully in favour of inclusionfor these least developed countries. The International Federation believes that more countriescan take advantage of globalization if the international trading system is based on equitable traderules, transparency and reduced trade barriers. The new WTO Round planned to start later thisyear will address the further development of the international trade regime. I do hope it earns itsnickname - "the development round". It is vital that all countries have a say in setting the agendafor the new Round and its implementation. The poorer countries should seize that opportunity toinfluence the terms of international trade. And we must be ready to facilitate their participation,to enable them to make necessary adaptations and take advantage of new trade opportunities.Weneed to place increased emphasis on capacity building and the transfer of "know-how" to poorercountries. It is not only the countries which need better access. Vulnerable people need astronger voice within the international system in order to make their concerns heard bygovernments and the institutions that manage the multilateral economic system. Over the lastyears, we have often seen vulnerable people and their advocates show their resistance toeconomic globalisation. This debate is legitimate but our objective should be to get it off thestreets and into the boardrooms and assembly halls where it be...
