Continuing to push its controversial aid for trade strategy, the Australian government hopes to boost its influence within the international development community — particularly at the World Trade Organization and in final negotiations on the post-2015 agenda.
Following the release of its newest aid for trade strategy Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said she expects investments in this area will increase Australian aid’s impact — and indirectly its presence — on the international stage “by driving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.”
Among other targets set by the Abbott government is the greater focus on aid for trade by increasing appropriations to 20 percent of the aid budget in the next five years — something that the government hopes could make Australia a global leader in trade, while keeping in line with the 2013 decision to merge and align foreign policy interests with development aid objectives.
About the author
Lean Alfred Santos@DevexLeanAS
Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.
