By Holy See Mission
Statement byH.E.
Archbishop Celestino MiglioreBefore
the second Committeeon
agenda item 91 (a):International Trade and DevelopmentNew York, 5
November 2003Mr. Chairman,
The primary
purpose for the Holy See's participation in international forums, is to
help
promote the dignity of the human person and contribute to the common
good of the
entire human family. In the area of economic relations, and specifically
in
trade matters, the Holy See advocates an equitable and just system,
which
fosters the dignity and integral development of the human person.
There is no doubt
that markets are at the centre of the economy and that, to a large
extent,
equitable international markets are the solution to many of the problems
of the
less developed countries. But markets by themselves do not solve every
social
problem, including those related to unemployment and abject poverty. At
times,
and in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, it may be
necessary for
governments to play a more important role in the economy. Thus, the
relationship
between governments and markets should be viewed as complementary rather
than
competitive or even antagonistic. The principle of subsidiarity should
always be
respected and applied increasingly.
The removal of
artificial restraints on the flow of goods and to some extent, also of
services,
can have a stimulating effect on the economy and lead towards greater
efficiency
and economic growth. Nevertheless, change can be disruptive and social
distortions may occur that can have negative effects, especially in the
economies of the less developed countries; distortions that may require
government measures to ease the hardships and sufferings primarily of
the poor
and forestall a possible recession. International trade rules should not
hinder
the ability of governments to adopt such measures.
Trade policy
needs to be organized in a way that it contributes to the sustainable
economic
development. On their part, the less developed countries must also take
the
necessary steps to avoid corruptive and unethical practices which, in
the past,
have affected negatively their development process and the well-being of
their
populations. Otherwise, the positive benefits of a well ordered
international
trade system would not be felt by the poor of the less developed
countries. The
Holy See is always supportive of all efforts made by the international
community
that are geared toward the well-being of every member of the human
family.
The recent
Ministerial meeting that took place in Cancun on 14 September 2003,
seems to
have put in jeopardy the optimism that prevailed at Doha among the
countries in
the process of development. The expectation among the poor countries
that the
richer ones would reduce trade-distorting farm support, slash tariffs on
farm
goods and eliminate agricultural export subsidies did not occur. Neither
were
the industrial tariffs on textiles cut nor were developing countries'
concerns
on special and differential treatment and on implementation addressed.
Given the tense
situation that prevailed during the Cancun meeting, the possibility of
compromise between the rich and poor countries became extremely
difficult. It is
to be hoped that the events of Cancun will not jeopardize the
possibility of
building in the near future a strong and more just multilateral system
in the
areas of trade and development.
Let me conclude
these remarks by stating that “models that are real and truly effective
can only
arise within the framework of different historical situations, through
the
efforts of all those who responsibly confront concrete problems in all
their
social, economic, political and cultural aspects, as these interact with
one
another” (Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, #43). With regard
to such
a task, the Holy See wishes to reiterate its position which recognizes
the
positive value of the market and of enterprise, but which at the same
time
points out that these need to be oriented toward the common good.
What is needed is
a greater degree of international solidarity among all the nations of
the world
and an abandonment of those group interests that can promote their own
selfish
objectives while disregarding the common good. At the same time,
corruptive
practices, both in developed and developing countries, must be curtailed
so that
the fruits of trade and a healthy development can be enjoyed by all
sectors of
society - rich and poor - and not only by the privileged few. This is
the
challenge that all nations, in a spirit of solidarity, are obliged to
share.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
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