HOLY SEE ADVOCATES EQUITY, JUSTICE IN TRADE MATTERS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2003 (VIS) – Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent Observer to the United Nations, spoke yesterday in New York before the Second Committee on Item 91(a): International Trade and Development.

In opening remarks, he noted that “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. “

“At times,” he added, “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. … 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.”

“What is needed,” concluded Archbishop Migliore, “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.”

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