Global Policy Forum

The Group of G77 and China have agreed to take affirmative measures similar to those of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in enhancing South-South cooperation, which they described as "a valuable contribution to development and economic growth." At the end of the two-day Second South Summit of G77 and China here Thursday, leaders of the developing nations recognised the importance of South-South trade and economic cooperation and the changing context of North-South interdependence and terms of engagement.

They agreed to make a more energetic effort to deepen and revitalise South-South cooperation to take advantage of the new geography of international economic relations while recognising this cooperation as complementary to and not a substitute for North-South cooperation.

Their commitment to the South-South cooperation is contained in the Doha Declaration endorsed by the leaders. The summit also endorsed the Doha Plan of Action to ensure that their decisions could be implemented efficiently and effectively. The leaders said the role of South-South cooperation in the overall context of multilateralism was a continuing process vital to confront the challenges faced by the South and needed further strengthening, including through enhancing the capacities of the institutions and the mechanisms that promote such cooperation.

NAM chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Wednesday called on the G77 nation members to learn from Malaysia's experience in South-South cooperation through trade ties. He said the South-South cooperation was not just theoretical but had proven successful. The G77 leaders said South-South trade should be enhanced and further market access from developing countries must continue to stimulate South-South trade which can be done through the launch of the third round of the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP).

The Doha Plan of Action, meanwhile, states that the leaders agreed to implement an "aid for trade" fund to help developing countries adjust to a more open global trade regime. They said the fund is one of several adjustments that they need to undertake to compete and trade. Besides the fund, the leaders supported the strengthening of productive and other supply capabilities of small and medium enterprises.

They also called for the participation of the private sector to encourage investment and the development of trade-related physical infrastructures in developing countries. The leaders agreed that high priority be given to the United Nations reform in strengthening the organisation so that it can efficiently respond to the current and future challenges affecting the international community. The leaders also agreed to meet for their third summit in Africa in 2010.

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