Earn

Teach a man how to fish (or let a man fish)

The third phase is EARN. Earning potential is poor in Malawi. Like most developing countries there is a lower economic class and the rich, with a tiny middle class. To my mind a healthy middle class and the civic society that generally accompanies it, is the symbol of a self-sufficent developed society. Most people who do get an education, especially a university education or a medical qualification, leave for the “bright lights” of Cape Town, Joburg, Kenya, the USA or the UK. Which leaves the country and the following generations in the same place. Generation after generation. Helping local industries to develop (and thereby creating jobs!) through freeing up of trade barriers, commercial training, improved ability to trade via the internet and other routes is the key to this. We will be working at this through the EU and the British Govt. Although the lowest hanging fruit are often trade with regional and neighbouring countries and tourism.

Are you thinking of where to escape to the sun and fancy a lazy week or two in an unspoilt sun-soaked paradise? Tourists are very welcome – and not just backpackers. Check out the amazing lake and other pictures on the links under the Visit Malawi website and the Photos page.

Could you help campaign for a relaxation of import duties on processed (non-perishable) foods and products? Contact us for more details.

Could you be a European representative for Malawian companies?

Could you be a business partners for Malawian businesses?

Write to your MEP and MP and push for lifting of trade restrictions. Please click here to find yours and how to contact them.

“Letters to the Telegraph - 27 February 2008

Dear Sir,

Janet Daley (Comment, February 25) is correct when she says: “A very small number of farmers are getting a subsidised fixed price for their produce under Fairtrade at the expense of other farmers in the region. The Fairtrade operation helps to keep poor countries and undeveloped economies exactly that.”

But the leap from aid to trade often needs a kick-start. There are two sides to this. First, European legislation that permits free trade of processed articles and not just perishable goods.

These goods are less susceptible to international commodity price fluctuations than raw products, as the local producers are able to add value to the products. Secondly, aid must also be directed to pump-prime small local businesses, enabling their entrepreneurial instincts to take root.

It’s all very well to talk about teaching the man to fish instead of giving him a daily ration of fish, but the developing world will only ever really be helped if we teach the man how to fish, help him to buy a fishing rod and help him to open a shop. Never-ending, one-directional aid makes fools of the donor and basket cases of the recipient.

Nirj Deva MEP (Con), Brussels”