“Aid for Trade” for 13 exhibitors at the European Fair Trade Fair

Lyon (France) October 2nd – 4th 2009

Aid for Trade is about assisting developing countries to increase exports of goods and services, to integrate into the multilateral trading system and to benefit from liberalized trade and increased market access (…)  

Within the framework of the Belgian Aid for Trade strategy, the Trade for Development Centre of Belgian Technical Cooperation runs a programme to support producer organisations and micro and small enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries in their efforts to benefit from global trade.  

One of the activities the Trade for Development Centre programme finances is the participation of producer organisations and SMEs at trade fairs: Trade fairs are essential in accessing new markets and further developing and consolidating existing business.

That is why the Trade for Development Centre decided to collaborate with Equisol to enable Fair Trade producer organisations and SMEs to attend the second European Fair Trade Fair that took place between October 2nd and 4th 2009 in Lyon, France.

Following a call for proposals launched in March 2009, the Trade for Development Centre granted financing to 13 producer organisations and SMEs* (out of 21 applications) for their participation at the European Fair Trade Fair. They are either a WFTO-member or certified according to FLO or Fair for Life certification schemes.

The total financial support granted equals € 42.000.

The selected Fair Trade producer organisations and SMEs from Africa, South America and the Middle East provided for an inspiring journey through the arts and marvels of nine countries during the fair: Products on show ranged from ceramic and glasswork to home furnishing, from textiles and jewellery to musical instruments, from sun dried tomatoes, capers to sesame and olive oil, from the sweet delight of fresh fruit and marmalade to the dark secrets of cocoa and chocolate and from the mysterious scent of vanilla to the strong aroma of coffee.

Apart from promoting their products, the selected organisations and SMEs were invited to participate at round tables and conferences to share their experiences and learn from others.

Through the European Fair Trade Fair the Trade for Development Centre has wanted to provide a stepping-stone for the selected organisations and SMEs to benefit from global trade and to improve the living conditions of small-scale producers.

*ACRE – Bolivia / ALLPA – Peru / APAD – Senegal / CANAAN – Palestinian Territories / CAMARI – Ecuador / CANDELA – Peru / CEPICAFE – Peru / GOURMET GARDENS – Uganda / IKURU – Mozambique / KWANZA – Tanzania / MANOS AMIGAS – Peru / SINCHA SACHA – Ecuador / UKUVA – South Africa