From the VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
EIGHTH YEAR - N.125
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1998
by Msgr. Diarmuid Martin, head of the Holy See Delegation, on July 8, at a
meeting of the United Nations Economic Social Council taking place in New
York. The secretary of the Pontifical Council Justice and Peace, spoke on
"Solidarity among peoples: the sure path for development and economic
integration."
"Promoting investment, both domestically and from foreign sources, and
facilitating the widest participation in the world market are essential
elements for achieving sustainable development today."
Msgr. Martin stated that although countries North and South benefit from
economic globalization and the liberalization of access to markets, that
there are still nations and individuals who "remain on the margins of these
developments."
"To foster genuine social development and poverty reduction, the poorest
countries need forms of market access and participation in the global
economy which are sustainable."
The head of the delegation said that "trade barriers still remain and
these tend all too often to affect the products of particular interest to
the poorest nations and the poorest sectors of these nations, especially in
the agricultural sector. The least developed countries themselves, lack
technical ability and their limited technical resources are pushed beyond
capacity, having to face the new challenges of adjustment while continuing
to address long standing problems such as the resolution of chronic debt
burdens."
"In the new architecture of the world economy, the private sector must,
therefore, identify and assume certain appropriate social responsibilities.
My Delegation sees that these responsibilities must include a commitment to
sustainable investment and respect for fundamental human rights, rather
that the simple search for short-term comparative advantage or quick
economic gain."
DELSS/DEVELOPMENT:ECONOMY/U.N.:MARTIN VIS 980710 (290)