Establishing fair terms of trade

41. If the markets are to operate in a way that fosters development, und regulation is needed. The market has its own laws which range beyond the decision-making capacity of those involved, however numerous and sufficiently independent they may be. This is the case for raw materials markets, despite the great efforts undertaken by governments — also a number of international institutions, particularly UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) — as well as by the private sector. For political and humanitarian reasons it is not possible to ignore the price levels resulting from the blind operation of the markets. However, it is essential to prevent any attempts to manipulate them.

It is the responsibility of the importing countries to remove barriers and to refrain from raising new ones to selectively keep out exports from countries where a major proportion of the population is suffering from hunger. Importing countries must also ensure that the profits from such commercial operations largely benefit the most deprived. This is a very sensitive issue which requires a fearless and unambiguous attitude.