FAIR TRADE

i found some important information during the time of making my revision eassy on fair trade.that ia
 Fair trade"is an example of development occurring through trading relationships and improved commercial opportunities to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries and to facilitate the better integration of developing countries in the world economy. "Fair trade"initiatives give consumers the opportunity to contribute towards sustainable economic and social development in developing countries through their purchasing preferences.

This document has been prepared following the undertaking by the Commission at the 1998 June Council to provide a Communication on fair trade and the Parliament request for a Communication (Fassa Report).

It describes the concept of fair trade and gives a brief outline of the current situation with a view to assisting discussion on courses of action the EU could adopt to assist the development of fair trade within the EU, and thus contribute to the key aims of EU development policy as set out in Article 177 of the Treaty.

This Communication therefore, provides the initial first step from which the Commission will develop its position in respect of fair trade and how this will integrate with existing Community policies.The concept of fair trade was originally developed by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) interested in trade and development. The first fair trade initiatives involved the creation of alternative trading organisations or "fair trade businesses". These were often started by churches or charities, although several have now become independent companies.