To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the likely effect of proposed EU Economic Partnership Agreements on the Government's targets to reduce global poverty. (167061)

Growth is important for poverty reduction. Economic Partnership Agreements can deliver growth and development and help countries trade their way out of poverty. In recent years, many of the fastest growing countries, in east Asia particularly, have opened up their borders to international trade. EPAs can increase access for developing country exports into European Union (EU) markets, which is one of their largest export markets. EPAs should also increase trading opportunities and collaboration with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions themselves and promote integration into the global economy.