Mbeki addresses congress with calls for increased market access for developing countries

President Mbeki stressed that the G8 should agree to a timetable to do away with agricultural subsidies

Durban, 21 June 2005 – South African President Thabo Mbeki spoke to ICC’s 4th World Chambers Congress here today, urging the 800 international business delegates to issue a common message to the leaders of the G8 meeting next month requesting them to act decisively to “erase the ugly scar of poverty and underdevelopment” from Africa.

“We should also communicate a common message that it is in the interest of international business to ensure market access for developing countries because this will accelerate the necessary growth of entrepreneurship and business in these developing countries,” President Mbeki said.

President Mbeki stressed that the G8 should agree to a timetable to do away with agricultural subsidies.

Every year, the International Chamber of Commerce delivers a statement on behalf of world business to the heads of state and government attending the annual G8 Summit.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is hosting the G8 Summit in Scotland next month, has put helping Africa high on the Summit’s agenda. Leaders from the African continent will also attend this year’s summit.

President Mbeki’s speech to the 4th World Chambers Congress

For more information or to organize interviews with Congress participants, please contact:

In Durban:

Mary A. Kelly, Director of Communications, International Chamber of Commerce, +27 (0)8 2858 1039; Click here to send a mail.

Claire Kilvert, Communications Manager, International Chamber of Commerce, +27 (0)8 2858 3354; Click here to send a mail.

In Paris:

Dawn Chardonnal, Communications Manager, International Chamber of Commerce, +33 (0)1 49 53 29 07; Click here to send a mail.