Freya Baetens invited to submit expert opinion to Dutch Parliament

Freya Baetens was invited by the Dutch Parliament to explore ways in which western countries, such as the Netherlands, can contribute to the participation of African countries in global value chains. This expert opinion, which will be debated in the Parliament next month, addresses among other the role of stepping stone countries and regional integration initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. Furthermore it investigates the relevance of global value chains in relation to poverty, health and trade of African countries. Countries within and beyond the African continent were identified that play a crucial role in African trade relations. The final part of the opinion deals with policy instruments both within the EU and at the international level that could contribute to economic integration of African countries and to strengthening their position in global value chains.