Conference

Dear Sir/Madam,

EURO COOP, NEWS! and EFTA have the pleasure of inviting you to the conference:

taking place in the European Parliament, Brussels, on Tuesday 23 March 2004.

The conference will be hosted by MEPs Richard Howitt, Eija-Riitta Korhola and Heide Rühle and will receive support from the King Baudouin Foundation.

We are happy to announce that both Commissioner Lamy and Commissioner Nielson will be participating in panel discussions with stakeholders to this debate.

Fair Trade aims to achieve greater equity in international trade and to reduce poverty by offering better trading conditions to marginalised producers and workers - especially in the South. At the same time, it gives the consumer the opportunity to contribute towards sustainable economic and social development in developing countries through purchasing preferences and thus to contribute to poverty reduction.

The aim of the conference is first and foremost to discuss and raise awareness of the development potential of Fair Trade but also to create a forum for discussion among stakeholders and the EU institutions on how to overcome the challenges and obstacles facing Fair Trade. By bringing together different stakeholders, the conference will open-up a dialogue on the Fair Trade contribution to sustainable development, options for supporting and promoting Fair Trade in Europe, and the particular role of EU trade and development policies in overcoming the challenges and obstacles facing Fair Trade.

The conference will be followed by a reception with Fair Trade products in the European Parliament.

The conference and reception are open to all and free of charge. The conference language is English.

Please find enclosed a conference programme and a registration form.

Please return the completed registration form no later than 9 March 2004 to EURO COOP either by e-mail: info@eurocoop.org or by fax: +32.(0)2.231.07.57.

For any further information, please contact EURO COOP: Phone: +32.(0)2.285.00.70 or info@eurocoop.org

Yours sincerely,