The First Country In The World To Mark International Fair Trade Day

New Zealand is the first country in the world to mark International Fair Trade Day on Saturday, 4th May.

"Fair trade is an alternative approach to trade that places people and planet before profits, greed and exploitation", says Simon Gerathy, Campaigns Manager for Trade Aid.

"Trade liberalisation has clearly failed the poor. The world doesn't need more of the same type of trade, which fosters a wider gap between rich and poor; but a completely different kind of trade that will help people out of poverty."

This kind of trade pays a fair price to the people who make the product, ensures they are not made in sweatshops or by children, that the environment is not harmed and that those making or growing the product receive a fair price.

Trade Aid empowers people to determine their own future. Over nearly thirty years Trade Aid has proven that this approach to trade benefits those most in need.

"We invite Kiwis to wake up to a morning cuppa of fair trade, organic coffee on Saturday" said Simon Gerathy, "and to discover the benefits of fair trade when they visit their local Trade Aid store".

ENDS.

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