Denmark doing most to help poor countries develop, index shows

High scores across all areas, especially aid and technology

Denmark is the wealthy nation doing the most to help poorer countries develop, according to the annual Commitment to Development Index released yesterday by the Centre for Global Development (CGD).

The index ranked 27 of the richest countries in the world according to their approach to aid, trade, finance, migration, the environment and security.

Denmark was ranked as the best overall, with high scores in all seven areas measured, particularly in aid and technology.

DK and UK okay
The index gives credit to Denmark’s generous and high-quality aid, financial transparency and incentives for foreign direct investment, robust support for technological research and development, policies that protect the environment, open and fair trade policies, contributions to global security, and open immigration policies.

Denmark did not fare as well for barriers to imports from developing countries, selling arms to poor and undemocratic nations, barriers to sharing technology, and policies that harm shared environmental resources.

Denmark and the UK were top for trade, mainly because of their limited red-tape procedures and openness to trade in intellectual services. Denmark was also found to have the least burdensome import procedures.

Norwegian pluses and minuses
Neighbouring Norway was found to be the most generous country in terms of aid and investment, but stumbled due to its large production of fossil fuels. Norway also received low marks for its trade polices, which the centre said hampered development via red-tape, high tariffs and a lack of openness.

The CGD contends that improving conditions for the world’s poorest people benefit wealthy countries, as security and prosperity elsewhere creates new economic opportunities, increases innovation and reduces the risks posed by public health, security and the economic crisis.

Japan at the bottom
It called on all countries to work on strengthening areas in which national policies and behaviour are not conducive to the common good.

Japan was at the bottom of the chart, with especially poor rankings in the areas of the environment, trade and security.

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