BHOS-beleidsnota
Reactie
| Naam | Former FAO UN Representative A Spijkers |
|---|---|
| Plaats | Nijmegen/Hanoi |
| Datum | 13 april 2022 |
Vraag1
(see english below)Nexus (samenhang) Ontwikkelingssamenwerking & Buitenlandse Handel
Het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven kan door middel van handel, investeringen en marktkracht een belangrijke rol spelen bij een aantal van de grote wereldwijde uitdagingen van deze tijd. Om de Nederlandse inzet richting het bedrijfsleven een focus mee te geven wordt gekozen voor een focus op de “twin-transities”; de digitale transitie (via onder meer artificiële intelligentie) en de verduurzamingtransitie. Deze twin-transities op digitale innovatie en verduurzaming zullen de komende jaren een grote rol spelen om de Parijs en Glasgow-doelen voor klimaat te halen. Die doelen moeten we in Nederland halen, maar ook wereldwijd. Hoewel er een grote behoefte is aan Nederlandse expertise en investeringen, zien we dat meer nodig kan zijn om het Nederlandse bedrijven te betrekken bij deze transities in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden.
1. Hoe kan het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven meer betrokken worden bij de twin-transitie in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden?
(EN)
Nexus between development cooperation and foreign trade
Through their trade, investment and market position, Dutch businesses can play a key role in tackling some of the major challenges facing the world today. The focus of Dutch policy vis-a-vis the private sector will be on the 'twin transitions' of digitalisation (including artificial intelligence) and sustainability – both of which will be key to achieving the Paris and Glasgow climate goals in the years ahead. We must achieve these goals not only in the Netherlands, but across the world as a whole. While Dutch expertise and investment funding are in great demand, we also see that more may be needed when it comes to getting Dutch companies involved in these transitions in low- and middle-income countries.
1. How can we increase the involvement of Dutch companies in the twin transitions in low- and middle-income countries?
Within its worldwide network of Dutch Embassies and Permanent Representatives at the UN Agencies, WB and IMF, DGIS should partner with national governments of developing countries to stimulate National Agricultural Investment Plans in synergy with WB, CGIAR and UN. Empower these national partners, put them in a lead role and fill critical capacity gaps. Use and respect the crucial local expertise of the tens of thousands well educated youngsters. Promote national ownership! Mobilize, where demanded and needed, additional NL's expertise in concert with that of the EU, US, Australia, Japan and emerging economies (Brazil, India, China) to address sustainable development needs in the Global South. Dutch companies with sound experience and expertise (water, agriculture, etc.) being part of the implementation of the investment and technologies. They should move from the traditional training to coaching their local partners, respecting their competences, experience and expertise.
Vraag2
Nederland kent een lange traditie van publieke private samenwerking. Nu de mondiale uitdagingen steeds groter worden, is het van belang deze publiek-private samenwerkingen te verdiepen en te versnellen. De duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen zijn in 2015 vastgesteld als actieplan voor overheden, bedrijven, kennisinstellingen en burgers om duurzame ontwikkeling te verwezenlijken wereldwijd.2. Hoe kunnen overheid, bedrijfsleven en kennisinstellingen beter samenwerken om de duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen te halen?
(EN)
The Netherlands has a long tradition of public-private partnership. As the global challenges grow ever bigger, it is important to deepen and accelerate these partnerships. The Sustainable Development Goals were presented in 2015 as a plan of action for governments, companies, knowledge institutions and private individuals to achieve sustainable development worldwide.
2. How can government, the private sector and knowledge institutions work together better to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
The Netherlands can consider the recent experience following the COVID-19 crisis: a careful re-setting of priorities in agri-food production is critical. Over the past decennia, many countries have favored the export-oriented cultivation of industrial or cash crops and enabled net-outward flows of primary raw agricultural, fishery and forestry produce towards industrialized countries exposing local farmers to the whims of the international markets. Quite surprisingly, the resulting foreign valuta earnings were then often used to meet countries’ primary food needs, e.g. with African nations importing huge amounts of rice from the Far East. Countries confronting with this reality can be assisted to stimulate greater food self-reliance. Ensure a balanced focus between staple and non-staple foods (e.g. legumes, fruits, vegetables), place significantly more emphasis on locally-consumed foods as compared to export commodities;
See Vork magazine - https://4sd.info/reflections/repercussions-of-the-pandemic-in-the-global-south/
Vraag3
Nederland heeft sinds 2016 een actieplan beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling. Beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling heeft als doel om in niet-hulp (OS) beleid schade voor ontwikkelingslanden te verminderen en synergiën en samenwerking te versterken. Het Nederlandse actieplan is in 2018 herzien en geeft een overzicht van vijf Nederlandse beleidsthema’s die een invloed hebben op de ontwikkelingskansen in ontwikkelingslanden. Deze thema’s zijn: (1) het tegengaan van belastingontwijking/ontduiking, (2) ontwikkelingsvriendelijke handelsakkoorden, (3) een ontwikkelingsvriendelijk investeringsregime, (4) verduurzaming van productie en handel en (5) het tegengaan van klimaatverandering.3. Hoe kan de bovengenoemde Nederlandse inzet op beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling verder versterkt of verbeterd worden?
(EN)
The Netherlands has had an action plan on policy coherence for development since 2016. The aim of policy coherence is to reduce the negative effects on developing countries caused by policies in areas other than development, and to strengthen synergies and cooperation. The action plan, which was revised in 2018, identifies five Dutch policy themes that can enhance developing countries’ opportunities for development: (1) combating tax avoidance/evasion, (2) development-friendly trade agreements, (3) a development-friendly investment regime, (4) more sustainable production and trade, and (5) combating climate change.
3. How can the Netherlands’ efforts to achieve policy coherence for development be further strengthened or enhanced?
All these 5 action points are good, but perhaps the word 'Development-friendly' is superfluous. This expression does not assume an equal relationship, which should become the core of working with equal partners. The word equivalent or fair would be more appropriate. Many of these 5 points require a joint EU policy and coordination with like-minded development partners in the Global South.
Vraag4
Buitenlandse HandelInternationale handel en investeringen zijn van groot belang voor de Nederlandse welvaart en werkgelegenheid. De Nederlandse welvaart wordt voor een derde verdiend door internationale handel en een derde van onze banen zijn verbonden aan internationale handel. Onze internationale concurrentiepositie is onderhevig aan de “twin-transities” (digitalisering/innovatie en klimaat/duurzaamheid) en verschuivende geopolitieke verhoudingen. Het is voor Nederland van groot belang om het verdienvermogen te versterken nu en in de toekomst.
Strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid
In anticipatie op de geopolitieke en transitie-ontwikkelingen sturen ook buitenlandse staten sterker op hun nationale en internationale beleid. Zo passen staten in toenemende mate assertievere economische diplomatie toe en zetten zij economische machtsinstrumenten in om hun internationale doelen na te jagen. Nederland kan hierin niet achter blijven. De verwevenheid van ons land met de rest van de wereld is groter en kwetsbaarder dan ooit. Als onderdeel van een samenhangend buitenland beleid, zal Nederland zich toeleggen op een strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid.
4. Hoe kan de overheid het duurzame verdienvermogen van Nederlandse bedrijven in het buitenland versterken?
Foreign trade
International trade and investment are crucial to prosperity and jobs in the Netherlands. International trade accounts for a third of our national income and is linked to a third of our jobs. But our international competitiveness faces risks posed by the twin transitions (digitalisation/innovation and climate/sustainability) and the shifting geopolitical balance of power. It is therefore vital for the Netherlands to strengthen its earning capacity, both now and in the future.
Strategic and sustainable trade policy
Other states are also anticipating the above-mentioned transitions and geopolitical shifts, and are adjusting their national and international policies accordingly, for instance by pursuing their international objectives through more aggressive economic diplomacy and the use of economic instruments of power. The Netherlands cannot afford to fall behind. Our country’s interconnections with the rest of the world are both greater and more fragile than ever. The Netherlands will therefore focus on strategic and sustainable trade policy as part of its coherent foreign policy.
4. How can the government strengthen Dutch companies’ sustainable earning capacity abroad?
The Netherlands may opt for its own approach within an international framework, especially the EU. The world is changing very fast, with three main protagonists, USA, China, Russia. The last two respond well in their own way to the desire for sovereignty of the development countries, while the USA and EU still wish to provide cooperation and help based on their own values and standards and inclines to keep the 'lead'. That time is over. See current geopolitical developments. Jeffrey Sachs argued in the run -up to the UNFSS, September 2021 : ' ….for different food systems based on human dignity, sovereignty, economic rights'. Refer to question 5.
Vraag5
Thema’s en sectoren van de toekomstNu de wereld in transitie is om een goede toekomst voor ons en de generaties na ons te bewerkstelligen verandert de focus van bedrijven, overheid en kennisinstellingen.
5. Op welke thema’s of sectoren ziet u kansen om internationaal te ondernemen?
(EN)
Themes and sectors of the future
The focus of companies, governments and knowledge institutions is changing in light of the global transition to ensure a bright future for current and future generations.
5. In which themes or sectors do you see opportunities for international enterprise?
Despite a great number of socio-economic implications and loss of life, the COVID-19 pandemic also offers an unique opportunity to reshape agricultural and food systems in Africa and other developing countries. Respecting the competences, experience and expertise of young Africans they must hereby take the reins into their own hands. Innovative fund mobilization schemes offer a lot of potential here, including concrete and pragmatic public investments and joint ventures with national and regional organizations, and the private sector.
Further consideration to be given on the proposal of the US development economist Jeffrey Sachs who argued for a different food system "based on principles of human dignity, sovereignty, and economic rights. According to him, “ the G20 should become the G21 by inviting the African Union (AU) as the 21st "country" – following the example of the European Union (EU). As such, an additional 1.4 billion people (or ~20%) of the world's population would get a fair and respected seat at the negotiation”.
(see ‘Vork’, September 2021, Ad Spijkers, Orlando de Ponti) https://4sd.info/reflections/covid-19-offers-opportunities-for-africas-food-systems/
Vraag6
Samenwerking publiek-privaat en rol Midden en Klein Bedrijf (MKB)Een succesvolle aanpak op het gebied van internationale handel vraagt samenwerking tussen burgers, bedrijven, maatschappelijke organisaties en de overheid. Het is nuttig om aan te sluiten op de behoeftes van de markt. Waar zijn bedrijven (specifiek het MKB) mee geholpen om de exportkracht en innovatiekracht te vergroten?
6. Hoe kan de overheid het bedrijfsleven (specifiek het MKB) dat internationaal onderneemt (of dat zou willen) beter ondersteunen om zaken te doen in het buitenland?
a. Welke ondersteuning hebben bedrijven nodig om internationaal succesvol te zijn op terreinen van digitale innovatie (innovatiesamenwerking) en verduurzaming?
b. Voor handel met welke landen (of regio’s of markten) zou ondersteuning moeten zijn?
c. Wat zou de overheid op het gebied van handelsbevordering niet meer moeten doen?
(EN)
Public-private cooperation and role of SMEs
A successful approach to international trade requires cooperation between the public, companies, civil society and government. It is also useful to align with market demand. What would help companies, and SMEs in particular, to increase their export performance and innovative capacity?
6. How can the government better support companies (and SMEs specifically), that are doing or wish to do business abroad?
a. What type of support do companies need in order to achieve international success in the areas of digital innovation (innovation partnerships) and sustainability?
b. For what countries, regions or markets should the government provide private sector support?
c. What type of trade promotion activities should the government stop doing?
For example, by bringing them into contact with good partner entrepreneurs in the developing countries, who have their affairs more or less in order. Those whom have drawn up a policy to help their own economy with, among other things, SME companies. This is typically a task for embassies to check this policy and identify sectors of the local business community with which equal Dutch companies are brought into contact. Better than large-scale trade missions of one week. For a number of countries, reference can be made to the long-running, successful African Agrobusiness Academy project, for many years supported by DGIS.
Vraag7
OntwikkelingssamenwerkingDevelopment cooperation
Nederlandse inzet op Ontwikkelingssamenwerking
Nederland is op verschillende thema’s actief op gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Zo investeren we in het realiseren van de Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) en zetten we extra in op opvang in de regio, toegang tot vaccins, klimaatadaptatie en -mitigatie. Nederland gaat door met wat goed gaat en focust op waar Nederland goed in is, zoals verbinding tussen diplomatie en ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Meer informatie over het ontwikkelingssamenwerkingsbeleid van Nederland is te vinden op www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.
7. Waar is Nederland op het gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking volgens u goed in? Op welke thema’s zou Nederland een aanjagende rol kunnen vervullen?
(EN)
Dutch development cooperation activities
The Netherlands is actively pursuing a number of policy themes in the area of development cooperation. For example, we're investing in efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reception in the region, access to vaccines, and climate adaptation and mitigation. The Netherlands will continue its efforts in areas where progress is being made and will focus on its strengths, such as linking diplomacy and development. For more information about Dutch development policy, go to www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.
7. In your opinion, what are the Netherlands’ strengths when it comes to development cooperation? In which policy themes could the Netherlands play a leading role?
More focus over the coming period from NL on Africa. Africa is ecologically and economically a very diverse continent with tremendous natural and human capital and endless possibilities. A flourishing agricultural sector (primarily geared to local and regional markets) can reduce the root causes of migration between rural areas, cities and Europe. Africa should not be further patronized by the North, for it can take matters into its own hands - with external technical coaching and / or financial support, where and when demanded by the local experts. Let us stop pretending that westerners have all the expertise for African agriculture and other parts of technology and economy.
The Netherlands could take some bold steps and have a critical review of the ‘dumping’ practices of agricultural produce on the African and other continents.
Equal trade and tax relations between the EU and AU are essential preconditions for no longer misusing Africa just as a resource. Stable and fair world market prices for products such as coffee and cocoa can contribute to rural development and lift living standards of the rural and urban poor. The role and responsibility of the African political class is central to this. In that context, it is also essential to take the recently launched "African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA)" as a serious starting point.
Vraag8
Innoveren op OSNederlandse internationale samenwerking is flexibel en kennisintensief, we zijn vernieuwend. Zo ontwikkelt Nederland nieuwe manieren van werken en partnerschappen die daarna door bijv. de Europese Commissie en Wereldbank worden opgepakt of opgeschaald. De Nederlandse internationale samenwerking fungeert dus veelal als een creatieve en kennisintensieve incubator (een broedplaats voor nieuwe ideeën. Nederland is een relatief kleine donor, maar als lidstaat van de EU en via bilaterale hulp kan Nederland de zichtbaarheid van EU-hulp vergroten en additionele relevante kapitaalstromen generen.
8. Op welke manier en op welk vlak kan de Nederlandse ontwikkelingssamenwerking nog meer innoveren?
(EN)
Innovative development cooperation
Dutch international cooperation is flexible and knowledge-intensive. We are also innovative, developing new ways of working and new types of partnership that are subsequently adopted or scaled up by others, like the European Commission and the World Bank. In this respect, Dutch international cooperation is like a creative and knowledge-intensive incubator. We are a relatively small donor, but as an EU member state and through bilateral aid we can make EU aid more visible and generate additional, relevant capital flows.
8. In what other ways and areas could Dutch development cooperation innovate more?
Netherlands as a main/traditional donor can continue support the 'One CGIAR'. It can advocate, instead of a near-exclusive focus on yield/productivity growth, to place extra emphasis on resource conservation, decarbonization, farmer income, human and environmental health. And in particular on tighter collaboration/partnering with national public and private partners.
The strong Dutch agricultural support in the past gave positive impacts of FAO's IPM-Farmer Field School (1990s across Asia) and [internationally-orchestrated] biological control campaigns [are still exceptionally relevant]. Efforts can be undertaken to build upon FAO’s ‘lessons learned’. The Netherlands has played a significant funding role here in the past together with Australia (via DGIS: financial contribution for the inter-regional IPM program in the ‘90’s) and expertise from Wageningen University and Research (WUR).
Treat climate change, biodiversity loss and One Health not as 'stand-alone' agendas, but instead as tightly interwoven issues. Food system transformation and Nature-friendly agriculture constitute powerful means to respond to these crises.
With the recent consequences of the war in Ukraine for the world food supply, there is a lot of work to be done for the Netherlands and especially for WUR.
Vraag9
Een donor met durfDe Nederlandse internationale inzet is gedurfd, omdat we financiële investeringen koppelen aan onze diplomatieke inzet en expertise. We continueren thema’s waar we traditionele meerwaarde hebben: seksuele en reproductieve rechten en gezondheid (SRGR), water, voedselzekerheid en veiligheid & rechtsorde. Daarbij kunnen we nog meer gebruik maken van het diplomatieke gewicht van o.a. de EU. We investeren in systeemverandering om te zorgen dat we de SDG’s in 2030 realiseren. Met systeemverandering bedoelen we dat we de systemen die armoede en ongelijkheid in stand houden aanpakken.
9. Op welke manier/welk vlak kan Nederland als donor nog meer durf te tonen?
(EN)
A bold donor
Dutch international efforts can be characterised as bold, because we link financial investment to diplomatic efforts and expertise. We will continue our work on themes where we have always added value: sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), water, food security, and security and the rule of law. We will also make better use of the diplomatic weight of the EU. To ensure we achieve the SDGs by 2030, we will invest in systemic change, i.e. tackling the structures that maintain poverty and inequality.
9. In what ways or areas could the Netherlands, as a donor, be even bolder?
We need indeed bolder steps, such as “Stop patronizing Africa”. There is the need for key institutional reforms following by investments: Infrastructure/Accent on value chains of high value crops generating higher incomes for smallholder farmers and resulting in higher food and nutrition security for the rural and urban poor. Work with emerging economies to increase their productivity. Stimulate an enabling environment of investments generating local entrepreneurship and overall economic growth.
Make agricultural policy functioning and make investments functioning. For sure advocating and promoting this transition at a higher political level, in particular with the EU, will harmonize and strengthen this badly needed change.
Vraag10
Afrondende algemene vraag10. Heeft u nog andere punten van aandacht die u vindt dat meegenomen dienen te worden in de nieuwe beleidsnota?
(EN)
General closing question
10. Are there any other points that you believe should be included in the new policy document?
The Netherlands can profit of lessons learned not only in the Netherlands but also elsewhere and use the experience of the cooperation in the fields of agriculture and water with Vietnam through the successful strategic partnership between NL and Vietnam over the last decades. Experiences in this country can serve as an example in setting Africa's development agenda. For example, over the past 30 years, Vietnam has swiftly transitioned from a war-ravaged, famished nation to a major food exporter. Policy reforms, advanced agri-food technologies, well-orchestrated long term Good agriculture Practices programs and matching investments made this change possible. A close South-South collaboration can thus offer 'win-win' and tropically/locally adapted solutions, in which e.g. Vietnam's advanced rice cultivation practices can become a role model for Africa. These inter-continental South-South exchanges can equally offer multi-sectoral dialogues, policy visions and divers or multistakeholder financing support - all of which key ingredients for an effective agricultural aid policy. Vietnam demonstrated that from severe food shortage in the 70’s it became a net exporter with a turnover of agricultural, forest and fishery products of US$48.6 billion in 2021. The Netherlands could be part of a Vietnam-Africa triangle partnership.
PS A recent book by Uma Lele “Food for all - the International Organizations and the Transformation of Agriculture” is an important contribution to our collective history and lessons for the way forward.
https://global.oup.com/academic/product/food-for-all-9780198755173
https://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/academic/pdf/openaccess/9780198755173.pdf
Nijmegen, Wageningen , 12 April 2022
Ad Spijkers, Former FAO Representative Vietnam, China, Cambodia, DR Congo, Bangladesh, Zambia, Sudan and the UAE.
Martin Smith, Former FAO Hq’s Sr. Staff and Former FAO Representative Madagascar.
Orlando de Ponti, Former plant breeding and plant protection public (WUR) and private lead positions and Past President International Seed Federation (ISF).
They are part of a group of Wageningen development veterans with extensive experience in Africa and Asia.
Voor eventuele verdere consultatie zijn wij bereikbaar op:
ad.spijkers2@gmail.com
odeponti@upcmail.nl