Kathmandu: The new European Union (EU) Commission for external trade, Peter Mandelson, has said the poorest countries in the world must benefit from global trade and not lag further and further behind as others race ahead.

Addressing a summit held in Indian last week, Mandelson said, “I want to work for global prosperity and social justice through more open, rules based trade, for the benefit of all.”

“We have to realize that trade is a key instrument for development. More significant, if we get it right, than aid or dent relief,” said Mandelson. “Trade policy and WTO rules will not be the prerogative of a small club of wealthy nations. That way of doing business no longer reflects economic or political reality,” he added. “Europeans are increasingly ready to see India and the other developing countries of the G-20 assume a greater role in international institutions and organisations. But India cannot behave over Doha like a poor developing country,” he added.