NYT/Reuters: Netherlands Is Tops on Helping Poor Nations (U.S., 13th)

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Netherlands Is Tops on Helping Poor Nations
By REUTERS
Published: August 13, 2006

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Netherlands leads the world's 21 wealthiest nations when it comes to promoting policies that help poor countries, according to a new report by the Washington-based Center for Global Development.

The center's annual Commitment to Development Indexrates rich countries on aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security and technology.

This year the Netherlands, which previously topped the index in 2004, scored the highest overall points followed by Denmark and Sweden, while Japan trailed last.

The index showed that wealthy countries are contributing more aid to Africa but are less giving when it comes to reducing trade barriers and promoting policies that encourage investment in poor countries....

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The United States ranked 13th overall on the CDI, with low scores on foreign aid and the environment. However, its barriers against developing-country agricultural exports are lower than those of most wealthy countries, while some of its policies promote healthy investment in poor countries....

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-economy-aid-report.html?_r=1&oref=login