Aid, Growth and Trade: How UK aid can support economic growth at home and abroad

Smart aid does not just save lives. By generating employment, fostering trade, developing markets, and increasing people’s abilities and skills to earn a living, it also provides enormous opportunities for strong, sustainable and equitable economic growth. With public spending under increasing pressure as we work to rebuild our economy, UK aid can serve two important functions. Its primary aim is to reduce the global costs of poverty and insecurity, but it also has the potential to create jobs and stimulate growth here in the UK. The UK government’s commitment to honour its promises on development aid is not just morally right, but also firmly in their interests.