WASHINGTON, 01/09/05 - The Netherlands is proportionally the second most important poverty-fighter in the world. Calculated according to population and the size of the economy, only Denmark contributes more to the development of poor countries, according to a survey of the 21 richest countries.

The list was drawn up by the Center for Global Development (CGD), a US think-tank that focuses on combating poverty. After Denmark and the Netherlands come Sweden and Australia. Japan is at the bottom of the list.

A number of factors are included in the index, such as the percentage of national product allocated to direct development aid. The international norm is 0.7 percent; the Netherlands is clearly above this (0.8 percent). The Center also looked at development policy in relation to trade, investments, migration, the environment, security and technology.

The Netherlands performs particularly well in the area of investments, where for example a Dutch company sets up a plant in a poor country. The security area, such as contributions to peacekeeping missions in conflict areas, also emerges as a strong point for the Netherlands.?