As austerity measures hit across the globe, leaders from the world’s richest economies will meet tomorrow at the G20 summit in South Korea and this time the poorest countries must be a significant part of the agenda.

In Seoul, a Development Working Group will report to the summit and propose new ways that the most powerful economies can support the poorest countries. The group will focus on economic growth as a route out of poverty including investment in the business, agriculture and finance sectors. ActionAid warns this growth must be sustainable, low carbon and benefit the poorest.

Dr. Anna Thomas, Head of Economic and Social Development said: “Development is not a stand- alone issue.  On paper this working group sounds like a good idea but will be meaningless unless it connects with the core summit issues which are likely to have a massive impact on the world’s poorest people.”

ActionAid is also asking the G20 to continue its work on tax havens. Poor countries lose vast amounts of money to tax dodging by international companies every year – amounts that eclipse what they receive in aid.

Dr. Thomas continued: “Last year the G20 promised to crack down on tax havens in a way that works for developing countries - now they need to seal the deal. For example, they must support a multi- lateral tax information exchange and a standard for companies to report their finances country by country.

“People in many countries are struggling with the impacts of severe spending cuts and they are increasingly intolerant of tax dodgers. The time is ripe for the G20 to act.”