The Commonwealth Secretary General has challenged the European Union to do more for developing countries.

Don McKinnon says the EU can become a greater force for good in the world if it places more emphasis on local concerns in developing countries and makes better use of local partnerships.

He said the EU's achievements and potential are not fully realised because "it has not yet fully addressed the trade needs of developing countries."

According to Mr McKinnon Europe hasn't yet done enough to help poor countries trade their way out of poverty.

Imbalance

He also said there was a lack of balance between trade and development concerns in the Economic Partnership Agreements being negotiated with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) developing countries.

And he cited a lack of will by rich countries to conclude global trade talks in a manner that would benefit developing nations.

"A large number of developing countries are having their preferential trade access arrangements phased out at a pace which makes adjustment very hard to achieve without significant disruption," he said.

The Commonwealth Secretary General wants the EU and other wealthy members of the international community to "give something in return" by increasing trade and aid to developing countries.

Mr McKinnon also said that developing countries are concerned about the lack of by a lack of equity between the financial support given to European farmers and what's being offered to farmers in the developing countries who are also undergoing economic transition.