As a leading export nation, the Federal Republic of Germany has an interest in healthy economic progress in the developing countries. It considers itself to have a special responsibility to help liberalize international trade. The more efficient the economies of the developing countries, the more attractive they become as partners for trade and investment.

But there is another motive for development cooperation as well. Improved living conditions in the developing countries open up better economic and social prospects for many people who otherwise might be forced to leave their native countries in quest of a new life elsewhere. Development policy thus also serves to combat the causes of flight; it is a preventive refugee policy.