A/HRC/41/44/Add.2 and migrants, the continued existence of extreme poverty in many countries, high levels of population growth in certain regions, climate change, inequality of opportunity, rapid technological developments and digitalization, rising protectionism, steep international competition and recent trade conflicts. 29. In its Policy Document on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Dutch Government sets out the various policies announced in the agreement that inaugurated the governing coalition, making clear in particular that Dutch development cooperation – as an integral component of foreign policy – aims to target the root causes of poverty, migration, terrorism and climate change. In addition, the Independent Expert was informed of the four objectives of Dutch foreign trade and development cooperation, namely the prevention of conflict and instability; the reduction of poverty and social inequality; the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth and climate action worldwide; and the enhancement of the international earning capacity of the Netherlands. 30. The foreign trade and development cooperation policy also includes the improvement of the protection and prospects of refugees and displaced persons in host countries in their region of origin and the prevention of irregular migration. A cross-cutting goal of the policy is to advance gender equality and improve the position of women and girls, meaning that gender equality is at the core of the whole cooperation policy. The Netherlands also promotes innovation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (see more below). 31. As per the foreign trade and development cooperation policy, the Netherlands works closely with civil society, businesses and knowledge institutions such as research institutes, universities and think tanks. In developing countries, Dutch activities are tailored to align them to respective national action plans, including those for the implementation of the Goals. At the international level, the Netherlands works closely with its European Union partners and like-minded European Union member States, along with multilateral development banks and United Nations agencies. 32. The Independent Expert was also pleased to learn that the Government was working towards increasing the development budget so that it would amount to 0.7 per cent of the gross national income by 2030. 33. The foreign trade and development cooperation policy also focuses on preventing conflicts and combating instability and insecurity, as issues like poverty, conflict, terrorism, climate change, population growth and irregular migration are closely intertwined. The Independent Expert was informed that the Government is investing in programmes that specifically target countries in the vicinity of Europe, particularly in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, in efforts to support stability, poverty reduction and inclusive growth as a structural and long-term investment in limiting the pressures associated with refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants. 34. The foreign trade and development cooperation policy also deals with climate action and mobilizing the private sector for sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide, as preconditions for future prosperity and development. The Government supports developing countries in their efforts to tackle the consequences of climate change and strengthen their economies, and also encourages corporate social responsibility, fair and sustainable global value chains and a future-proof multilateral trade and investment system that stimulates sustainable growth and development. 35. Finally, the Independent Expert was informed that the foreign trade and development cooperation policy aims to secure the highest possible return on trade and investment promotion, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. The Netherlands aims to promote an international level playing field and to maintain its share in existing markets, tapping into new markets, encouraging companies to become active internationally and promoting an attractive business climate at home. 7