Trade Minister Mark Vaile today condemned the actions of some of the protesters in Genoa trying to stop the meeting of the heads of government from the world's eight most powerful nations, known as the G8.

"The violent scenes on the streets of Genoa seem to be more about promoting anarchy than helping the world's poor," Mr Vaile said.

"Under the pretence of concern for developing nations these ruffians are using looting, violence and rioting to gain the world spotlight.

"Not one disadvantaged person will be helped by the destruction of shops, cars and private property in Italy.  The owners of that property are mostly private citizens working hard to make a living."

Mr Vaile said that among the APEC economies alone, 165 million people have been lifted out of poverty through their governments' liberalising their economies and opening their markets to fair trade and investment.

"Through reforms to the world trading system, hundreds of millions fewer will go to bed tonight cold and hungry than would have just a few decades ago.  Millions more children can be immunised and avoid being struck down with life-threatening illnesses.  Life saving medical, nutritional, and agricultural technologies can be shared with developing and least developed countries with the click of a mouse. These are just some of the benefits of globalisation," Mr Vaile said.

"My suggestion to these violent protesters is to go and do something constructive for the least developed countries.  There are thousands of worthwhile aid projects around the world that need assistance.  That is where their efforts could be directed to achieve outcomes for the disadvantaged."

Contact: James Baker (Ministerial) 02 6277 7420