One of humanity's greatest success stories is about to come to an end.
Over almost three decades, around one billion people have escaped abject poverty.
Not only China and India contributed to the success story, but also countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Tanzania and Tajikistan.
Economic growth was by far the most important ingredient in this historic endeavour.
The unleashing of productive forces should therefore be high on the political agenda in most countries.
For rich countries, this means a reversal: for several years now, protectionist and anti-immigration policies have become acceptable again in western capitals.
All Sunday speeches about international solidarity with the poorest countries seem stale as long as the West does not do its homework.
The fact that countries like Germany are now buying liquid gas from poor countries like Bangladesh because of their completely failed energy policy makes one blush with shame.