The STDF is a joint initiative of the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

This is Norway’s first contribution to this fund.

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy declared “Compliance with international standards, especially in the SPS area which is technically and scientifically complicated, is often an obstacle for developing countries to fully participate in the multilateral trading system. I welcome Norway’s donation which will facilitate developing countries’ integration in the global economy and will allow longer term programmes to be implemented.”

Norwegian Ambassador Eirik Glenne stated “With this contribution, Norway will support developing countries in improving their capacity for analysis and implementation of international SPS standards, which would increase their possibility to gain and maintain market access.”