This programme was set up to help developing countries improve their expertise and their capacity to analyze and implement international standards on food safety and animal and plant health. 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 contribution will be used in 2008 to cover the costs of a regional consultation on SPS-related technical cooperation, and the organization of workshops.

“Compliance with international standards can be an obstacle for developing countries to fully participate in the multilateral trading system. I welcome the EC's donation which will improve developing countries' analysis and implementation of international SPS standards” declared WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.

EC's Ambassador Eckart Guth stated “the EC will continue supporting developing countries so that they can improve their capacity to implement international SPS standards. Acquiring such competence would strengthen their ability to gain and maintain market access.”