This donation is intended to build the capacity of developing and least developed countries to negotiate effectively within the WTO and help implement WTO agreements. These are areas that are key to protecting the trade interests and development needs of the world’s poorest countries.

France's contribution will be used to finance WTO technical assistance activities targeted especially at the needs of developing and least-developed countries as well as economies in transition.  The aim is to better adapt their practices and laws to WTO rules and disciplines, improve the implementation of their obligations and enhance the exercise of their membership rights.

“I welcome France's donation to the WTO trust fund. This contribution will allow developing countries to expand their markets, integrate in the global economy and take better advantage of the multilateral trading system” declared the WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.

Permanent Representative of France to the WTO François Riegert stated “Trade has become a necessary tool for development and economic growth. This contribution is a concrete expression of France's commitment to support poorer countries in gaining market access, to improve their trade capacities.”