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

A first donation of EUR330,000 (about CHF390,000) was given to the Internship Programme for the Missions of Selected WTO Members in Geneva. This Programme helps missions from developing countries enhance their understanding of the multilateral trading system and trade policy in general.

A second donation of EUR125,000 (approximately CHF147,000) was offered to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) for 2011. 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. 

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy declared “I welcome Ireland's donations to the WTO trust funds. These contributions will allow developing countries to expand their markets mainly through our technical assistance programmes and will help them to benefit fully from the multilateral trading system.”

Irish Ambassador to the WTO Gerard Corr said “Ireland has continuously supported developing and least-developed countries in using trade as an engine for sustainable growth, development and, ultimately, poverty reduction. Understanding how the multilateral trading system works is key for these countries to develop their trading capacity and take better part in the global economy”.