With this new contribution, Japan’s overall participation to all WTO trust funds has now reached CHF 8.7 million.

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. 

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

Japan’s Ambassador to the WTO, Yoichi Otabe, stated “One way for developing countries to gain and maintain market access is to improve their capacity for analysis and implementation of international Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards. This contribution is part of Japan’s continuous efforts, together with its bilateral assistance, in supporting developing countries, through projects and programmes of the STDF. Improving their participation in international trade is key, especially in these difficult times, as trade is an important engine for sustainable growth and development.