Germany's contribution will assist developing countries in establishing and implementing sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) towards health protection and increase their ability to gain or maintain access to markets. The STDF also acts as a forum for WTO members to share and gather information on how they assist the most vulnerable members in meeting their SPS-related requirements. The STDF is a joint initiative of the WTO, the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health.

“I welcome Germany’s contribution which demonstrates its continuing commitment to help developing countries benefit from the multilateral trading system and better integrate into the global economy,” WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo said.

Germany’s Ambassador Hanns Schumacher stated: “For Germany, assisting developing countries to improve their capacity to participate in international trade is a key aim. This will enable them to gain and maintain market access. As we are going through a troubled economic time, expanding market opportunities is important as trade is a tool for growth and development.”