Denmark’s contribution to the STDF will assist developing countries in establishing and implementing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards for 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 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.

Denmarks’ donation to the DDAGTF will help developing and least-developed countries to negotiate trade deals within the context of the Doha Round through the financing of technical assistance programmes and training activities. The objective is also to ensure that they fully benefit from the outcome of these negotiations.

“Through its contributions Denmark demonstrates its continuing commitment to help developing and least-developed countries benefit from the multilateral trading system and better integrate into the world economy,” WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said.

Denmark’s ambassador Carsten Staur stated: “As a staunch believer in the trade and development nexus Denmark finds it essential to follow up on the positive outcome of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali by renewing its support to WTO’s technical assistance activities.”