“Japan’s new contribution reflects its continuous efforts to assist developing countries in improving their trading and economic capacity and better integrate into the world economy. The WTO welcomes this donation,” declared WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

Japan’s ambassador to the WTO, Yoichi Otabe, stated: “Japan recognizes the importance of the connection of developing countries and least-developed countries to international trade through global food value chains. Enhancing their capacity to implement international SPS standards is one of the key elements for their participation in global food value chains. Japan continues to support them through projects and programmes of the STDF.”

Since 2002, Japan has donated to WTO’s various trust funds a total of CHF 9,941,000.

The STDF is a global partnership working to increase awareness, mobilize resources, strengthen collaboration, identify and disseminate good practice; as well as to provide support and funding for the development and implementation of projects that promote compliance with international SPS requirements.