“Chinese Taipei’s initiative is very welcome. It will play an important role in helping developing and least-developed countries make the most of the multilateral trading system and enhance their access to global markets,” declared WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

The Permanent Representative of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to the WTO Dr Shin-Yuan LAI stated: “As a developing country member and a former recipient of development aid ourselves, we fully understand the challenges that may be faced by our fellow developing country members and LDC members when it comes to compliance with SPS-related requirements. We continue to believe that improved SPS capacity will facilitate economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation and environmental protection.”

Since 2002, Chinese Taipei has donated to the various WTO trust funds a total of CHF 1,908,000.

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.