Through its trade-related technical assistance programmes, the WTO provides training to help developing countries participate effectively in WTO negotiations and other WTO activities. The programmes also help these countries meet their WTO obligations and fully benefit from their WTO membership.

“I welcome the United States’ regular contributions, which are important in supporting the integration of developing and least-developed countries into the global economy,” declared WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

“This contribution reflects the long-standing U.S. commitment to work with developing countries as partners in the WTO,” said U.S. Ambassador Michael Punke. “The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement promises reduced costs and greater efficiencies, particularly to developing countries, in moving their exports across borders. We want to ensure that they have the means to fully take advantage of this historic agreement.  The WTO Global Trust Fund is key in helping developing countries to participate effectively in all WTO activities and to meet their WTO obligations. It also furthers their development goals and creates meaningful opportunities for their farmers, manufacturers and service providers.” 

This funding brings the United States’ total contributions to the DDA Global Trust Fund to over USD 14 million since the Doha Round negotiations were launched in November 2001.