The EIF helps the least-developed countries (LDCs) use trade as a means of promoting economic growth and achieving sustainable development. As one of the programme's 24 donors, Sweden is committed to creating a more equitable global trading environment in the LDCs. Sweden is also the Chair of the EIF Steering Committee, the global body consisting of international agencies, LDCs, donors and observers that guides the delivery of the EIF programme.

Sweden's contribution will support sustainable trade, development and poverty alleviation in the LDCs as part of the global efforts to help the LDCs meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

H.E. Ms Ann Linde, Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Policy, said: “As a proponent of free and fair trade, Sweden looks forward to continued cooperation with the Enhanced Integrated Framework to strengthen the opportunities for the world’s Least Developed Countries to take full advantage of existing and future prospects for development through trade. Sweden’s renewed support reflects our long-standing engagement with the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the Aid for Trade initiative, as well as our strong commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”

Mr Ratnakar Adhikari, the Executive Director of the Executive Secretariat for the EIF, said: “As the second largest donor to the EIF Trust Fund, Sweden has been a leading champion of the EIF, guiding the programme's outlook in advancing better trading futures for the LDCs. We greatly appreciate Sweden's support at this critical juncture where the LDCs are now rolling out more robust inclusive and sustainable projects that are key to addressing national challenges to trade and contributing to our overall goal of poverty reduction in the LDCs.”

The EIF is a multi-donor trust fund, which provides coordinated financial and technical support to build trade capacity in all 48 LDCs and three graduated countries. The EIF is the only global Aid for Trade programme exclusively designed for the LDCs and is, therefore, uniquely placed to assist countries to develop sustainable trade strategies, which have a positive impact on people's lives through the promotion of private sector development and job and income opportunities. The EIF is recognized under Goal 8a of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For further information, please contact: [email protected] and www.enhancedif.org