Over the last 7 years, Ireland has continuously supported the DDAGTF, the Internship Programme and the STDF with funding respectively amounting to CHF4.3 million (about EUR2.9 million), CHF1 million (about EUR680,000) and CHF600,000 (about EUR403,000).

This assistance is intended to build the capacity of developing and least developed countries to negotiate effectively within the WTO and help implement WTO agreements and international standards. These are areas that are key to protecting the trade interests and development needs of the world’s poorest countries.

A first donation of EUR1 million (about CHF1.5 million) was offered to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. This contribution will be used to finance WTO technical assistance activities targeted especially at the needs of developing and least-developed countries, as well as economies in transition. The aim is to enhance their ability to participate effectively in the WTO negotiations and ensure they fully benefit from the results achieved during these negotiations.

A second donation of EUR200,000 (about CHF300,000) was given to the Internship Programme for the Mission of Selected WTO Members in Geneva. This Programme helps Missions from developing countries enhance their understanding of the multilateral trading system and trade policy in general.

A third donation of EUR200,000 (about CHF300,000) was provided to the Standards and Trade Development Facility. This contribution will assist developing countries in improving their expertise and their capacity to analyze and implement international sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) thus enhancing their human, animal and plant health situation and ability to gain and maintain market access.

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy declared “I welcome Ireland's donations to the WTO trust funds. These contributions will allow developing countries to expand their markets mainly through our technical assistance programmes. Complying with international standards is also a major step in securing market access.”

Irish Ambassador, Dáithí O’Ceallaigh said “Ireland latest donations are a concrete illustration of our constant commitment to help developing and least-developed countries. This assistance package will enhance the WTO's programmes and help developing countries to make full use of the multilateral trading system. By gaining capacity to advance their interests, conclude agreements and implement them, developing and least-developed countries will be in a better position to use trade as a tool to foster growth and fight poverty.”