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 as well as international standards.  These are key areas to protect the trade interests and development needs of the world’s poorest countries.

“Decades of development have proven that the reduction of global poverty is accelerated as the economic growth of developing countries progresses. Freer trade is a strong engine for sustainable economic growth as these countries continue to expand their markets,” said the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Canadian Minister for International Cooperation. “This is why sustainable economic growth is a priority for CIDA and Canada. Our international assistance will help developing countries be better traders, work within the international trading system, and play an important role in the World Trade Organization's work on the Aid for Trade initiative.”

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy declared “I welcome this donation which illustrates Canada’s commitment to help developing countries integrate in the global economy and take better advantage of the multilateral trading system.”

A first donation of CAD 5 million (about CHF 4.8 million) will be 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.

A second donation of CAD 2.5 million (about CHF 2.4 million) will be 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.