WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said: "This donation from Canada will help developing and least-developed countries comply with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, thereby boosting their capacity to trade with all the benefits that brings for growth and development. I welcome Canada's continued generosity."

Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said: "We believe that Canada’s contribution to the STDF will support capacity building initiatives in developing countries aimed at helping them implement SPS standards and gain or maintain access to world markets."

Canada has contributed approximately CHF 12 million to WTO trust funds over the past 16 years.

The STDF is a global coordination platform that brings together leading trade, health and agriculture experts worldwide to share knowledge, tools and good practice and strengthen the effectiveness of SPS technical assistance provided to developing countries. The STDF also provides support and funding for the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that promote compliance with international SPS requirements. The STDF is housed and managed by the WTO.