The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) is a global partnership financed by voluntary contributions. The WTO houses the Secretariat and manages the STDF trust fund.

Ms Phillips said: "Germany's new donation will be important to help developing and least-developed countries improve their sanitary and phytosanitary standards, thereby accessing agricultural markets more easily. I welcome Germany's continued generosity, which will help to bring the benefits of trade to these countries."

Ambassador Werner said: “We are happy to support developing economies in their efforts to expand their production and export skills so that they can better participate in agricultural markets. Our contribution to the STDF assists developing countries in implementing high standards which prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases and which support these countries in trading with their export partners. These are essential elements to guarantee food security and to fight poverty.”

Overall, Germany has donated approximately EUR 25 million (CHF 28 million) to WTO trust funds in over 15 years.