A donation of over EUR 2,500,000 (CHF 2,875,000) will be allocated to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership aimed at helping developing countries comply with international food safety, animal and plant health standards and better integrate into international agricultural markets.

An additional EUR 4 million (CHF 4,375,000) will go to the Netherlands Trainee Programme aimed at assisting developing countries in improving their knowledge and understanding of areas related to trade policy.

To mark the Netherlands' donation to the Programme, WTO Deputy Director-General Yonov Frederick Agah met with the Netherlands' Minister for Trade and Development, Ms Sigrid Kaag, and former interns from the Programme.

DDG Agah said: "This donation from the Netherlands is very welcome. It provides funding to help developing countries and LDCs build their trade capacity in practical terms and regarding trade theory so that they can participate more fully in global trade."

Minister Kaag said: "Inclusive trade is a key driving force for sustainable development. Through the support to the WTO trade-related programmes, the Netherlands aims to increase the integration of developing countries and LDCs in global value chains and to contribute to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals worldwide."

The Netherlands has donated approximately EUR 40 million (approximately CHF 45 million) to the various WTO trust funds over 15 years.