The donation is to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership that helps developing countries improve food safety, animal and plant health capacity and meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for trade, based on international standards. The STDF contributes to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and food security, and is housed by the WTO. The other founding partners include the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization and the World Bank Group.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said: “With this new donation, Germany will help developing countries and LDCs expand their trading capacities, thereby laying the groundwork for their farmers to seize new trade opportunities. Germany's sustained generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Germany's Ambassador to the WTO, Michael Von Ungern-Sternberg, said: “Through its capacity-building activities, the STDF helps to build an important bridge between consumers and the farmers in developing countries. We are pleased to be contributing to reducing poverty and increasing food and animal safety around the world.”

Germany has donated CHF 2.7 million (approximately EUR 2.6 million) to this fund over 15 years.