Close to 2,800 activities have been organised under this fund over 20 years.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “I thank Japan for its contribution, through which developing countries and LDCs are able to benefit more fully from their participation in the WTO's work. Improving their trade-related skillsets helps government officials lay the ground for new commercial opportunities in their countries, in turn bettering people's economic welfare across the world.”

Japan's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, Kazuyuki Yamazaki, said: “To promote sustainable economic growth and development, it is important that we respond to the concrete needs of developing country members and LDCs. Through our contribution to the WTO Global Trust Fund, we will help these countries further engage in the work of the WTO and implement WTO agreements so that they can fully participate in the multilateral trading system and fulfil their development potential.”

Overall, Japan has donated approximately CHF 13 million to WTO trust funds over the past 20 years.