Distinguished panellists,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the launch of the second phase of the EIF. 

The WTO is proud to be the home of the EIF. So we are delighted to host this event, which marks a new and exciting chapter for the partnership.

As we have just seen, the EIF has delivered tangible and very concrete results on the ground.

In just five years…

• …the EIF has reached out to over 50 beneficiary countries around the world;
• it has supported over 40 analytical studies to help LDCs identify and address their main constraints to trade,
• and it has supported 95 projects to build trade policy capacity.

Thanks to the EIF, trade now features in the national development strategies of 32 countries. And in 29 countries specific trade strategies are now being implemented.

It has also helped countries to establish public-private dialogue, as well as stronger links with donors.

So there is no doubt — the EIF has delivered. It has helped LDCs to use trade as a tool for growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction.

And I've actually brought proof of the excellent work that is being done.

The silk tie I'm wearing was produced with the support of the EIF and expertise from the ITC in Cambodia. 

The EIF Steering Committee and Board Chairs are also wearing accessories made by the same project. And I think you'll agree that they all look pretty sharp!

With EIF support, the government of Cambodia identified the silk industry as a strategic sector for poverty reduction. And with the backing of the EIF's tools and expertise, they set out a clear roadmap to develop the sector.

As a result, many small businesses, especially women-owned, and in rural areas have benefited from valuable capacity building. They increased their trading prospects and created many jobs.

And you thought it was just a tie!

So now we are building on the momentum of the results achieved so far. And thanks to the commitment of the EIF's partners across LDCs, donors and agencies, we are launching the new phase of the EIF today.

 

Developing this new phase has been a very inclusive exercise. I think it has demonstrated the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of the partnership to continue this important work — and to make the EIF even more efficient and effective.

The EIF's new tagline “Trade for LDC Development” serves as a mission statement.

And of course, integrating the LDCs into the multilateral trading system is a priority for WTO.

We are working hard to implement the LDC decisions taken in Bali, and to deliver new development outcomes.

We are holding our Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December this year. It will be the first time such an event has been held in Africa. And so it will be a key moment in our efforts to deliver for LDCs.

So as we move into the new phase of the EIF, I want to take this opportunity to underscore, once again, the WTO's commitment to this initiative and to working together in the interests of the LDCs.

The EIF's new phase will be operational by January 2016. It incorporates some key reform measures to ensure that the new phase is even more results-driven, and that it represents real value for money.

I am encouraged by the pace and depth with which this work has developed since the EIF Global Platform, which we held here in March this year.

To continue assisting the integration of the LDCs into the global trading system, without a break in provision, it is important that the donor community supports the EIF as of now.

This applies not only to phase two itself but also to ensuring that the transition towards it is as smooth as possible.

At the outset of the 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi I will be hosting the EIF Pledging Conference. It will be a crucial moment, so I hope that all the goodwill and commitment which we have seen to date will be translated into real support. 

So thank you for your attention. Let's continue working together to ensure that the second phase of the EIF is even more successful than the first.

Thank you for listening.