The European Union (EU) is contributing EUR 1 million to support developing economies, including least developed countries (LDCs) in strengthening their participation in the multilateral trading system for 2026-2027.
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the contribution which is to its Global Trust Fund (GTF) would help finance the implementation of the Organisation’s technical assistance plan through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
These programmes, it explained, enable government officials from developing economies including LDCs to deepen their understanding of the multilateral trading system and enhance the implementation of their WTO obligations.
Commenting on the contribution, WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said: “The European Union’s EUR 1 million contributions to the Global Trust Fund comes at a critical time and will help maintain valuable technical assistance activities for developing economies and least developed countries. I welcome the EU’s leadership and hope it will encourage other members to step forward in support of the WTO’s capacity building work.”
Also speaking, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the European Union to the WTO, H.E. Mr João Aguiar Machado, highlighted the importance of continued EU support for WTO technical assistance programmes.
He said: “The European Union is pleased to contribute EUR 1 million to the WTO’s Global Trust Fund. At a time when sustained and predictable financing for technical assistance is particularly important, this contribution reflects the European Union’s longstanding support for the Global Trust Fund and for the WTO’s technical assistance programmes. Strengthening the capacity of developing economies including least developed countries is essential for a fair and effective multilateral trading system.”
WYO said the Global Trust Fund finances approximately 280 activities each year, primarily through tailored training delivered at the national and regional levels, including online. These activities span a wide range of trade-related areas, including agriculture, digital trade, import licensing, standards, trade and environment, and trade negotiation skills.
It said since its establishment in 2001, the Global Trust Fund has supported over 2,800 training workshops worldwide. The year 2024 saw the highest number of technical assistance activities in the last decade, with over 19,000 participants trained throughout the year.
“Building on more than two decades of constructive cooperation with the WTO, the European Union has contributed a total of CHF 34.5 million to various WTO trust funds. This latest contribution recognizes and reinforces the European Union’s commitment to promoting a fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system,” the Organisation said.
