Ireland contributes EUR 200,000 to strengthen trade opportunities in developing countries

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "We thank Ireland for its renewed support for the STDF. For farmers and small businesses in developing countries, meeting international standards can open the door to new markets and new opportunities. Ireland's contribution will help the STDF turn that potential into reality, making safe trade safer and more accessible and helping more people benefit from it."

On the announcement of the funding, Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond said: "Ireland is proud to support the WTO Standards and Trade Development Facility, whose work helps developing countries participate more effectively in global trade. This contribution reflects Ireland's continued commitment to an open and rules-based international trading system that generates opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Through partnerships such as the WTO STDF, we support developing countries in using trade as a driver of development and poverty reduction."

Ireland's contribution will support the STDF Strategy 2025-2030, including efforts to make sanitary and phytosanitary capacity development more inclusive and responsive to the needs of people involved in food and agricultural trade. Through its projects and knowledge work, the STDF helps identify and address practical barriers that can make it harder for small-scale producers, traders and businesses, including women and youth, to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements and benefit from trade. Central to the STDF approach is sharing good practices and lessons, so that successful solutions can be taken up and scaled more widely, promoting sustainable livelihoods, food security and sustainable development.

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