March 27, 2024

Canada contributes funding to WTO to boost safe food exports from developing economies

The Government of Canada is contributing CAD 250,000 to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) meet international food safety, animal and plant health standards for trade.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "We deeply appreciate Canada's support to the STDF, which underscores a shared commitment to assisting developing and least developed countries in meeting crucial international standards for food safety, animal, and plant health. The donation not only bolsters the STDF's vital work but also plays a pivotal role in fostering global trade by ensuring a level playing field. Such collaboration enhances trade opportunities, fosters economic growth, and ensures a safer, more resilient global food system."

Canada's contribution will help to pilot innovative sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity development projects across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and to build SPS expertise that contributes to safeguarding local public health and facilitating safe trade.

Overall, Canada has contributed close to 7.5 million Swiss francs (approx. CAD 1.25 million) to the STDF since 2005, including this latest contribution.

Developing economies and least developed countries are encouraged to apply to the STDF for SPS project and project preparation grants.

Source: WTO