Norway has announced a contribution of NOK 16 million to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) in a move aimed at bolstering global trade and improving food safety. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on February 12, attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Norway’s WTO Ambassador Petter Ølberg, and STDF Head Melvin Spreij.
WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for Norway’s support, highlighting the crucial role of international collaboration in advancing food safety systems, which in turn supports poverty reduction, food security, and environmental protection. She noted that with Norway’s backing, the STDF will further its efforts in assisting developing countries to meet international food safety standards, thereby promoting safe and inclusive trade.
Ambassador Ølberg remarked on Norway’s ongoing commitment to the STDF, emphasizing its effectiveness in helping developing and least-developed countries access global markets and comply with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. He also pointed out the alignment of this support with the concerns addressed by the WTO’s G90 group regarding SPS measures.
The funding, provided by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), will facilitate new SPS capacity development projects across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It also aims to bolster the STDF’s knowledge platform, which plays a key role in sharing best practices, fostering innovation, and enhancing global SPS efforts.
Developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs) are encouraged to seek SPS project and project preparation grants from the STDF, with a forthcoming deadline for funding proposals set for March 1, 2024.
This latest contribution from NORAD continues Norway’s partnership with the STDF into 2024, bringing Norway’s total contributions to the WTO trust funds to approximately CHF 44,578,000 since 2001.
The STDF, established by key global organizations including the FAO, WHO, World Bank Group, WOAH, and the WTO, is a global partnership dedicated to facilitating safe and inclusive trade. It aims to address emerging needs, drive inclusive trade, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction, aligning with the United Nations Global Goals.
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