The government of Japan has contributed US$76,742 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) for 2014. The objective is to help developing countries and least-developed countries establish and implement sanitary and phytosanitary standards for health protection and expand their ability to gain or maintain access to global markets.
“Japan’s new contribution reflects its continuous efforts to assist developing countries in improving their trading and economic capacity and better integrate into the world economy. The WTO welcomes this donation,” said World Trade Organisation (WTO) director-general Roberto Azevêdo.
Japan’s ambassador to the WTO, Yoichi Otabe, stated: “Japan recognizes the importance of the connection of developing countries and least-developed countries to international trade through global food value chains.”
“Enhancing their capacity to implement international SPS standards is one of the key elements for their participation in global food value chains.”
“Japan continues to support them through projects and programs of the STDF.”
Since 2002, Japan has donated to WTO’s various trust funds a total of CHF9,941,000 (US$10,066,325).
