Thanking the Netherlands for its generosity at a signing ceremony on 23 Might, WTO Director-Common Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated: “The Netherlands’ contribution will assist advance STDF tasks and programmes to enhance the potential of farmers and small companies in growing economies and least-developed nations to entry international and regional markets, contributing to larger incomes, higher well being and higher livelihoods.”
“By specializing in SPS enhancements in growing economies, the STDF addresses concrete commerce and growth and sustainability points that cross borders and immediately impression folks’s well-being and the atmosphere. We’re grateful for the Netherlands’ persevering with help for the STDF,” the Director-Common added.
Mark Jacobs, Director for Worldwide Commerce Coverage and Market Regulation on the Ministry of International Affairs of the Netherlands, signed the contract on behalf of his authorities. Mr Jacobs stated: “Commerce, and extra particularly commerce in agricultural produce, performs a central position within the Netherlands. Many growing nations are amongst our closest buying and selling companions. Meals security techniques contribute to mutual belief and are essential for sustainable commerce relations in agrifood.”
“Due to this fact, we extremely worth the help that the STDF offers to fostering protected meals commerce in and between growing nations,” he stated. “For producers, this generates and stabilizes earnings, improves entry to markets and strengthens meals safety, each in growing and developed nations. As a donor to the STDF since its basis, we’re happy to proceed the excellent cooperation with the STDF.”
The STDF will use the Netherlands’ contribution to pilot modern SPS capability growth tasks throughout growing economies, together with LDCs and small island growing states. These tasks will assist them achieve and preserve market entry, help protected and inclusive commerce, drive sustainable financial development, cut back poverty, and improve meals safety whereas addressing international challenges like local weather change and gender inequality.
The Netherlands has been a long-standing donor of the STDF since 2004, contributing over CHF 12.5 million up to now.
Since its institution in 2004, the STDF has funded over 250 tasks throughout the world with 62% of funds directed to LDCs.
Creating economies and LDCs are inspired to use for STDF challenge and challenge preparation grants. Extra data on the way to apply is offered right here. Eligible proposals obtained by the subsequent deadline of 1 August 2025 can be thought of by the STDF Working Group in November 2025.
The STDF founding companions are the Meals and Agriculture Group (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Financial institution Group, the World Well being Group (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Well being (WOAH) and the WTO, together with the secretariats of Codex Alimentarius and the Worldwide Plant Safety Conference (IPPC). The WTO manages the STDF Belief Fund and homes the STDF Secretariat.
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