The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Japan is contributing EUR 115,000 to the WTO's Global Trust Fund. This fund supports training programs for government officials from developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). Over the past two decades, Japan's contributions to WTO trust funds have totalled nearly EUR 13.5 million.
According to a press release by the WTO, the contribution to the Global Trust Fund aids in enhancing capabilities for developing economies and LDCs in WTO negotiations. The fund facilitates approximately 280 specialized training activities annually across various sectors. With close to 2,800 initiatives supported over two decades, the fund bolsters global capacity-building efforts.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated, "We are grateful for Japan's new support to the Global Trust Fund, which plays a critical role in helping build the capacity of government officials from developing economies to participate effectively in the multilateral trading system. With enhanced trading skills, decision-makers will be better equipped to convert international trade opportunities into improved lives and livelihoods for people in these countries."
Japan's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Atsuyuki Oike, also expressed his views on this contribution. Oike said, "To extend our steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive global trade, Japan is delighted to announce its contribution to the WTO Global Trust Fund this year. Japan's support aims to facilitate the integration of developing country members and LDCs into the multilateral trading system, with the aim of strengthening their trade-related capabilities. Japan recognizes the importance of assisting these members in effectively implementing WTO agreements so that they may be empowered to fully harness the benefits of the multilateral trading system, fostering not only their economic development but also contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global trade landscape."
The WTO is a global entity responsible for regulating trade rules among nations. It is governed by agreements negotiated and ratified by most trading nations. According to the About webpage provided by the WTO, its primary objective is to facilitate smooth, predictable, and unrestricted trade worldwide.