The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Canada is contributing CAD 250,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution is aimed at assisting developing economies and least-developed countries in meeting global food safety and trade standards. With this recent contribution, Canada's total support to the STDF has reached nearly CHF 7.5 million since 2005.
The funds from Canada are intended to initiate innovative sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity development projects across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. According to a press release by WTO, these initiatives aim to enhance SPS expertise, protect local public health, and facilitate safe trade within these regions. The STDF has already funded over 250 projects benefiting least developed countries (LDCs) and other developing economies.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed her appreciation for Canada's support. She 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."
In alignment with these efforts, Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food echoed similar sentiments. MacAulay said, "We will continue to work with our partners around the world to support international food safety, animal and plant health while promoting a fair, transparent and competitive global marketplace. This investment will allow more countries to meet international standards that will help them access trading markets and build a stronger, more resilient future."
According to information provided on its About webpage by STDF, the facility operates as a global network. It brings together experts in trade, health, and agriculture to address ongoing and emerging challenges related to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Serving as a knowledge hub, it facilitates the exchange of expertise, tools, and best practices to enhance existing capacities.