The United Kingdom has made a financial contribution of GBP 673,000 to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Interim Facility. This amount is part of the first installment of CHF 1 million pledged by the UK at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. The EIF Interim Facility is designed to bridge the gap between the end of Phase Two of the EIF and the establishment of a new multilateral support mechanism for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Discussions on this future mechanism are ongoing at a World Trade Organization (WTO) taskforce.
The UK's donation aims to strengthen LDCs' trade capabilities, improve their access to global markets, and support their export growth. Since 2007, the UK has contributed approximately CHF 32.6 million to EIF-facilitated programs.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for the UK's support: “We are heartened to see the United Kingdom's contribution of GBP 673,010 (approximately USD 860,000) to the EIF Interim Facility. This generous support plays a crucial role in bridging the gap and maintaining the momentum of the EIF's efforts in enhancing the trade capabilities of the LDCs and supporting their sustainable economic development. We express our profound gratitude to the United Kingdom for this donation, which demonstrates a deep commitment to the advancement of the LDCs.”
Ambassador Manley highlighted: “In the UK's International Development White Paper, we commit to champion development in the WTO and to support LDCs to fully integrate and participate in the multilateral trading system. We are pleased to be making this additional contribution to the Interim Facility and to be continuing our support of the EIF.”
EIF Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari also acknowledged: “We are immensely thankful to the UK for its invaluable contribution to the EIF Interim Facility. This support comes at a critical juncture and is key to our work in advancing trade capacity of LDCs to help them enhance and diversify their exports amidst ongoing developmental challenges. The UK's unwavering support has been instrumental in propelling our collective endeavours towards sustainable growth and inclusivity in world's most disadvantaged nations.”
The EIF remains unique as it focuses exclusively on empowering LDCs through trade as an engine for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. It represents a global partnership among LDCs, donors, partner agencies including WTO that collaborate on building trade capacities.