Germany has increased its financial support to developing economies, focusing on enhancing food safety and trade standards. The funding will aid the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) in implementing its new strategy for 2025-2030. This initiative aims to identify, test, and expand innovations that strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities, facilitating safer trade benefiting developing countries. The approach also addresses emerging SPS challenges while incorporating cross-cutting issues such as gender and environmental concerns.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude towards Germany's ongoing support: "My thanks to Germany for its sustained and generous support. This new contribution underlines the increasing importance of the STDF in today's landscape, affected by climate change, global economic uncertainty and technological shifts." She highlighted the significance of improving SPS systems as they are considered global public goods impacting people's well-being across borders.
Dr. Ariane Hildebrandt from BMZ emphasized Germany's commitment: “Germany is committed to supporting the participation of actors in developing countries in international trade.” She acknowledged STDF’s role over two decades in uniting stakeholders to tackle urgent SPS issues, contributing to food security and income generation in partner countries. Hildebrandt noted challenges posed by climate change, multiple crises, and rising trade standards but affirmed continued collaboration with STDF during 2025–2030.
The German contribution will bolster SPS capacity aiding agricultural transformation, resilience against climate change effects, biodiversity loss prevention, and sustainable development promotion. It will assist developing economies in addressing structural challenges within domestic agriculture and food systems. This support enhances food safety domestically while integrating these nations into global value chains for economic growth and poverty reduction.
The STDF is a global partnership created by FAO of the United Nations alongside WOAH, WBG, WHO, with WTO managing it. It responds to evolving SPS needs fostering inclusive trade contributing towards sustainable growth aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.