France has committed EUR 1.9 million to initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) through a partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to an agreement signed in July 2024, France will contribute EUR 6 million over three years to several WTO-affiliated programs such as the French-Irish Mission Programme, the WTO Chairs Programme, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility.
Ambassador Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, France's representative to the WTO, stated, “Our support for technical assistance in the WTO is a concrete expression of our commitment to an inclusive multilateral system." She further emphasized the importance of technical assistance within the WTO, acknowledging its role in increasing participation and benefits from the multilateral trading system, especially during challenging times when resources are hard to mobilize.
Specifically, the French-Irish Mission Programme, co-sponsored by France and Ireland, will receive EUR 900,000 to facilitate the placement of government officials from developing economies, LDCs, and observers in Geneva. The WTO Chairs Programme will receive EUR 550,000 to aid academic institutions in building international trade expertise through research and curriculum projects. The Standards and Trade Development Facility is allocated EUR 500,000 to help these countries implement international trade safety standards in food, animal, and plant health, consistent with the latest strategy for 2025-2030.
Deputy Director-General Zhang remarked on the importance of technical assistance in the rapidly changing trade environment, noting that France's support is crucial to continuing these programs. Zhang stated, “With France’s targeted support, these programmes continue to make significant contributions to developing economies by providing hands-on experience at the WTO, facilitating practical projects and establishing sustainable systems to help government officials tackle complex new areas with the help of academia.”
France's financial contributions to various WTO trust funds exceed EUR 34 million over two decades.