The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported a notable increase in its technical assistance activities for 2024, delivering over 300 initiatives. This represents the highest number in a decade, with more than 19,000 government officials trained across various trade-related areas. Notably, over 5,000 of these participants were from least-developed countries (LDCs).
The report highlights a 19 percent rise in the number of technical assistance activities compared to the previous year. A significant factor contributing to this increase was the shift towards e-Learning, which saw participant numbers rise by 45 percent and accounted for nearly three-quarters of all participants.
According to the report, there was a sustained effectiveness of these activities in helping beneficiaries expand their knowledge and skills. This is evidenced by a three percentage point increase in fully or partially met performance targets compared to 2023.
In addition, the WTO marked the successful completion of accession processes for Comoros and Timor-Leste during the year. Both countries received extensive technical assistance throughout their negotiations. WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang commented on this achievement: “This support was instrumental in strengthening their capacity to navigate the complexities of WTO accession, which took 17 years for Comoros and nearly eight years for Timor-Leste.”
WTO's technical assistance continued to utilize virtual, in-person, and e-Learning formats to provide targeted support aligned with beneficiaries’ evolving priorities. Key topics included standards, agriculture, market access for goods (including trade facilitation), trade in services, trade remedies, and fisheries subsidies.
However, financial constraints were noted as a concern within the report. In 2024, voluntary contributions to WTO technical assistance reached their lowest level in 25 years. Unearmarked funds fell below CHF 3 million. The WTO Secretariat's cost-saving measures have maintained delivery levels and quality so far; however, if low voluntary contributions persist, there will be an inevitable impact on activity volume and quality.
The full report is available for further details.
Background information provided explains that a core function of the WTO involves technical assistance and capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing professional and institutional trade capacities among developing and least-developed members and observers.