Thanking the Netherlands for its generosity at a signing ceremony on May 23, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “The Netherlands’ contribution will help advance STDF projects and programmes to improve the ability of farmers and small businesses in developing economies and least-developed countries to access global and regional markets, contributing to higher incomes, better health and better livelihoods.”
“By focusing on SPS improvements in developing economies, the STDF addresses concrete trade and development and sustainability issues that cross borders and directly impact people's well-being and the environment. We are grateful for the Netherlands' continuing support for the STDF,” the Director-General added.
Mark Jacobs, Director for International Trade Policy and Market Regulation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, signed the contract on behalf of his government. Mr. Jacobs said: “Trade, and more specifically trade in agricultural produce, plays a central role in the Netherlands. Many developing countries are among our closest trading partners. Food safety systems contribute to mutual trust and are crucial for sustainable trade relations in agrifood.”
“Therefore, we highly value the support that the STDF provides to fostering safe food trade in and between developing countries,” he said. “For producers, this generates and stabilizes income, improves access to markets and strengthens food security, both in developing and developed countries. As a donor to the STDF since its foundation, we are pleased to continue the outstanding cooperation with the STDF.”
The STDF will use the Netherlands' contribution to pilot innovative SPS capacity development projects across developing economies, including LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and small island developing states. These projects aim to help them gain market access while supporting safe trade practices.
The Netherlands has been a long-standing donor of the STDF since 2004, contributing over CHF 12.5 million so far.
Since its establishment in 2004, the STDF has funded over 250 projects worldwide with 62% of funds directed towards LDCs.
Developing economies are encouraged to apply for project grants from STDF by August 1st deadline this year.
STDF's founding partners include organizations like FAO (Food Agriculture Organization), World Bank Group among others; managed by WTO which houses their secretariat as well as managing their trust fund too!