Japan offers JPY 26 million to strengthen negotiating capacity of poorest members
The government of Japan is contributing JPY 26 million (approximately CHF 231,000) to the WTO’s Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF) in 2019 to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) improve their participation in global trade negotiations.
The DDAGTF finances around 280 activities per year, mostly tailor-made training delivered at the regional and national level. The activities cover all trade-related areas, including trade facilitation, agriculture and services.
The donation from Japan will finance training workshops for officials in Geneva and in the regions to help them better understand and implement WTO agreements and to enhance their negotiating skills. Over 2,600 workshops have been organized since the fund was created in 2001.
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said: “This donation will help to boost the negotiating capacity of our developing and least-developed members, supporting them to continue making their voice heard in global trade talks. I thank Japan for its continued support and generosity.”
Japan’s Ambassador Junichi Ihara said: “At this critical juncture of world trade, it is indispensable to empower the developing country members, especially the LDC members, so that they can participate effectively in trade negotiations and fully benefit from the multilateral trading system. Through this contribution, Japan is pleased to support the important work of the DDAGTF.”
Overall, Japan has donated almost CHF 21 million to WTO trust funds since 2000. Following Lithuania, Japan is the second donor to the DDAGTF in 2019.