2022 part4

86/ Sweden provides CHF 1.7 million to improve developing countries’ trade expertise

21 NOVEMBER 2022

The Swedish government is contributing CHF 1.7 million (SEK 19.2 million) in 2022 to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) strengthen their trading capacity. The contribution to the WTO’s Global Trust Fund will finance training activities aimed at helping government officials extend their expertise in formulating and implementing trade policies.

Over 2,700 activities have taken place since the fund was created just over 20 years ago.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “I thank Sweden for generously contributing to the WTO’s technical assistance activities aimed at helping officials from developing countries advance their expertise in international trade. Their new skills will help them to support policy-making in their home countries for the benefit of millions of people.”

Sweden’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, Mikael Anzén, said: “I am glad that Sweden can show its commitment to the international trading system by helping developing countries and least-developed countries strengthen their trading capacity. Trade plays an essential role in supporting countries’ efforts to address the multiple crises the world is currently facing.”

Overall, Sweden has contributed over CHF 62 million to the various WTO trust funds over the past 20 years.

Source: wto.org