   
  
PRESS/ 944 
 
25 January 2024  
(24-0548) Page: 1/1 
    
 
PRESS RELEASE  
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
Austria gives EUR 200,000 to help boost developing economies' 
trade expertise  
Austria has contributed EUR 200,000 (approximately CHF 190,000) to the Global Trust Fund in 
2024 to help developing economies participate more fully in international trade. Most of this 
contribution will be directed to the WTO Chairs Programme, a capacity -building initiative aimed at 
supporting trade -related academic activities in developing economies and lea st-developed 
countries (LDCs). The Programme currently comprises 36 universities across the world.  
 
Academic institutions in the WTO Chairs Programme receive financial and technical support from 
the WTO for trade -related research, curriculum development an d outreach activities. The objective 
is to strengthen the capacity of these institutions to advise governments and key stakeholders on 
trade policy issues.  
 
Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala said: "The WTO Chairs Programme plays a valuable role in 
helping developing countries and LDCs leverage academic research to inform trade policy -making 
so that it delivers more effectively for sustainable economic growth and development, improving 
people's lives and livelihoods. I welcome Austria for generously renew ing its yearly contribution."  
 
Austria's Minister for Labour and Economy, Martin Kocher, said: "Austria’s contribution to the WTO 
Chairs Programme will play a vital role in further strengthening understanding of global and 
regional trade issues in developi ng countries and LDCs. Keeping markets open, supporting 
research at all levels and promoting a level playing field for multilateral trade - especially during 
these challenging times - can strongly contribute to boosting economic growth and creating jobs in  
these countries, for the benefit of all. " 
 
Overall, Austria has contributed approximately CHF 6 million to the various WTO Trust Funds over 
more than 20 years.  
 
 
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