  
  
PRESS/ 859 
 
7 July 2020  
(20-4650) Page: 1/1 
    
 
PRESS RELEASE  
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
EU donates EUR 2 million to enhance developing countries' trading 
capacity  
The European Union has  contribut ed EUR 2 million  (CHF 2.1 million ) over the period 2019-2020 to 
help developing  countries  and least -developed countries  participate effectively in global trade  
negotiations . This donation to the WTO’s DDA Global Trust Fund will finance training and other 
capacity -building activities for government officials  to help them better understand and i mplement 
WTO agreements  and to enhance their negotiating skill -set.  
 
Over 2,800 activities have been organi sed since the fund was created in 2001.  The European 
Union confirmed its latest contribution at a meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development 
on Aid for Trade, which took place on 7 July.  
 
Director -General Roberto Azevêdo said: "Trade has the potential to drive economic growth and 
sustai nable development  into developing countries by bringing new business opportunities. The 
EU's generous donation will help ensure that these economies' voices are heard in trade 
negotiations to make this a reality."  
 
The European Union's WTO Ambassador, João Aguiar Machado , said: " These are trying times for 
world trade, for the WTO and its membership. The EU remains strongly committed to the WTO and 
to the further integration of developing and least -developed countries into the multilateral trading 
system. We  are pleased to be able to continue supporting these joint efforts through the WTO."  
 
Overall, the EU has donated just over EUR 25 million ( approximately  CHF 27 million) to the various 
WTO trust funds in addition to individual contributions from the EU member states. 
 
 
END 