   
  
PRESS/ 917 
 
17 January 2023  
(23-0407) Page: 1/1 
    
 
 
PRESS RELEASE  
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
Austria gives EUR 200,000 to Chairs network to boost developing 
countries' trade expertise  
The government of Austria has contributed EUR 200,000 (approximately CHF 200,000) in 2023 to 
the Global Trust Fund to support the latest phase of the WTO Chairs Programme, an initiative that 
seeks to boost trade -related academic activities in developing co untries and least -developed 
countries (LDCs).  
 
Under this capacity -building programme, partner institutions receive financial and technical 
support from the WTO for trade -related research, curriculum development and outreach activities. 
The Programme helps  to develop the capacity of academic institutions to advise governments and 
key stakeholders on trade policy issues.  
 
A total of 17 institutions were chosen to join the Chairs Programme  under the latest phase 
launched in December 2021, making the Programme more geographically diversified. It now 
comprises 36 universities and has generated strong links with government policy makers, 
businesses and research institutions thr ough its network of universities across the world.  
 
Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala said: "I thank Austria for its ongoing support to the Chairs 
Programme. The funding will help academic institutions develop trade -related research and 
outreach activit ies in developing countries and LDCs, with the aim of enhancing the role of trade in 
improving the livelihoods of people around the world. " 
 
Austria's Federal Minister for Labour and the Economy, Martin Kocher, said: "Austria’s contribution 
is of utmost im portance for strengthening the understanding of trade issues in developing 
countries and LDCs. Keeping markets open and promoting a level playing field in 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."  
 
 
END 