Abu Dhabi, 1 March 2024 (TDI): In support of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates has contributed AED 1 million (CHF 240,000) to assist officials from least-developed countries (LDCs) in attending the event.
This contribution has been submitted to the LDCs Trust Fund to assist officials in covering their travel expenses, such as flight tickets and accommodation.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “One reason multilateral trade negotiations are so valuable is that they bring all countries’ voices to the table. I thank the UAE for helping ensure that LDC governments are able to be effective participants at MC13. This will contribute to making discussions there more inclusive—a prerequisite for delivering results that improve the lives of people around the world.”
The Chair of MC13, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, who also serves as the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, remarked: “Empowering least-developed countries to fully participate in the WTO and global trade is an investment for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world for all.
We have a responsibility to provide the necessary support and assistance to ensure that all nations have a voice and opportunity in shaping the future of global trade.
In order to deliver a Ministerial Conference in which every WTO member is able to be heard, it is incumbent on the global trading community to come together to facilitate the attendance of all WTO members in Abu Dhabi this week.”
Sweden Fuels LDC Economic Growth with CHF 2.3 Million
On February 27th, Day 2nd of the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference, Sweden’s Director General for Trade Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Per-Arne Hjelmborn, and the EIF Executive Director, Ratnakar Adhikari, confirmed Sweden’s contribution of SEK 27 million (approximately CHF 2.3 million) to fuel LDC economic growth.
In a move to provide ongoing assistance to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Sweden is directing its contribution to the newly created EIF Interim Facility.
This facility serves as a transitional link between the conclusion of Phase Two in the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the initiation of a new multilateral support mechanism for LDCs.
The total of Sweden’s contributions to EIF-led programs since 2007 amounts to approximately CHF 31.8 million (SEK 370 million).
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Sweden’s Director General stated that “Sweden is delighted to be contributing to the EIF Interim Facility as a testament to our long-standing engagement in sustainable trade and the development of LDCs during this critical transitional period.”
“Sweden values the collaboration with the EIF partnership in shaping a strategic approach to facilitate this transition. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the progress achieved, ensuring impactful outcomes while we collectively engage in deliberations on the future Aid for Trade mechanism for LDCs to further promote their integration into global trade,” he added.
The EIF Executive Director showed profound gratitude for Sweden’s generous contribution during this crucial transitional period.
He emphasized the significance of this support in empowering LDCs, which grapple with ongoing economic vulnerabilities and urgent developmental needs.
He further stated that “Sweden’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development underscores the necessity of collective action to preserve and enhance the achievements reached thus far.
Sweden’s latest contribution is expected to be a cornerstone in promoting sustainable trade capacity development, focusing on empowering LDCs to achieve inclusive growth, increased export capabilities, and broader market access.”
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