Canada has pledged $250,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to support developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) in meeting international food safety, animal, and plant health standards for trade.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for Canada's support, emphasizing the shared commitment to assisting developing and least developed countries in meeting crucial international standards. The contribution not only strengthens the STDF's vital work but also promotes a level playing field in global trade, fostering economic growth and ensuring a safer global food system.
Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, reiterated the country's commitment to promoting international food safety and facilitating fair and competitive global trade. The investment will enable more countries to access trading markets by meeting international standards, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient future.
Canada's contribution will facilitate innovative sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity development projects across regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These projects will help build SPS expertise, safeguard public health, and facilitate safe trade.
Since 2005, Canada has contributed close to $7.5 million to the STDF, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting safe and inclusive trade practices. Developing economies and least developed countries are encouraged to apply for SPS project and project preparation grants from the STDF, with the next deadline for submission of funding proposals set for August 2, 2024.
The STDF, a global multi-stakeholder partnership, aims to facilitate safe and inclusive trade and is supported by key organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the WTO.
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