Norway is demonstrating its commitment to global trade and food safety by contributing NOK 16 million (approximately CHF 1.3 million) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing food safety systems, promoting poverty reduction, enhancing food security, and protecting the environment. With Norway’s support, the STDF will continue to develop and finance projects that assist developing countries in meeting international food safety standards, thereby promoting safe and inclusive trade.
Ambassador Ølberg emphasized Norway’s long-standing support for the STDF and its effectiveness in assisting developing and least-developed members in accessing global markets and strengthening compliance with international SPS standards. The contribution from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) will enable the STDF to launch new collaborative SPS capacity development projects across various regions, including Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, it will enhance the STDF’s knowledge platform, facilitating the identification and dissemination of best practices, fostering innovative approaches, and promoting information exchange to enhance SPS work globally.
Developing economies and LDCs are encouraged to apply for SPS project and project preparation grants from the STDF, with the upcoming deadline for submission of funding proposals being March 1, 2024. Norway’s continued collaboration with the STDF extends into 2024, with its total contribution to various WTO trust funds from 2001 to 2023 amounting to approximately CHF 44,578,000.
The STDF, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the WTO, serves as a global multi-stakeholder partnership to facilitate safe and inclusive trade. It responds to evolving needs, drives inclusive trade, and contributes to sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction in alignment with the United Nations Global Goals.