German donation helps WTO members boost food safety

15-Sep-2016 - Last updated on 16-Sep-2016 at 07:35 GMT

Picture: WTO. From L-R: John Breckenridge (WTO, Financial Management Service), Melvin Spreij (STDF Unit), Walter Werner (German Mission Geneva, WTO-Ambassador), Evan Rogerson (WTO, director of agriculture and commodities division), Nthisana Phillips, (WTO, director of administration and general services division); Stephan Rudolph (German Mission Geneva, agricultural affairs officer).

Germany has pledged €150,000 (CHF 164,000) to help the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) poorest members implement food safety so they can actively participate in world trade.

The contribution to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) will help developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) improve sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity and access agricultural markets.

Roberto Azevêdo, WTO director-general, said: “Germany’s donation will help developing countries to implement food safety, animal health and plant health standards so that they can participate more actively in world trade.”

Germany is the fourth largest contributor to this fund this year. Since 2002, it has donated more than CHF 25 million to various WTO trust funds and has been a WTO member since January 1995.

Walter Werner, Germany’s WTO Ambassador, said exports of agricultural products are important for improving well-being and wealth in developing countries.

“Through our contribution, we seek to help exporters in these countries implement food safety standards so as to find new markets. High food standards are essential for consumers across the world.”

It follows Ireland’s donation of €150,000 (CHF 164,000) for the same reasons.