Canada helps developing countries comply with international standards

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

The STDF, managed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), brings together trade, health and agriculture experts to share knowledge and good practice and strengthen effectiveness of SPS assistance to developing countries.

Roberto Azevêdo, WTO director-general, said: "This donation from Canada will help developing and least-developed countries comply with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, thereby boosting their capacity to trade with all the benefits that brings for growth and development.”​

Canada has contributed CHF 12 million to WTO trust funds in the past 16 years.

Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's agriculture and agri-food minister said: "We believe that Canada’s contribution to the STDF will support capacity building initiatives in developing countries aimed at helping them implement SPS standards and gain or maintain access to world markets."​

Meanwhile, WTO members have concluded almost four years of discussion by adopting the ‘Catalogue of Instruments’ available to members for managing SPS issues.

Originally proposed by Canada and Kenya in June 2014, it lists actions members can rely on to manage such issues, including trade concerns.