Wto's Programme To Help Poorest Countrıes Extended

- A multi-donor programme that helps the poorest countries be more active in global trade, known as the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), would have its mandate extended into a new phase, said in a statement released by the World Trade Organisation.

Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of the WTO said: "Trade can be an effective tool for economic growth and poverty reduction when the right conditions exist. The EIF was established precisely to help LDCs create those conditions" while addressing the Committee members.

The EIF Steering Committee, which includes representatives of all least-developed countries (LDCs) and the donor community as well as EIF partner agencies, decided to extend the mandate of the programme into a second phase, starting from 2016.

The Steering Committee urged the EIF to build on the achievements of the first phase while addressing the need for reforms in key areas in order to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the programme.

The EIF is currently helping 50 of the poorest countries worldwide. The WTO is one of six partner agencies of the programme and also hosts the Executive Secretariat.

In his introductory remarks to the EIF Steering Committee, Azevêdo stressed that the programme is making a difference on the ground through increased private sector development and employment in some of the poorest countries.

"There is no other programme that supports LDCs to address all aspects of their trade capacity in this way – and that puts the LDCs themselves in the driver's seat" said Azevêdo and added:

"The WTO stands ready to help in any way it can. If so requested, we would be pleased to host the pledging conference here at the WTO during, or back-to-back with, the Fifth Global Review of Aid for Trade – which will be held from 30 June to 2 July next year."

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