Within the framework of 20th anniversary of the Aid for Trade Initiative, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) On October 30, they adopted a declaration that redefines this program under the motto: “Aid for Trade: alliances for trade and development”.
The adoption took place during the meeting of the Trade and Development Committee, an event that marked the closing of the 10th Global Review of Aid for Trade, held over two days at the headquarters of the WTO in Genevathe organization reported.
The document highlights the crucial role of technical assistance and capacity building in facilitating the implementation of the agency’s standards and effectively integrating developing economies – especially least developed countries (LDCs) – into international trade.
Likewise, it recognizes the transformation of the international cooperation landscape and underlines the urgency of capturing and scaling resources through commercial cooperation.
To achieve this, the use of donations, preferential credits and combined financing schemes is proposed (blended finance) that strengthen strategic alliances with the private sector.
“ANDThis is an example of how we are working to renew the WTO, step by step“said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTOin a statement from the organization, when celebrating the agreement.
Over the past 20 years, the international community has helped mobilize nearly $800 billion to support trade development and raise living standards in developing economies, including least developed countries, through Aid for Trade.
“The members made this statement possible. The challenge now is to make it a reality: to work together to drive much more growth and development globally. So let’s take the spirit of today beyond this room, to greater opportunities that people can see and take advantage of.”, he stated.
For his part, Peruvian ambassador Elmer José Germán Gonzalo Schialer Salcedo, president of the Trade and Development Committee, emphasized: “This declaration is the result of the active commitment of all members. The leadership of Australia and Barbados has been exemplary”.
During the session, members also analyzed a proposal from India focused on strengthening trade capabilities. The Indian document highlighted its South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives, highlighting the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programthrough which more than 80,000 participants have been trained.
At the closing of the conference, the Presidency urged the delegations to maintain the work dynamic to consolidate stronger alliances that expand commercial opportunities on a global scale. “The debates of the last two days demonstrate what can be achieved with sustained support and also remind us how much remains to be done”, he concluded.
The 2026 Aid for Trade Global Review was held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva and brought together trade and development professionals, including ministers, heads of international organizations and experts.
