Norway is one of the biggest contributors to the WTO development programmes. Overall, Norway's contribution the various WTO trust funds has reached 16.1 million.

This donation will finance technical assistance programmes to assist African and least developed countries in participating more effectively in the WTO trade facilitation negotiations, in the context of the Doha Round. Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce costs and burdens. It also allows trade flows to be as efficient as possible.

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy declared “I welcome Norway's contribution which demonstrates Norway's continued commitment to help developing countries integrate in the global economy and take better advantage of the multilateral trading system.”

Norwegian Ambassador Elin Østebø Johansen stated: “This new contribution reflects Norway's strong commitment to provide assistance to African and least developed countries to help them participate in the negotiations and fully benefit from the results. Trade has a key role to play in the development and growth of these countries. Norway as one of the biggest donors to WTO trust funds will continue to assist developing countries in improving their trading capacity."

(WTO)

Rolleiv Solholm