 PRESS RELEASE
PRESS/320
4 November 2002
(02-6072)
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Germany to contribute 1 million euros to the Doha Trust Fund
The German government today pledged a donation of 1 million euros (about CHF 1.45 million)
over two years — 2003 and 2004 — to the WTO Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund.This pledge comes on top of approximately CHF 2 million already pledged by Germany for the
period 2002-2005.
German Ambassador Walter Lewalter and WTO Di rector General Supachai Panitchpakdi signed
today a Memorandum of Understanding affirming this commitment.
“With this contribution we would like to continue and to enhance our support for the Doha
Development Agenda,” Amb. Lewalter said. “Technical assistance should enable developing
countries to be equal partners in the negotiat ions and improve their capacity in the field of
international trade. We expect the technical assistance to be delivered in a highly effective and
efficient manner.”
“I am especially grateful to Germany for its new generous contribution to the Doha Trust Fund,”
said Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi. “This donation will contribute actively to the
establishment of a sound and predictable basis for funding WTO trade-related technical assistanceas vouched for in the December 2001 decision by the WTO General Council. Germany’s
contribution will help developing countries participate more fully in the Doha Development Round
by building their capacities. This is crucial since the potential benefits of the Doha Round areenormous, especially in areas of particular interest to developing countries such as agriculture,
fisheries, services and market access.”
The Doha Development Agenda Global Trust F und was created following the WTO Ministerial
Conference in Doha, in November 2001, which launched a new round of negotiations. On 11 March
2002 WTO Member Governments pledged CHF 30 million to the fund.
END