Washington, DC – U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced today that the United States will contribute $1 million for trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO’s TRTA program provides training for developing countries that enhances their ability to analyze issues, assess their interests and participate effectively in the negotiations and other WTO activities. The program also provides these nations with assistance in meeting their WTO obligations and ensures they fully benefit from the results of being a WTO Member.
“This contribution reflects our commitment to work with developing countries as partners and to ensure that developing countries can participate effectively in all the activities of the WTO” Ambassador Kirk said. “We continue to believe that, working through the WTO, we can help these countries further their development goals and improve the wellbeing of their people by opening markets and creating meaningful new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and service providers.”
The U.S. contribution, which was approved by Congress, will be part of a technical assistance fund that developing nations can use for assistance in analyzing issues, assessing individual country interests, and meeting their WTO obligations. This latest contribution will bring total U.S. trade assistance for the Doha Development Agenda to almost $12 million since the launch of negotiations in November 2001.
Background
The United States’ contribution to the WTO was appropriated by Congress as part of the funds it provides to the U.S. Department State for voluntary contributions to international organizations. It is just one part of much broader U.S. assistance efforts. Overall U.S. support for trade capacity building (or "aid for trade") since the Doha Round began in 2001, has now surpassed $13 billion.
