China pledges 0,000 to aid WTO accessions and least-developed nations

China has pledged USD 490,000 to the WTO’s Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, also known as the China Programme. This initiative, started in 2011 under the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative, aims to help LDCs better integrate into the global economy by enhancing their participation in WTO activities and assisting those not yet members in joining the organization.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao signed the renewal of the Programme’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ahead of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. The MoU is reviewed annually for possible extension.

The China Programme provides funding for various activities, including WTO accessions internships, round table meetings, LDCs’ participation in meetings, and South-South Dialogue on LDCs and Development. It has significantly supported LDC delegations in participating in WTO ministerial conferences.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised China’s contribution, highlighting its commitment to promoting LDCs’ development and trade integration. Minister Wang expressed China’s dedication to assisting acceding countries, emphasizing the positive impact of the China Programme, which has helped eight LDCs join the WTO in the past decade.

Since 2008, China has contributed over US$ 8.89 million to assist developing members and observers, particularly LDCs, in integrating into the multilateral trading system. This latest pledge further demonstrates China’s ongoing support for promoting global trade and development initiatives.