United Arab Emirates donates USD 10 million to support WTO initiatives

The United Arab Emirates is contributing USD 10 million to three WTO trust funds: the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), and the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund for the benefit of developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the donation on 24 February as the 13th Ministerial Conference taking place in Abu Dhabi gets underway.

Welcoming UAE’s contribution, DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I am profoundly grateful for the UAE’s generous contribution of USD 10 million to the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, the EIF Trust Fund for LDCs, and the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, which underscores their steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive trade. This timely donation not only bolsters our collective efforts towards enhancing fisheries sustainability, facilitating trade for least-developed countries, and empowering women entrepreneurs but also exemplifies the UAE’s pivotal role as the host of MC13, where such initiatives can flourish and make a tangible difference on a global scale.”

Sheikh Abdullah said: “I am pleased to announce that the UAE is providing a USD 10 million grant to support WTO funds, notably the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, and the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund which will be launched during the conference.” His full video message can be accessed here.

The Fisheries Funding Mechanism aims to assist developing and LDC members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies through targeted technical assistance and capacity building. The EIF Trust Fund is aimed at enabling least-developed countries to build their capacity to participate and benefit from international trade opportunities. The Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, which will be launched on 25 February, will help women-led businesses and women entrepreneurs in developing countries and least-developed countries adopt digital technologies and expand the online presence of their enterprises.