GENEVA – On 17 December 2019, the Government of Germany announced an additional commitment of EUR 1.3 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). This comes following an earlier commitment of EUR 1.3 million to EIF in July 2019.

The fresh funding from Germany will go directly to EIF’s work to spur trade across the 47 least developed countries (LDCs) and four recently graduated countries.

Germany’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Hans-Peter Jugel said, “Germany is a strong supporter of the Aid-for-Trade Initiative of the WTO. The Enhanced Integrated Framework has a unique role in it since it directly supports least developed countries in achieving trade related Sustainable Development Goals and in overcoming trade barriers and integrating them into the international trade system. Germany commits itself to support the EIF financially in 2020.”

Germany’s Aid for Trade Strategy includes a focus on LDCs and the need for targeted and comprehensive support to them, noting that Agenda 2030 urges increased aid for trade support to LDCs. Part of this strategy is Germany’s partnership with EIF, whose work with LDCs spans trade policy enhancements and marketing support to entrepreneur trainings and agricultural processing initiation.

EIF Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari said, “Considering the current trade climate and the outsized impact that slowing global growth is having on LDCs, we are pleased that Germany has committed new funding to the Enhanced Integrated Framework. As Germany's aid for trade strategy explicitly notes its dedication to LDCs, we look forward to our continued partnership and laser focus on inclusive trade, that ensures benefits for women and youth, in the world’s poorest countries.”

Ambassador Jugel signed the agreement at the World Trade Organisation together with William Axelsson, Deputy Director of Europe and Central Asia Region at the Geneva office of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), EIF’s Trust Fund Manager.