China Pledges USD 500,000 to WTO Training for Developing Economies in 2025

China’s latest contribution aligns with broader WTO efforts to foster trade-led development and implement the outcomes of recent Ministerial Conferences.

In a move reaffirming its long-standing support for global trade inclusivity, the government of China has pledged USD 500,000 (approximately CHF 425,000) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2025. The contribution, made through the WTO Global Trust Fund, will directly support trade-related technical assistance and training for government officials from developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs). The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.

The signing was attended by Han Yong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs at China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and Dr. Bright Okogu, Chief of Staff to the WTO Director-General. This latest funding builds on China's decade-long partnership with the WTO to foster capacity-building in the Global South.

Deepening Expertise in WTO Rules

China's donation will contribute to the WTO's technical assistance initiatives, helping officials from developing economies build expertise in critical areas such as agricultural trade, services, trade facilitation, dispute settlement, and negotiations. The goal is to equip these countries with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage in the multilateral trading system.

"China firmly upholds the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core," said DG Han. "Recognizing the important role technical assistance plays in helping developing economies—especially LDCs—better integrate into global trade, China has supported these efforts for many years. We are committed to working closely with the WTO Secretariat to ensure the system is more balanced and inclusive."

The Global Trust Fund: A Catalyst for Trade Capacity

The WTO Global Trust Fund has been instrumental in expanding the capacities of developing countries to participate in and benefit from the global trading system. Over the last ten years, the Fund has financed about 50% of WTO-led training and technical assistance programs. These programs have targeted trade policymakers, customs officials, and legal advisors in areas ranging from trade policy formulation to enforcement of WTO agreements.

In 2024 alone, the Trust Fund supported over 300 workshops and training sessions globally, benefiting thousands of officials from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

China's Continued Generosity and Global Trade Vision

Since 2010, China has contributed close to CHF 9 million (roughly USD 10.5 million) to WTO trust funds. This steady financial backing underscores China's strategic vision of shared economic development through trade.

Dr. Bright Okogu praised the new commitment, stating: "Trade is an engine of economic growth, especially for developing countries looking to create jobs and raise living standards. China's contribution will allow these countries to take full advantage of global markets, by equipping their officials with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex trade rules and negotiations."

The partnership between China and the WTO exemplifies how targeted technical support can yield long-term dividends by strengthening global trade equity and enabling marginalized economies to become more active players in international commerce.

A Broader Push for Development through Trade

China's latest contribution aligns with broader WTO efforts to foster trade-led development and implement the outcomes of recent Ministerial Conferences. By helping LDCs and developing countries improve their institutional and technical readiness, the WTO aims to narrow the global trade participation gap and make the trading system more representative and fair.

In the coming year, the WTO will roll out new training modules supported by this funding, focusing on digital trade, e-commerce, trade and environment, and inclusive trade policy formulation. China's financial support will directly facilitate the development and delivery of these programs.

As the global economy continues to navigate complex challenges, including post-pandemic recovery and supply chain resilience, China's contribution reflects a broader recognition of the vital role of trade cooperation and technical support in driving sustainable and inclusive growth.