The UK has announced a new package of support at the WTO
Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, focused on helping countries
strengthen their trading systems, connect more businesses to
global markets, and build long-term economic resilience. These
improvements will help countries grow through trade and, over
time, reduce their need for aid.
Working in partnership with governments, regional institutions,
and global bodies such as the WTO and World Bank, the UK is
supporting a series of initiatives that make trade faster, safer
and more predictable. This includes work to streamline customs
processes, improve food safety and plant health standards,
modernise regulations, and provide expert legal support so
countries can participate fully and fairly in global trading
rules.
Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade,
, made the announcement today
at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), being held in
Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Minister of State for Business and Trade said:
“Trade is one of the most powerful tools we have for driving
growth and creating opportunity, both at home and around the
world. This investment in our Aid for Trade programmes
demonstrates the UK's commitment to a global trading system that
works for everyone, not just the wealthiest nations.
“By working in partnership with developing countries to overcome
barriers to trade, we are opening up new markets for British
businesses whilst supporting economic growth where it is needed
most. A stronger, fairer multilateral trading system benefits us
all.”
UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, Kumar
Iyer, said:
“The UK has long been a champion of the rules-based multilateral
trading system, and this announcement reinforces our commitment
to ensuring it delivers for all WTO members.
“At a time of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever
that we invest in the institutions and programmes that support
countries so they can trade on equal terms.
“These contributions are not traditional aid, they are
investments in shared prosperity and a more stable, predictable
global economy which benefit both British companies and
developing economies alike.”
The Aid for Trade package of £13 million in Official Development
Assistance (ODA) into seven initiatives will enable developing
economies to participate more effectively in the global trading
system. The UK has also transferred £1m to the WTO Fisheries
Fund, to help countries protect marine resources by phasing out
harmful subsidies and strengthening coastal livelihoods.
By working together with international partners, the UK is
helping build a stronger global economy where countries can grow
through their own success, creating more reliable trading
relationships, more resilient markets and shared prosperity for
the long term.
This is part of the modern approach to development as set out by
the Foreign Secretary when she made her announcement on the new
ODA allocations on 19 March 2026.
As trade ministers from WTO member countries gather in Cameroon's
capital, reform of the organisation will be high on the agenda.
Building on the policy paper published earlier this month, the UK
will be setting out a clear vision for a more relevant, flexible
and functional WTO.
Notes to Editors:
The 14th WTO
Ministerial Conference (MC14) is taking place in Yaoundé,
Cameroon. The Ministerial Conference is the WTO's highest
decision-making body.
The UK's funding will support:
- £5 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) –
helping the world's least developed countries put trade at the
heart of their development plans. The UK was the single largest
donor to Phase 2 of the Enhanced Integrated Framework,
contributing $22.7 million over six years.
- £3 million to the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme –
strengthening implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation
Agreement to drive down the cost of trade and boost
predictability at the border.
- £1.75 million to the World Bank Umbrella Facility for Trade –
supporting 122 countries to make trade greener, more resilient
and more inclusive.
- £1 million to the Standards and Trade Development Facility –
enabling countries to meet food safety and plant health
standards.
- £1 million to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law – ensuring
developing countries can access legal support in trade disputes.
- £750,000 to the World Bank Competitiveness for Jobs and
Economic Transformation (C-JET) Programme – funding Needs
Assessments and supporting implementation of the Investment
Facilitation for Development Agreement as the donation will be
part of the formal WTO Needs Assessment programme.
- £500,000 to the WTO Global Trust Fund – supporting the Trade
in Services for Development Initiative.
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force in
September 2025 and is the first WTO agreement centred on
environmental sustainability. The UK committed to donate £1m to
the fund in December 2023 and has now transferred the funding.
The UK published a policy paper on reforming the WTO on 6 March
2026 - WTO reform
