The government of Norway has contributed CHF 1.2 million (NOK 14.7 million) to help least-developed countries (LDCs) sustain the progress they have achieved with the support of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).
This is the first instalment of the NOK 20 million (approximately CHF 1.7 million) that Norway has pledged to the newly established EIF Interim Facility, which has been set up to bridge the gap between the end of Phase Two of the EIF and the establishment of a new multilateral support mechanism for LDCs.
Norway's pledge was confirmed at a ceremony attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Norway's WTO Ambassador Petter Ølberg on 12 February at the WTO. The WTO LDC Group Coordinator, Ambassador Kadra Hassan of Djibouti, and the EIF Executive Director, Ratnakar Adhikari, also took part in the ceremony.
DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “We are delighted that Norway has stepped forward as the first contributor to the EIF Interim Facility, which will ensure that the EIF continues to function until the end of 2024. We are very grateful for this crucial support to a Facility that holds significant importance for the LDCs.”
Norway's contribution to the EIF Interim Facility will help to enhance the trade environment for inclusive and sustainable growth in LDCs, helping to boost these countries' exports and access to international markets. Discussions are ongoing in a taskforce at the WTO around a future multilateral Aid for Trade support mechanism for LDCs.
“Norway is pleased to be the first donor to contribute to the EIF Interim Facility. The Facility will bridge the gap between EIF Phase Two and the next multilateral Aid for Trade mechanism dedicated to LDCs,” said Ambassador.
