The government of Sweden is contributing SEK 27 million (approximately CHF 2.3 million) to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to help least-developed countries (LDCs) maintain economic growth. The contribution is directed towards the newly established EIF Interim Facility, which aims to bridge the gap between the end of Phase Two of the EIF and the establishment of a new multilateral support mechanism for LDCs.
The contribution was confirmed at a meeting attended by Per-Arne Hjelmborn, Sweden’s Director General for Trade Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ratnakar Adhikari, the EIF Executive Director, on 27 February in Abu Dhabi during the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference.
“Sweden is delighted to be contributing to the EIF Interim Facility as a testament of our long-standing engagement to sustainable trade and development of LDCs during this critical transitional period,” said Mr Hjelmborn. “We are committed to preserving and enhancing the progress achieved, ensuring impactful outcomes while we collectively engage in deliberations on the future Aid for Trade mechanism for LDCs to further promote their integration into global trade.”
Mr Adhikari expressed his gratitude for Sweden’s generous contribution, stating, “This support is crucial for sustaining our efforts in empowering LDCs, which continue to face persistent economic vulnerabilities and pressing developmental needs. Sweden’s latest contribution is expected to be a cornerstone in promoting sustainable trade capacity development, focusing on empowering LDCs to achieve inclusive growth, increased export capabilities, and broader market access.”
The EIF is the only global Aid-for-Trade initiative dedicated exclusively to empowering LDCs to use trade as an engine for sustainable economic growth, development, and poverty reduction. It is a unique global partnership between LDCs, donors, and partner agencies, including the WTO, who work together to build trade capacities in LDCs.
