New Zealand expands STDF funding to support safe trade in developing economies

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New Zealand expands STDF funding

Highlights

New Zealand has expanded its funding contribution to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing countries implement international SPS measures and digital tools for safer trade.
The funding will support projects deploying systems like ePing and e-SPS certification to reduce trade time and costs, with a focus on partnerships in Pacific Island economies.
Since inception, the STDF has funded over 275 projects and grants, strengthening SPS capacity, promoting inclusive trade, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals in developing economies.

Funding backs SPS capacity and digital tools

As reported by the World Trade Organization, the new contribution is intended to help governments and private sector stakeholders implement sanitary and phytosanitary, SPS, measures in line with international standards and the WTO's SPS Agreement. The funding is also set to support projects that strengthen regional risk-based approaches and pilot new digital tools to facilitate safe trade.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says the contribution will help developing countries improve transparency and roll out tools such as ePing and e-SPS certification. She says the STDF's work reduces the time and cost of trade while creating opportunities for farmers, businesses and consumers.

Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, at New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, says Wellington is especially backing work with Pacific Island countries. He says stronger SPS systems and more effective implementation of international standards can help build resilient economies, expand trade opportunities and support sustainable development.

Broader trade and development impact

The contribution also expands New Zealand's scope to share SPS expertise through the STDF partnership and support scalable solutions for developing countries, alongside benefits for private sector participants and consumers globally. The WTO says the partnership delivers gains for governments, businesses and consumers while supporting access to safe and affordable food and contributing to food security.

The STDF brings together organizations working across trade, agriculture and health to strengthen SPS capacity in developing countries and least-developed countries. The partnership was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the WTO, which hosts and manages it.

Linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the STDF says its work promotes safe and inclusive trade while supporting economic growth, poverty reduction and resilience to climate change. Since its creation, the facility has funded more than 275 projects and project preparation grants.

Our earlier report on the Philippine government’s crackdown on agricultural and fishery product smuggling explained how the Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, and National Bureau of Investigation formalized a coordination pact to improve intelligence sharing, investigations, and prosecution support. The article also highlighted the growing case pipeline under anti-smuggling and customs laws, underscoring how stronger controls can protect food supply chains and domestic producers.

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