The Government of Norway has contributed NOK23 million (USD2.7 million) of its NOK150 million (UD$17.8 million) pledge for the second phase of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF): Trade for LDC Development programme.
The EIF supports Least-developed Countries (LDCs) to create a trade-conducive environment and work towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development. The EIF is the only global Aid for Trade programme exclusively designed for the LDCs and is, therefore, uniquely placed to assist countries to develop sustainable trade strategies, which have a positive impact on people's lives through the promotion of private sector development and job and income opportunities.
Norway has been a long-standing development partner of the EIF and has played an active role in shaping Phase Two of the programme. Norway was the first donor to pledge for EIF Phase Two, was the EIF's top donor for Phase One, and now for Phase Two.
"Norway is happy to make a substantial contribution to EIF’s important work in the LDCs. Our support, together with that of other donors, will help ensure a solid financial basis for this effort in the years to come," says H.E. Ambassador Neple, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway in Geneva, adding, "We also hope to see more resources leveraged through other partners and sources, which is an important part of EIF’s focus for the second phase of the programme. We look forward to seeing LDCs actively exploit the opportunities of trade as a result.”
Mr Ratnakar Adhikari, the Executive Director of the Executive Secretariat for the EIF, comments, "As our top Donor, Norway remains a committed champion for the EIF. Norway's generous and forthcoming contribution to the EIF Trust Fund sets the gold standard for others to follow. Norway is a true global champion of the Aid for Trade agenda in Least Development Countries (LDCs). Norway's funding will be used to help the poorest countries to develop trade strategies and undertake activities which enable businesses to grow and exploit trade potentials, as well as support job and income opportunities for women and youth".
Source: EIF - http://www.enhancedif.org/en/publication/2016-12/eifs-top-donor-norway-contributes-nok-23-million-trade-related-projects-worlds
For further information about EIF, please contact: eif.secretariat@wto.org and www.enhancedif.org