Aid for Trade Initiative - World Bank Trade Facilitation Facility

This grant is Canada’s contribution to the World Bank Trade Facilitation Facility (TFF) in support of the Aid for Trade Initiative. The Trade Facilitation Facility is a multi-donor trust fund launched in April 2009 to help developing countries take better advantage of global trade opportunities by reducing trade costs. The Facility enables the World Bank Group to respond to increased demands from developing countries made within the context of their national development strategies to overcome trade bottlenecks that stem from weaknesses in trade logistics customs testing and certification and other aspects of trade facilitation. The Facility finances activities that help developing country governments to make more cost-effective investments in trade-related infrastructure and to help modernize trade facilitation institutions. Examples of activities include the implementation of regulatory and policy reforms the development of new border management systems and the modernization of standards and technical control systems. The Aid for Trade Initiative was launched in 2005 as a result of an agreement between World Trade Organization members to help developing countries use trade as an engine for growth and poverty reduction. The Aid for Trade Initiative helps developing countries build the production capacity and trade-related infrastructure needed to implement and benefit from trade agreements and to expand their trade. It also supports the implementation of trade facilitation measures and the improvement of trade standards.