The Chinese government has pledged US$600,000 to support the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme which is widely known as the China Programme, for the year 2025.
The renewed commitment was announced during a signing ceremony in Paris, attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao.
The event took place on the sidelines of the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting.
Launched in July 2011 under the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative, the China Programme is designed to help LDCs integrate more effectively into the global economy.
It enhances their participation in WTO activities and provides support to countries currently seeking accession to the Organization.
However, the 2025 funding will finance activities such as internships at the WTO for candidates from LDCs, the China Round Tables on WTO accessions, and increased participation of LDC representatives in WTO meetings.
It also supports South-South dialogue on trade and development, follow-up workshops linked to LDCs’ Trade Policy Reviews, and knowledge-sharing initiatives such as the LDCs Experience Sharing Programme.
Additionally, the Programme contributes to funding the participation of LDC officials in WTO ministerial conferences.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala welcomed China’s contribution, describing it as a vital boost at a time when many LDCs are striving to meet their development goals through trade.
She said the funding reinforces China’s role in helping vulnerable economies use trade to drive growth and prosperity.
Mr. Wang Wentao said China’s decision to raise its contribution to US$600,000 demonstrates a firm commitment to supporting developing members, particularly LDCs, in building stronger capacities within the multilateral trading system.
He acknowledged the resource constraints facing the WTO’s technical assistance efforts and emphasized that China remains ready to continue partnering with the WTO Secretariat to strengthen the programme and advance the Global Development Initiative through practical action.
Since the programme’s inception, China has contributed nearly US$11 million, approximately CHF 9 million to assist LDCs and developing economies in participating more fully in the rules-based global trading system.
The China Programme is reviewed annually by the WTO Secretariat and the Chinese government to assess its progress and consider the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding.
