Overview: Strengthening Global Trade Capacity
The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral trading system through a new financial contribution to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This support is specifically directed toward the Global Trust Fund and the WTO Chairs Programme, aiming to bolster the technical expertise of developing nations. Consequently, this investment serves as a critical mechanism for ensuring that the benefits of global trade are distributed more equitably across member economies.
Origins and Historical Engagement
Originally established in December 2001, the Global Trust Fund was created to receive unearmarked extra-budgetary donations intended to finance the WTO’s technical cooperation activities. Over the past two decades, the Republic of Korea has been a consistent partner, contributing a total of more than CHF 8 million to various WTO Trust Funds. Furthermore, this long-standing engagement reflects a strategic focus on capacity-building as a means to integrate least-developed countries into the global value chain.
Structure of the WTO Chairs Programme
The support for the WTO Chairs Programme is organized around the empowerment of academic institutions within developing economies. This initiative provides the necessary resources for these institutions to undertake specialized trade-related research and deliver training courses for policymakers. Specifically, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical trade diplomacy. Moreover, by educating local stakeholders, the WTO ensures that regional trade policies are informed by rigorous analysis and aligned with international standards.
Inclusiveness and the Multilateral Trading System
In contrast to purely commercial trade agreements, these contributions prioritize inclusiveness and the democratization of trade knowledge. During the announcement, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that such investments are essential for the effective participation of developing economies in WTO negotiations. For instance, without the technical training provided by these funds, many nations would lack the legal and economic expertise required to defend their interests at the bargaining table. Therefore, Korea’s contribution is viewed not just as a donation, but as a catalyst for more inclusive global governance.
Synthesis of Capacity-Building and Synergy
The synergy between financial contributions and academic research creates a robust ecosystem for sustainable trade development. By funding both the Global Trust Fund and the Chairs Programme, the Republic of Korea supports both the immediate technical needs of governments and the long-term intellectual infrastructure of developing nations. Simultaneously, there is a clear intent to foster a more resilient trading system through informed participation. Ultimately, these efforts provide a stable roadmap for reducing the global development divide, ensuring that the multilateral trading system remains a viable engine for growth in the 21st century.
Source
World Trade Organization. (2026, February 12). Republic of Korea contributes to WTO Global Trust Fund and WTO Chairs Programme. WTO News. https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres26_e/pr989_286_e.htm