EIF launches new phase amid call for partnerships to boost LDC trade, receives new pledges

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called for strong partnerships to meet the objectives of Phase Three of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a mechanism aimed at leveraging and coordinating support for trade and investment priorities in least-developed countries (LDCs). The new phase was launched on 25 March at a side-event to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaound� co-organized by Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates and the EIF Executive Secretariat. The EIF also received new contribution pledges from Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

EIF launches new phase amid call for partnerships to boost LDC trade, receives new pledges

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• Enhanced Integrated Framework
• Trade and development
• 14th WTO Ministerial Conference
• Ministerial conferences

EIF Phase Three is a new six-year phase of the partnership dedicated to support LDCs leverage trade and investment for inclusive, resilient and sustainable development. The new contribution pledges are from Germany (EUR 1.7 million - approximately CHF 1.5 million), Liechtenstein (CHF 50,000), Norway (NKR 40 million - approximately CHF 3.2 million), Switzerland (CHF 2.5 million), and the United Kingdom (GBP 5 million - approximately CHF 5.3 million).

The Gambia's Vice-President Mohammed B.S. Jallow and DG Okonjo-Iweala delivered the keynote addresses at the event.

DG Okonjo-Iweala said: "This third phase of the EIF comes at a defining moment for the LDCs and recently graduated countries. Familiar structural vulnerabilities are being compounded by a disrupted global trading system, power politics, debt pressures, climate change, and global economic uncertainty. At the same time, the current global context offers some important opportunities for LDCs to use trade to drive growth, development, and job creation."

The DG also emphasized the need to scale up support and partnerships to match the ambition of the new phase. "EIF Phase Three has an ambitious funding target, reflecting the scale of the challenges and opportunities ahead. . I therefore encourage partners considering pledges to step forward."

In his keynote address,�Vice-President B.S. Jallow highlighted the importance of collective ambition and the crucial role funding partners play in supporting the new phase. He said: "We encourage other partners to step forward with renewed political and financial support, so that together we can match the ambition of mobilizing at least USD 200 million for this new phase." He added: "Together, let us accelerate impact, deepen partnerships and unlock the full potential of the least developed countries"."

In their opening remarks, co-organizers highlighted the importance of the EIF as a unique multilateral partnership supporting LDCs.

Cambodia's Minister of Commerce, Mrs Cham Nimul, said: "The EIF has enabled LDCs to develop key national frameworks for enhancing trade capacities, laying the foundation for coherent, forward-looking trade policies. Through our collective efforts with donors and key development partners, the EIF's Phase Three will play an even more critical role in delivering tangible benefits for LDCs by deepening economic diversification, harnessing digital trade, meeting evolving sustainability standards and strengthening resilience."

Mr Abdelsalam Mohamed A. Al Ali, United Arab Emirates' Minister Plenipotentiary and WTO Representative, said: "The UAE is committed to helping LDCs access opportunities for economic growth through trade and investment, with a firm resolve to foster economic resilience in the most disadvantaged countries. As we embark on Phase Three, we look forward to an even more catalytic, innovative and truly transformative partnership."

The Executive Director of the EIF's Executive Secretariat, Aissatou Diallo, said: "These new pledges provide strong momentum for Phase Three, helping to ensure a solid start to the phase of activities, which are designed to deliver catalytic and transformative impact for LDCs through trade and investment, supporting sustainable growth and prosperity."

The event brought together ministers and senior officials from LDCs and development partners as well as representatives from international organizations, regional institutions and the private sector. Speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships, country ownership and coordinated support to ensure that trade and investment contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic transformation.

The EIF's Phase Three introduces a shift from stand-alone projects to multi-year country programming aimed at strengthening the ability of LDCs to boost their trade and investment capacities in a sustainable manner. It is designed to help LDCs better integrate into the global trading system while addressing structural vulnerabilities and seizing new opportunities in areas such as digital trade, services, green value chains and regional integration.

The recording of the event can be watched here.

More information on the EIF is available here.

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