WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/748 
6 February 2007 
 (07-0511) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
  
 
 
UPDATE ON THE OPERATION OF THE STANDARDS AND  
TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 
 
Note by the Secretariat
1 
 
Overview 
 
1. A new medium term strategy for the Standard s and Trade Development Facility (STDF) was 
agreed at a meeting of the STDF Policy Committee hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization 
in Rome on 18 December 2006.  The medium term st rategy will run from 2007 to 2011.  The strategy 
places greater emphasis on the STDF acting as a m echanism for co-ordination in the provision of 
sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) technical co-operati on.  An important element to this work will be 
the dissemination of lessons on good practice in this area. 
2. The STDF will continue to provide funding for technical co-operation activities, but with 
greater emphasis on the use of project preparation grants.  It will also aim to mobilise financial 
resources within the general donor community when f unding projects, rather than relying exclusively 
on the STDF's limited budgetary funds.  To implement th e strategy, a target leve l of annual funding of 
US$5 million has been established by the Policy Committee. 
3. A further two projects and one project preparati on grant have been approved for funding.  The 
total number of projects and project preparation grants (PPGs) approved by the STDF stands at 
24 projects and 22 PPGs.  Six projects were completed in 2006.  Evaluations of four of these projects 
have been commissioned.  Further evaluations  are planned for projects finishing in 2007. 
4. Applications for STDF funding may be made at any point in the year.  The STDF Working 
Group will meet three times in 2007, i.e. on 2 March,  29 June and (tentatively) on 20 October 2007.  
The deadlines for the submission of project proposals are 12 May 2007 and 2 September 2007.  Detailed information on how to apply, eligibility cr iteria and general information on the STDF can be 
found at: www.standardsfacility.org
.  The website also contains training materials collected from 
partner agencies and a link to the database on SPS technical activities. 
STDF Medium Term Strategy (2007-2011) 
 
5. The new STDF medium term strategy places much greater emphasis on information sharing 
and co-ordination in the supply and receipt of SPS-re lated technical co-operation.  This objective will 
be achieved through close contact with donors a nd developing countries, improved reporting to the 
WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database a nd research on the experience of both donors and 
beneficiaries in SPS-related capacity building.  L essons learnt will particularly assist donors to 
capture good practices and avoid duplication with past, present or planned activities.  It will also assist 
beneficiaries in the formulation of technical co-operation requests. 
                                                      
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights or obligations under the WTO. G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 2  
 
  6. Research will be conducted on experience in the request and offer, design and receipt, and 
implementation of SPS-related techni cal cooperation on the part of both beneficiaries and donors.  To 
facilitate this research, a series of regional c onsultations between donors and beneficiaries are 
planned.  Such consultations would also aim to iden tify gaps in the provision of SPS-related technical 
co-operation from which projects could be designed.  Two such consultations will be organised in 
2007 - one in Central America in collaboration with  the International Institute for Co-operation on 
Agriculture (IICA) and the other in the East African Community.  On the basis of an evaluation of the 
first two events, further regional consultations would be planned fo r 2008 and beyond.  The intention 
would be to cover all regions during the peri od of the Medium Term Strategy (2007-11). 
7. Greater use will be made of project preparation grants (PPGs) in future STDF programme 
development as a means to mobilize funds both from within the STDF and from the wider donor 
community.  PPGs continue to be a key mechanism to  meet the target to devote 40 per cent of Facility 
resources to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Other Low Income Economies (OLIEs) - a target which has been retained for both PPGs and projects.  PPGs will be used to ensure synergy with other 
on-going initiatives, such as the identification of  SPS needs under the Integrated Framework for 
Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (IF), and assist in conducting 
surveys of national capacity in the SPS area, for inst ance through the use of capacity evaluation tools.  
Greater reliance will be placed on the use of PPGs to  provide a basis for project interventions.  A 
further aspect to improved donor co-ordination is  that projects arising from STDF funded PPGs may 
be subsequently funded by donors or other on-going assistance programmes. 
8. The medium term strategy is reproduced in an annex to this document.  The operating plan for 
2007 and the operational rules for the STDF ca n be downloaded from the STDF website:  
www.standardsfacility.org
 
New projects approved 
 
9. A total of four project grant applications  and two PPGs were considered by the STDF 
Working Group at its meeting on 16-17 October 2006.  Of these funding requests, a total of two 
projects and one PPG were approved for funding.  Th e Secretariat is currently finalizing contracting 
arrangements for these activities.   
Table 1:  New projects approved 
 
Project title Description Project budget 
STDF 108 rev.1: Development 
of sustainable institutional SPS 
capabilities in the Americas  The project builds on the existing SPS initiative for the 
Americas and was based on a peer review of SPS 
compliance by countries in the IICA region. US$ 585,588 
STDF 133 rev.1: Capacity 
building in the use of the 
Phytosanitary capacity evaluation tool in the Pacific. The objective of the project is to train national staff in 
national plant protection organizations to apply the 
phytosanitary capacity evaluation tool.   US$ 261,780 
 
Table 2:  New Project Preparation Grant approved 
 
Project title Description Project budget 
STDF 155: Nicaragua market 
oriented training service on 
standards application This project preparation grant aims to work with 
stakeholders in Nicaragua's food and agriculture export 
industry to understand how to meet SPS requirements 
imposed by their trading partners.  US$ 20,000  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 3 
 
 
  On-going and completed projects 
10. Table 3 provides an overview of the implemen tation status of STDF projects and PPGs.  
Summaries on the on-going status of STDF project s and accompanying reports  will soon be added to 
the STDF website. 
11. A total of 6 projects were comp leted in 2006.  One completed pr oject (STDF 14) concerns the 
development of a veterinary capacity evaluation to ol by the OIE in collaboration with IICA (STDF 
14).  The tool builds on IICA work with the Perfo rmance Vision and Strategy tool.  The project has 
been field tested in Latin American countries and its  application in Africa was considered at an OIE 
Seminar on Animal Health Policies, in N'Djamena, Chad, on 13-15 February 2006.  The capacity evaluation tool was formally adopted at the 74
th Annual General Session of the International 
Committee of the OIE on 21-26 May 2006. 
12. Another completed project (STDF 56) has resu lted in the development of a Manual of Good 
Practice for Animal Feeding as a resource document for use by feed manufacturers.  It provides practical support information and guidance for the im plementation of the Codex Code of Practice on 
Good Animal Feeding.  Awareness of the Code x Code has been raised through a number of 
workshops in developing countries. 
13. Project (STDF 37) resulted in the organization of a workshop addressing issues surrounding 
the implementation of ISPM No. 15 (Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in 
international trade), the first commodity-specifi c standard adopted under the International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  Training materials were developed in the form of a workbook which 
provides information on programmes for ISPM No. 15 already developed by va rious countries.  These 
can be downloaded from the internet at: 
https://www.ippc.int/servlet/CDSServlet? status=ND00OTEyNyY2PWVuJjMzPSomMzc9a29z
. 
14. The STDF website is being upda ted and will soon contain furt her information on completed 
projects, project reports and informati on on lessons learnt in implementation.  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 4 
Table 3:  Implementation Status of Approved STDF Projects and PPGs 
 
(a) Status of Approved Projects 
 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 108 Institutional 
capacity of 
countries in 
the Americas Peer review of SPS compliance 
building on the Initiatives of the 
Americas IICA IICA 
Countries 585,588 Oct-06 To be 
confirmed 
(TBC) TBC Awaiting final 
letters of support 
before 
implementation begins. 
STDF 133 Phytosanitary 
capacity 
evaluation in 
the Pacific Application of the 
phytosanitary capacity 
evaluation tool in the Pacific. South Pacific 
Forum 
Secretariat South 
Pacific 
Forum 
Members 261,780 Oct-06 TBC TBC Awaiting final 
revisions before 
contracting. 
STDF 145 Rwanda 
Horticulture 
Export Standards 
Initiative 
(RHESI) The project aims to establish a 
plant health management in 
Rwanda.  The project will address SPS issues for specific 
commodities. Michigan State 
University Rwanda 526,674 June-06 Feb-07 Feb-09 Awaiting budget 
final amendments 
before contracting.  
STDF 146 Strengthening 
phytosanitary 
controls in Mali – with 
particular 
reference to 
mango 
exports The project aims to strengthen 
capacity in Mali in 
phytosanitary control in order to contribute to export 
diversification and poverty 
alleviation.  Ministry of 
Commerce (IF 
focal point) Mali 508,000 June-06 Feb-07 Feb-09 Contracted. 
Implementation to 
commence in February 2007.   
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 5Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 48 Quality 
control for 
shea and cashew nut 
products in 
Benin  The aim of the project is to 
apply good agricultural 
practices so as to overcome problems of mycotoxin 
contamination for shea and 
cashew nut production. WTO Benin 260,000 Feb-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Following approval 
of a final budget, 
the project will be contracted . 
STDF 120 Risk analysis 
and risk 
assessment 
training in 
India The project grant will provide 
training on risk analysis and 
risk assessment procedures. WTO India 244,050 Feb-06 Dec-07 Dec-08 Implementation 
underway. First 
food safety training 
complete. 
STDF 69 Capacity-
building for safety of 
Yemeni 
Seafood products The aim of the project is to 
assist the Yemen seafood exporter's association to meet 
SPS requirements and thereby 
to improve the quality and safety of Yemeni seafood 
products. World Bank Yemen 371,075 Feb-06 Jan-07 Jan-09 Ready to start.  On-
going discussion with World Bank 
on contracting 
issues and modalities for 
implementation. 
STDF 114 Effective 
aflatoxin 
management 
system in Brazil nut 
production  The project grant looks into 
factors affecting aflatoxin 
contamination in Brazil nut 
production and provides training to meet international 
standards.  Results will be 
shared with other producers in 
the region. WTO Brazil (Peru 
and Bolivia) 619,664 Feb-06 Jul-06 Jul-08 Implementation 
commenced. 
STDF 62 Strengthening 
food safety in 
Cameroon  The aim of the project is to 
reactivate a national committee 
on food safety and provide training for key stakeholders in 
the public and private sector in 
Cameroon and to design a national strategy on food safety. FAO Cameroon 295,710 Sep-05 TBC TBC On-going 
consultations with 
FAO on project implementation.  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 6 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 64 Facilitating 
livestock 
trade in Djibouti The aim of the project is to 
facilitate livestock trade from 
Djibouti. The project will be focused around training for 
both the private and public 
sector in SPS issues in veterinary area.  FAO Djibouti 560,000 Sep-05 TBC TBC On-going 
consultations with 
FAO and Djoubiti Chamber of 
Commerce on 
project implementation.   
STDF 65 Support to 
compliance 
with official 
and 
commercial 
standards in the fruit and 
vegetable 
sector in Guinea The project is focused on 
assisting the public and private 
sector in Guinea in training to 
meet official and commercial 
standards for fruit and 
vegetable exports.  UNCTAD Guinea 600,000 Sep-05 Dec-05 May-08 National project 
management unit 
established and 
training started. 
STDF 79 Quality 
information 
on SPS 
issues- a pre 
requisite for 
capacity building  Improving the sharing of 
information on official 
standards (including the 
supporting scientific 
evaluations) developed by OIE, 
IPPC and Codex on the International Portal on Food 
Safety, Animal and Plant 
Health.  The project will improve the sustainability of 
core resources for the 
International Portal on Food Safety Animal and Plant 
Health. FAO All 
developing 
countries 470,000 Sep-05 May / June 
2006 May-08 Implementation on-
going.  
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 7Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 89 International 
Plant Health 
Risk Analysis Workshop The main aim of the project 
was to provide funding for 29 
developing and least-developed country officials to attend a 
workshop on pest risk analysis 
in Canada on 24-28 October 2005.   FAO Developing 
and Least-
Developing Country 
participants 
in workshop. 147,000 Sep-05 Oct-05 May-07 Extension granted 
until 31 May 2007 
to finalize the project. IPPC 
collecting 
information to be used as training 
materials. 
Information to be found at: 
https://www.ippc.in
t/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND01OD
Q1NSY2PWVuJjM
zPSomMzc9a29z. An.  
STDF 56 Capacity 
building for implementa-
tion of the 
Codex Alimentarius 
Code of 
Practice for animal 
feeding Training on implementation of 
the Codex Code of Good Practice on Animal feeding 
through a series of regional 
workshops in Africa, Latin America and Asia. International 
Feed Industry Federation 
(IFIF) Feed 
industry 150,000 Mar-05 Sep-05 Nov-06 Completed project. 
IFIF is planning follow-up actions.  
Training materials 
on the STDF website at 
www.standardsfacil
ity.org  
  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 8 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 37 Assistance to 
Developing 
Countries in the 
Implementati
on of ISPM 15  Project centrepiece, a workshop 
on implementation of ISPM 15, 
was held in Vancouver, Canada on 28 February – 4 March 
2005.  Training materials 
related to the workshop can be found on the IPPC website at 
www.ippc.int  IPPC/ FAO Participants 
at ISPM 15 
workshop 332,000 Sep-04 Nov-04 Mar-06 Materials 
developed during 
the workshop are available at: 
https://www.ippc.in
t/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND00OTE
yNyY2PWVuJjMz
PSomMzc9a29z.  IPPC currently 
collecting  
information on adoption of the 
IPSM 15 standard 
to evaluate the workshop's impact. 
STDF 13 Development 
of Regional 
Action Plans for Selected 
African 
Regions to Enhance 
Veterinary 
Capacity  A regional approach to 
veterinary capacity building in 
Sub-Saharan Africa. OIE Mali, 
Ethiopia 
and Djibouti 305,000 Sep-04 Oct-06 Apr-07 Project under 
implementation.    
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 9Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 14 OIE 
veterinary 
capacity evaluation 
project  The veterinary capacity 
evaluation tool (developed in 
collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Co-
operation on Agriculture) has 
been field-tested in South America and discussed in Sub-
Saharan Africa.  Tool was 
adopted as part of the OIE code in May 2006. OIE IICA 
countries 
and Chad 37,000 Nov-03 - May-06 Completed. The  
veterinary capacity 
evaluation was formally adopted at 
the 74
th Annual 
General Session of the International 
Committee of the 
OIE (21-26 May 2006).  OIE's 
collaborating centre 
in Lyon is currently training a cadre of 
evaluators capable 
of using the tool.  
STDF 20 Country-
based plans 
for SPS-
related development The aim of the project is to 
undertake baseline studies of 
SPS capacity and to apply cost-
benefit analysis to examine the  returns on investment in terms 
of foreign trade and an 
improved SPS situation.  Fieldwork in Uganda and Peru.  WTO Peru and 
Uganda 170,862 Sep-03 Nov-04 Sep-06 Final validation of 
project documents. 
Project to finish 
shortly. 
STDF 19 Model 
arrangements 
for SPS stakeholder 
involvement 
at the national level The aim of the project is to look 
at national arrangements for the 
circulation of SPS information at national level among relevant 
stakeholders and to make 
recommendations of general applicability on how this co-
ordination may be improved.  
Fieldwork in  Paraguay and Sri Lanka.  WTO Sri Lanka 
and 
Paraguay 291,218 Sep-04 Dec-04 Apr-07 Approaching 
completion. Project 
extended until April 2007.  Final 
workshop in Sri 
Lanka planned for March 2007.  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 10 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 9 Model 
Programme 
for Developing 
Food 
Standards within a Risk 
Analysis 
Framework  Risk analysis training for policy 
makers in the Asia Oceania 
region in the area of food safety. FAO Asia Pacific 
countries 70,848 Nov-03 Mar-05 Sep-06 Project completed.  
Information to 
appear on STDF website shortly. 
STDF 10 International 
Portal on Food Safety, 
Animal and 
Plant Health project Establishment of national 
windows to the International Portal on Food Safety, Animal 
and Plant Health.  Fieldwork 
undertaken in Turkey and  Uganda.   FAO Turkey and 
Uganda 59,400 Sep-03 Mar-05 Sep-06 One outstanding 
training event before project is 
finished. 
STDF 15 Expanding 
SPS 
Capacities at 
National and Regional 
Levels Additional training for 
veterinary officials on the back 
of WTO technical assistance 
activities. OIE has commissioned a training 
syllabus which will be of 
general use for technical co-operation activities.  OIE Workshops 
held in 
Mali, 
Thailand, Egypt, CIS  
and planned 
in Latin America. 130,614 Sep-04 Sep-04 Nov-06 Project completed.  
Information to 
appear on STDF 
website shortly.  
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 11Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
in US$ Approval 
date Start Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 5 STDF 
Database Database on SPS technical 
assistance has been established 
at http://stdfdb.wto.org.  Data covers years 2001-2003. WTO Database 73,474 Jun-03 Jul-03 Dec-05 Project completed. 
Data being 
migrated to the WTO/OECD trade 
capacity building 
database with the additional 
functionalities 
developed for the STDF database. 
Report prepared for 
SPS Committee in document 
G/SPS/GEN/726. 
 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 12 
(b) Status of Approved PPGs 
 
 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 155 Nicaragua 
market 
oriented training 
service on 
standards 
application Project preparation grant for the 
Nicaragua market-oriented 
training service on standards 
application (MOTSSA
) Michigan State 
University Nicaragua 20,000 Oct-06 April-07 June-07 Pending contracting. 
STDF 127 Project 
preparation 
grant to 
strengthen the capacity of 
the Benin 
Chamber of Commerce to 
track SPS 
related development 
in exports 
markets The objective of the PPG is to 
establish an information center 
within the Benin Chamber of 
Commerce to ensure that firms are aware of SPS measures 
affecting their existing or 
planned exports. The PPG will also examine the feasibility of a 
well targeted regional approach 
in the West African Economic and Monetary Union 
(WAEMU).   WTO Benin 20,000 June-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Work underway.  
STDF 126 Assistance 
establishing 
an industry 
organisation on 
horticulture in 
Tanzania  The project preparation grant 
has funded development of a 
business plan for an 
Association in the horticulture sector in Tanzania. WTO/ 
Tanzanian 
Horticulture 
Association Tanzania 5,500 Feb-06 Sept-06 Feb-07 Completed.  
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 13Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 46 Project 
preparation grant on 
implementa-
tion of Codex standards 
(WHO 
Africa) A project preparation grant was 
approved to assist WHO Africa to develop a project proposal 
assisting selected African 
countries to implement Codex standards. WHO/WTO/ 
World Bank Benin and 
Tanzania 20,000 Feb-06 Oct-06 TBC Tanzania and Benin 
selected as pilot countries for the 
project.  Project 
being revised. 
STDF 113 Project 
preparation 
grant to 
survey food safety needs 
in Burundi  A project preparation grant will 
be used to apply the joint 
WHO/FAO evaluation tool of 
official control services to survey the food safety situation 
and recommend a trade-related 
project. WTO/ Burundi 
Standards 
Bureau Burundi 19,740 Feb-06 Oct-06 Dec-06  Consultant 
identified.  Work 
nearing completion.  
STDF 116 Project 
preparation 
grant for the 
establishment of a 
traceability 
system in the livestock 
sector in 
Costa Rica The project preparation grant 
aims to assist in the 
development of the animal 
health directorate's  National Epidemiological Surveillance 
Programme by introducing a 
traceability system for livestock farms.  The PPG activities will 
examine issues of equivalence 
with systems operating internationally.  WTO Costa Rica 20,000 Feb-06 TBC TBC Consultant 
identified. 
Contracting under 
way 
STDF 88 Nepal SPS 
training 
project preparation 
grant Preparation activities will focus 
on evaluating the training needs 
of Nepal's SPS control authorities and designing a 
training programme which 
responds to those needs. WTO Nepal 20,000 Sep-05 Nov-06 Jan-07 Project application 
being considered in 
March 2007.  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 14 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 100 Project 
preparation grant for Cape 
Verde Fieldwork to be focused on 
applying the FAO/WHO developed "Guidelines to 
Assess Capacity Building 
Needs in Official Food Control Systems" and designing a 
project on the basis of findings.  WTO Cape Verde 20,000 Sep-05 TBC Jun-06 Consultant selected.  
Fieldwork approaching 
completion. Donors 
contacted to fund consultant project. 
STDF 101 Eritrea project 
preparation 
grant Fieldwork to be focused on 
applying the FAO/WHO 
developed "Guidelines to 
Assess Capacity Building Needs in Official Food Control 
Systems" and designing a 
project on the basis of findings. WTO Eritrea 20,000 Sep-05 Jan-06 Apr-06 Fieldwork 
completed.  Report 
and project 
submitted to the STDF Working 
Group. Project not 
accepted for funding. 
STDF 102 Project 
preparation 
grant for Mali  Preparation activities focused 
on project design in the fruit 
and vegetable sector. WTO Mali 20,000 Sep-05 Mar-06 May-06 Fieldwork 
completed.  Report 
and project submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group. Project conditionally 
accepted for funding 
in June 2006. 
STDF 103 Project 
preparation 
grant for 
Rwanda Preparation activities focused 
on project design in the fruit 
and vegetable sector.   Rwanda 20,000 Sep-05 Mar-06 Apr-06 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project 
submitted to the 
STDF Working Group. Project 
conditionally 
accepted for funding in June 2006.  
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 15Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 105 Project 
preparation grant on 
compartmenta
lization A concept project to design a 
demonstration project on how to apply the concept of 
compartmentalization.      Compartmen
talization 20,000 Sep-05 TBC TBC This PPG was 
placed on hold while OIE worked on 
additional guidance 
on this issue. For decision at March 
2007 Working 
Group. 
STDF 38 Agricultural 
Health and 
Food Safety Laboratory 
Needs 
Assessment for 
CARICOM 
Countries A survey of laboratory capacity 
in CARICOM with a view to 
developing a project to assist guiding a regional strategy on 
laboratory infrastructure.    Caribbean 
countries 20,000 Sep-04 Feb-06 May-06 CARICOM has 
submitted a draft 
consultant's report.  Awaiting comments 
from partners. 
STDF 62 Project 
preparation 
grant in 
Cameroon  Fieldwork  concentrated on 
application of FAO/WHO 
developed "Guidelines to 
Assess Capacity Building Needs in Official Food Control 
Systems".   Cameroon 20,000 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jun-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project 
submitted to the 
STDF Working Group.  Project 
accepted for funding 
in August 2005. 
STDF 52 Project 
preparation 
grant on 
aflatoxin in Malawi and 
Zambia Terms of Reference  developed 
with FAO to design project to 
address post-harvest aflatoxin 
contamination problems in the paprika and groundnut sectors 
in Malawi and Zambia.   Malawi and 
Zambia 30,000 Mar-05 Mar-07 May-07 Consultant selected. 
Contracting under 
way.   
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 16 
Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 68 Project 
preparation grant on 
South Asian 
Association for Regional 
Co-operation 
(SAARC) 
SPS co-
operation Support for efforts at regional 
co-operation on SPS among SAARC countries.      SAARC 20,000 Mar-05 TBC TBC Project on hold due 
to parallel EU project in the 
standards area. 
STDF 63 Project 
preparation grant in Benin  Fieldwork concentrated on 
application of FAO/WHO developed "Guidelines to 
Assess Capacity Building 
Needs in Official Food Control Systems".    Benin 20,000 Mar-05 Apr-05 Aug-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and projects submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group.  Project accepted for funding 
in February 2006. 
STDF 61 Project 
preparation grant in 
Cambodia  Fieldwork undertaken in 
Cambodia.  Grant application presented in July 2005.   Cambodia 20,000 Mar-05 Apr-05 Jul-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group.  Project not accepted for 
funding. 
STDF 64 Project 
preparation grant in 
Djibouti  Field research and design of 
project in the livestock sector in Djibouti.   Djibouti 20,000 Mar-05 Apr-05 Jul-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group.  Project accepted for funding 
in September 2005.  
   G/SPS/GEN/748
 Page 17Project 
Number Title Description Implementing 
Agency Beneficiary Budge
t in 
US$ Approval 
date Start 
Date End 
Date Status 
STDF 65 Project 
preparation grant in 
Guinea  Consultant contracted to build 
on UNCTAD evaluation of costs of compliance in the 
tropical fruit sector and design 
project application.   Guinea 20,000 Mar-05 Apr-05 Aug-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group.  Project accepted for funding 
in August 2005. 
STDF 66 Project 
preparation grant in 
Mozambique  Consultant contracted to build 
on UNCTAD evaluation of costs of compliance in the 
tropical fruit sector and design 
project application.    Mozambique 20,000 Mar-05 Apr-05 Aug-05 Fieldwork complete.   
Project funded bilaterally by United 
Kingdom, 
Department for International 
Development. 
STDF 69 Project 
preparation 
grant in 
Yemen  Survey of SPS issues in the 
fisheries sector and project 
design.    Yemen 20,000 Mar-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Fieldwork complete.  
Report and project 
submitted to the 
STDF Working 
Group.  Project accepted for funding 
in February 2006. 
 G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 18  
 
  ANNEX 
 
 
 
MEDIUM TERM STRATEGY OF THE 
STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 
 
(2007-2011) 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
A joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World 
Organization for Animal Health, th e World Bank, the World Health 
Organization and the World Trade Organization 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 19 
 
 
  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
 
1. On 8 June 2006, the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Policy Committee 
agreed to establish a Task Force charged with ma king recommendations on strategic issues relevant to 
the medium term operation of the STDF.  Membership  of the Task Force, which is chaired by the 
United Kingdom, includes representatives of all STDF partners, as well as dono rs contributing funds 
to the STDF.2  Following its terms of reference (conta ined in  document STDF 149) and with the 
assistance of the STDF Secretariat, the Task Force has drafted two documents, i.e. a Medium Term Strategy (contained in document STDF 154) accompan ied by a revised set of Operational Rules 
(contained in document STDF 139).  These documents  are complemented by an STDF operating plan 
for 2007 prepared by the STDF Secretary (STDF 163).   
Medium Term Strategy  
2. The Medium Term Strategy will run from 2007-20 11 and is designed to move the STDF onto 
more stable foundations.  The Strategy puts much greater emphasis on information sharing and co-
ordination in the supply and receipt of SPS-related technical co-operation.  This objective will be 
achieved through close contact with donors and de veloping countries, improved reporting to the 
WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database a nd research on the experience of both donors and 
beneficiaries in SPS-related capacity building.  L essons learnt will particularly assist donors to 
capture good practices and avoid duplication with past, present or planned activities.  It will also assist 
beneficiaries in the formulation of technical co-operation requests.  
3. Greater use will be made of project preparation grants (PPGs) in future STDF programme 
development as a means to mobilize funds both from within the STDF and from the wider donor 
community.  PPGs continue to be a key mechanism to  meet the target to devote 40 per cent of Facility 
resources to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) a nd other Low Income Economies (OLIEs) – a target 
which has been retained for both PPGs and projects.  PPGs will be used to ensure synergy with other 
on-going initiatives, such as the identification of  SPS needs under the Integrated Framework for 
Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (IF), and assist in conducting 
surveys of national capacity in the SPS area, for inst ance through the use of capacity evaluation tools.  
Greater reliance will be placed on the use of PPGs to  provide a basis for project interventions.  A 
further aspect to improved donor co-ordination is  that projects arising from STDF funded PPGs may 
be subsequently funded by donors or other on-going assistance programmes. 
4. The STDF will continue to fund projects, but eligibility criteria have been tightened and will 
be more rigorously applied, in particular by the S ecretariat at the initial review stage.  Technical co-
operation projects should be innovative, sustainable, preventative and replicable; address gaps in SPS 
information and training materials; or aim to improve co-ordination among SPS technical co-
operation providers.  Furthermore, linkages with other programmes, notably the IF, will be further 
strengthened.  Project implementation and overs ight will also require greater input from STDF 
partners and third parties.   
5. To fulfil the aims of the STDF and implement the work programme, predictable and sustained 
funding over the Medium Term Strategy implemen tation period (2007-2011) is needed, ideally in the 
form of multi-annual commitments.  To implement the strategy, a target level of annual funding of 
US$5 million has been established by the Policy Committee.   
                                                     
 
2 STDF partners are the Food and Agriculture Or ganization (FAO), World Organization for Animal 
Health (OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO).  Participating donors include Canada, Denmark, Fran ce, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom and United 
States.  The European Communities and Australia also participated as observers.  G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 20  
 
  Operational Rules   
6. The STDF Business Plan, contained in document G/SPS/GEN/523, has served its purpose in 
establishing the foundations for the STDF but it does not unambiguously set out operational rules for 
the STDF.  Additionally, the Task Force w as charged with making recommendations on the 
establishment of criteria for membership of and ob server status in the STDF.  To address these and 
other operational issues, the Task Force has drafted a revised set of Operational Rules on the basis of 
the current Business Plan.  
7. Membership of the STDF includes the STDF partners, donors contributing funds to the STDF 
as well as developing countries (in accordance with  a rotation mechanism).  To facilitate decision-
making, a rotation mechanism will also apply fo r donor representation in the Policy Committee.  
Membership of the Working Group will continue to in clude participation of the Secretariats of the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the Inte rnational Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Membership of the Working Group may be extended to  participation of other relevant organizations 
on the basis of a unanimous decision of the Policy Committee.  
8. Criteria have also been established for observer status in the STDF.  Organizations with SPS 
expertise or implementing SPS-relate d technical cooperation may participate as observers in meetings 
of the Working Group.  Requests for participation w ill be considered by the Chairman of the Working 
Group in consultation with the STDF Secretary on  the basis of the SPS-related activities of the 
organization and its willingness to share information on its activities.  To facilitate reporting, those 
organizations implementing or s upervising STDF projects shall auto matically be granted observer 
status for the duration of these projects.     
9. The Operational Rules further clarify the task s and responsibilities of the different actors 
involved, in particular in relation to grant alloca tion and the monitoring and supervision of projects.  
Eligibility criteria are more clearly and precisely fo rmulated.  To give better guidance to applicants 
and improve the overall quality of proposals subm itted to the STDF for funding, the Task Force 
recommends that the STDF Secretariat draft a sepa rate guidance document fo r potential applicants 
based on the revised Operational Rules.  This doc ument will be prepared for the first STDF Working 
Group meeting of 2007.  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 21 
 
 
  I. OVERVIEW OF THE FACILITY  
Aims of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) 
 
10. The aims of the STDF are: 
• to assist developing countries enhance their expertise and capacity to analyze and to 
implement international sanitary and phytosan itary (SPS) standards, so improving their 
human, animal and plant health situation, and t hus ability to gain and maintain market access; 
and 
• to act as a vehicle for co-ordination among tec hnical co-operation providers, the mobilization 
of funds, the exchange of experience and the di ssemination of good practice in relation to the 
provision and receipt of SPS-related technical co-operation. 
11. In addition to facilitating international trade, SPS capacity building can result in improved 
human and agricultural health conditions for lo cal markets and so favour economic and social 
development.  The STDF is distinct from and co mplementary to other initiatives to facilitate the 
participation of devel oping countries in SPS standard-setting processes. 
What is the STDF? 
 
12. The STDF is both a co-ordinating and a fina ncing mechanism.  As a co-ordinating 
mechanism, the STDF acts as a forum for informat ion sharing on past, present and planned SPS-
related technical co-operation activities.  Central to the STDF's co-ordination role is reporting on 
technical co-operation provided or planned, the sharing of project and programme implementation 
experience and the dissemination of good practice in relation to both the provision and receipt of SPS-
related technical co-operation.  A further component  of STDF's co-ordination function is to ensure 
that projects and other proposed initiatives do not duplicate past, present or planned technical co-
operation activities.3 
13. Grant financing is available for projects from pr ivate and public organiza tions in developing 
countries seeking to comply with international SPS standards and hence gain or maintain market 
access.  Applicants are required to contribute to the cost of project implementation.  Project 
preparation grants are available for project deve lopment and aim to bridge the gap between the 
identification of needs (through su ch initiatives as the Integrated Fr amework) and their articulation 
into projects.  Applications are particularly encouraged from organizations in Least Developed 
Countries (LDCs) or Other Low Income Economies (OLIEs) and/or which address SPS compliance issues at a regional level.
4   
                                                      
3  As recommended by the OECD Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. 
4  A target has been established to allocate at l east 40 per cent of STDF pr oject funds to LDCs and 
OLIEs. G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 22  
 
  Value added by the STDF 
14. The STDF will act as a reference point for good practice in the provision of SPS-related 
technical cooperation and aims to develop into a cen tre of excellence.  It is designed to strengthen 
current and future co-operation efforts.  The STD F will provide information on good practice that can 
be drawn upon by potential donors and recipients a nd disseminate implementa tion lessons from recent 
technical co-operation efforts so furthering co-operation and collaboration among donors.  
15. The partners in the STDF are singularly qualif ied to assist developing countries in dealing 
with relevant international standards, guide lines and recommendations for food safety, plant and 
animal health.  The STDF brings together the st andard setting organizations  designated by the WTO 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Ph ytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as reference 
bodies in the area of food safety (Codex Alimentarius  Commission) and plant health (International 
Plant Protection Convention or IPPC), either in th eir own right or through the involvement of their 
parent organizations, i.e. the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO), as well as in the area of animal health  and zoonoses  (World Organization for 
Animal Health or OIE).  The World Bank contributes analytical backing and a development 
perspective, while involvement of the World Tr ade Organization (WTO) brings a "trade rules 
perspective" to the STDF.  The STDF is designed to benefit from the experience and skills that each 
partner brings to the Facility.  
16. Furthermore, through the involvement of th e WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (SPS Committee), which brings together Geneva-based delegates and national experts from 
the 150 Members of the WTO, the STDF has a natural constituency from which to draw support 
(analytical and financial) and project propo sals (over 80 per cent of the WTO Members are 
developing countries).   
17. The STDF does not replace or compete with eith er the standard setting work of OIE, IPPC 
and Codex or the regular technical cooperation activ ities of STDF partners and participating donors.  
STDF reinforces and complements these activities by br inging the collective expertise of the five 
partners, donors and recipients together in one facility.  The STDF is distinct from and 
complementary to other initiatives aimed at fosteri ng increased participation by developing countries 
in the standard setting process such as the Codex Trust Fund and the IPPC Trust Fund.
5  The STDF 
does not cover the costs of participation in standa rd setting activities, but the expertise and capacity 
gained under the STDF will enhance the ability of de veloping country participants to effectively 
contribute to the process.  
18. The STDF seeks to build on the work of bilateral, regional and multilateral donors by: 
• providing a mechanism for co-ordination a nd information sharing on past, present and 
planned activities among technical co-operation providers, the exchange of experience and 
the dissemination of good practice;  
• addressing underlying issues of SPS capacity buildi ng in beneficiary countries (in particular 
in LDCs or OLIEs or on a regional basis), ideally through preventative, innovative and/or demonstration projects which may be replicated by other donors; and 
• supporting collaborative projects by STDF partners which aim inter alia  to address gaps in 
SPS information or training materials or wh ich aim to improve co-ordination among SPS 
technical co-operation providers.  
                                                     
 
5 See http://www.who.int/foodsafety/codex/trustfund/en/  for further information on the Codex Trust 
Fund and http://www.ippc.int  for further information on the IPPC Trust Fund.  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 23 
 
 
  • co-operating with STDF partners, donors and recipi ents in the elaboration of comprehensive, 
sectoral (e.g. food safety, animal or plant health specific) or product-based national strategies.  
Background to the STDF 
19. The STDF grew out of a joint communiqué issued by the Heads of FAO, OIE, World Bank, 
WHO and WTO at the Doha Ministerial Conference in November 2001.6  In the communiqué, the 
five organizations agreed to jointly explore new technical and financial mechanisms for coordination 
and resource mobilization and to build allia nces between standard setting bodies and the 
implementing and financing agencies so as to ensure the most effective use of technical and financial 
resources.   
20. The five organizations formally established the STDF in August 2002 as a partnership and a 
Trust Fund with three years of start-up financing from the World Bank and WTO.7  On 10 September 
2004, the partners formally adopted  a Business Plan for the STDF.8  The plan explained the 
organization and operation of the Facility, including information on project eligibility criteria, project 
funding possibilities and the project review process.  In 2005, membership of the STDF was expanded 
to include donors and representatives of devel oping country beneficiaries. The STDF is funded 
through voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund established under the financial regulations and rules 
of WTO.   
21. An independent evaluation of the operation of the Facility was completed in December 2005.  
The evaluation concluded that: 
• the STDF had proven successful in attracting resources and approving projects, but faced 
challenges in securing sustained donor financing;   
• it had actively exploited synergies with ot her programmes (notably the Integrated 
Framework);  
• it had exceeded the target to devote 40 per cent of Facility resources to projects in LDCs or 
OLIEs; and 
• the STDF Secretariat needed to be strengthened given the very wide range of roles undertaken 
and to reconsider its project  management functions.   
22. To respond to conclusions of the evaluation, a Task Force was established by the STDF 
Policy Committee at its meeting on 8 June 2006.  The Task Force was charged with reporting on the establishment of a medium term strategy incl uding recommendations on concomitant multi-annual 
donor funding and appropriate mana gement arrangements – notably the tasks and responsibilities of 
partners and the STDF Secretariat.  The Task Forc e was also charged with establishing criteria for 
membership of and observer status in the STDF. 
                                                     
 
6 WT/MIN(01)/ST/97.  
7 Funding of US$300,000 per annum for a maximum three years ending in June 2005 from the 
Development Grant Facility was approved by the Board of Directors of the World Bank on 27 June 2002.  The 
WTO accepted to serve as the execu ting institution on 27 August 2002 and committed financial resources 
(CHF100,000 in 2003 and 2004 rising to CHF225,000 in 2005 and 2006) to the STDF from the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. 
8 G/SPS/GEN/523. G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 24  
 
  II. OVERVIEW OF CURRENT OPERATIONS 
23. Following adoption of the Business Plan in September 2004, contributions complementing 
the original seed funding from the World Bank an d WTO have been received from donors.  Of these 
contributions, those from Germany, the Nether lands and Sweden were formally multi-annual 
contributions.  Denmark, the United Kingdom and th e United States have made  several single year 
contributions.  A further five donors (Australia, Ca nada, the European Commission, France and Italy) 
have made single year contributions.  The STDF is facing funding constraints with insufficient 
resources to implement all currently approved proj ects.  One objective in revising the STDF operating 
plan is to ensure adequate future resources and their optimal utilization. 
Figure 1:  Donor funding of the STDF  
STDF Commitments 2003-2007 (US$)
0500000100000015000002000000250000030000003500000400000045000005000000
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
24. A total of 23 projects and 22 project preparati on grants had been approved for STDF funding 
at the end of November 2006.  At that time, sev en projects had been completed, 11 were being 
implemented and six were awaiting contracting.  Of the project preparation grants, ten had been 
completed, four were nearing completi on and 8 were awaiting implementation.   G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 25 
 
 
  Figure 2: Projects and project preparation grants funded by the STDF 
0246810121416
2003 2004 2005 2006Total number of projects Total number of PPGs
 
25. The Business Plan provided three different operating scenarios for the STDF.  The operating 
scenarios corresponded to funding levels of US $3 million (low case), US$5 million (medium case) 
and US$7 million (high case).  In 2005, funding le vels were between the low and medium case 
scenarios.  For the medium term strategy, the Policy Committee has established a target annual 
funding level of US$5 million.  
III. MEDIUM TERM STRATEGY 
26. The medium term strategy is designed to move the STDF from its current collection of 
projects into a programme, with more clearly de fined procedures for funding and a much greater 
emphasis on co-ordination and the identification and dissemination of good practice in the provision of SPS-related technical co-operation.  It also aims to address constraints faced by the STDF 
Secretariat in the delivery of this programme.  The medium term strate gy will run from 2007-2011 
and emphasises the following areas: 
(i) Re-inforcing the STDF's co-ordination function 
27. The STDF has been designed to: 
• complement current and future technical co- operation efforts by multilateral, regional  and 
bilateral donors; 
• draw upon, apply and disseminate important impl ementation lessons from recent technical co-
operation efforts in the SPS area; and  
• achieve additional improvements in the quality of  technical co-operation work through deeper 
collaboration. 
28. Sharing information on past, present and planned technical cooperation activities will be 
central to the work of the STDF.  To ensure more  complete reporting, the STDF Secretariat will work G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 26  
 
  with bilateral, regional and mu ltilateral donors to ensure that their activities are reported to the 
WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database.
9  On the basis of data entered, overviews of the 
provision of SPS-related technical co-operation w ill be circulated to the SPS Committee and other 
fora.10 
29. The database is a useful tool to determine where co-operation may have previously been 
provided.  The quantitative and qualitative elements of this information w ill help improve national 
strategies (for example the World Bank's national action plans on SPS or the use of capacity evaluation tools).  Such information could also guide funding decisions as technical cooperation should not duplicate past, present or planned activiti es, but instead should build on the lessons learnt 
from previous projects.   
30. In addition to the quantitative reporting on SPS activities, the STDF Secretariat will also 
collect qualitative information from pa rtners and donors - for example training materials, national or 
regional SPS action plans and experiences in the implementation of projects from both donors and 
beneficiaries.   
31. The STDF Secretariat, in collaboration with partners and donors, will also examine the 
effectiveness of SPS-related technical co-operation.  Research will be conducted on experience in the 
request and offer, design and receipt, and implemen tation of SPS-related technical cooperation on the 
part of both beneficiaries and donors.   To facilitate this research, a series of regional consultations 
between donors and beneficiaries are planned.  Such consultations would also aim to identify gaps in 
the provision of SPS-related technical co-opera tion from which projects could be designed.   
32. The STDF aims to act as a reference point for good practice in the provision of SPS-related 
technical co-operation.  A central element of the move from a collection of projects to a programme is 
learning from the experience of implementation of  projects, both positive and negative.  Key 
responsibilities of the STDF Secretariat will include: 
• Reporting on the experience gained from th e implementation of projects and regional 
consultations; 
• Disseminating lessons learnt and good prac tice to the STDF Working Group and Policy 
Committee as well as the SPS Committee and other fora, in particular by developing manuals, 
videos, etc; and 
• Updating the STDF website (and where appropriate  the websites of STDF partners) to include 
project documents and related training materials.  
33. The Secretariat will assist the STDF Working Group take these lessons into account when 
considering new funding applications for project s and PPGs and assist donors to ensure good practice 
in their own programmes.   
                                                     
 
9 The STDF database (http://stdfdb.wto.org/) improved  the specificity of reporting on SPS related co-
operation and improved entries for partner activities, but comparison of submissions by Members to the SPS 
Committee on technical co-operation activities with their entries in the WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database highlighted a far more serious problem of under-reporting.  The focus is now on ensuring full 
reporting on the WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Da tabase.  Additional entries are being made on the 
database to report more fully the S PS activities of donors and partners. 
 
10 A first analysis of SPS-related technical co-operation reported in the database can be found in 
document G/SPS/GEN/726.  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 27 
 
 
  (ii) Building on linkages established with other programmes 
34. The STDF target to devote 40 per cent of Fac ility project grant resources to LDCs and OLIEs 
will be retained.  To achieve this target, the STDF Secretariat will continue to build synergies with 
other technical co-operation trust funds managed by the WTO which aim to mainstream trade into 
development policy, notably the Integrated Framework. 11 
35. The STDF Secretariat will liaise closely with  colleagues in the Integrated Framework 
Executive Secretariat to assist in  the identification of SPS needs during the elaboration of national 
Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS).  The STDF Secretariat will provide recommendations 
on project preparation grant proposals and projects which address specific SPS policy and technical 
co-operation actions identified in the DTIS matrices.   For specific SPS actions identified in the action 
matrices of IF countries, organizations with expe rtise in SPS-related co-operation, or the partner 
organization with technical competence in the area c oncerned (i.e. food safety, animal or plant health) 
will be invited to assist in the preparation of an a pplication for a project preparation grant.  In this 
way, the STDF will continue to bridge the gap between the identification of SPS needs and their 
realization.   
36. The STDF will build synergies with other tec hnical co-operation programmes either of a 
general nature, such as the Aid for Trade Initiative12 or the Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance 
Program (JITAP)13, or of a more specific SPS nature, such as interventions to tackle plant pests, 
animal diseases such as avia n influenza or other major zoonotic diseases.    
(iii) Greater use of project preparation grants 
37. Project preparation grants (PPGs) are a key mechanism for future STDF programme 
development as they help overcome constraints face d by developing countries in the articulation of 
their needs.  To date, a total of 22 PPGs have been commissioned.  
38. Project preparation grants are also a mechan ism for ensuring synergy with other on-going 
initiatives.  For example, they can support project  development for priority actions in the SPS area 
which have been identified in DTIS reviews c onducted under the IF.  Thus, PPGs will continue to 
bridge the gap between the identification of  SPS needs and their articulation in projects. 14   
39. In addition, PPGs have been used to survey national capacity in the SPS area.  These national 
surveys of capacity and needs can be specific surveys of the animal, plant or food safety areas or 
designed to build over-arching nati onal strategies in bio-security. 15  The use of such tools can provide 
                                                      
11 The Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Techni cal Assistance to LDCs (I F) is a multi-agency, 
multi-donor program that assists LDCs to expand their participation in the global economy whereby enhancing their economic growth and poverty reduction strategies.  As  part of the IF process, Diagnostic Trade Integration 
Studies (DTIS) are completed in LDCs.  These studies include policy and technical co-operation matrices which 
list measures necessary to mainstream trade into natio nal development plans.  Within the SPS area, these 
matrices identify a number of policy and technical co-operation actions which should be taken.  The 
participating agencies are IMF
, ITC, UNCTAD , UNDP , World Bank  and the WTO .  See 
http://www.integratedframework.org/ for further information on the Integrated Framework. 
12 See http://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/dda_e/aid4trade_e.htm for further information on the Aid 
for Trade Initiative.  The recommendati ons of the Task Force on Aid for Trade are contained in document 
WT/AFT/1. 
13 See http://www.jitap.org/ for more information on JITAP. 
14 Nine of the 22 project preparation grants commissioned by November 2006 were based on needs 
identified in IF national DTIS.  
15 Capacity evaluation tools in the areas of animal h ealth, food safety, plant health and bio-security may 
be applied with STDF funding. G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 28  
 
  a foundation for the development of donor strategies  and provide a basis on which STDF projects can 
be established.   
40. The main criterion in awarding preparation gran ts is the likelihood that the project developed 
may receive funding.  Final project funding may be  provided by the STDF or from another funding 
source, e.g. a bilateral donor.  Greater reliance will be placed on the use of PPGs to provide a basis for 
donor interventions and as a vehicle for mobilizi ng funds for projects developed by the STDF.  
(iv) Continued grant financing for projects 
41. The STDF will continue to fund tec hnical cooperation activities which: 
• address underlying issues of SPS capacity building in beneficiary countries (in particular in 
LDCs or OLIEs, or on a regional basis), ideally through innovative, preventative and / or pilot 
projects which may be replicated by other donors; and 
• which aim to address gaps in SPS information, training materials or which aim to improve co-
ordination among SPS technical co-operation prov iders through collaborative projects.  
42. Greater concentration will be given to ensure th at eligibility criteria are clear and precise for 
applicants and that funding applications re flect the strategic objectives of the Facility.
16  In addition, 
the Secretariat will play a greater role in the prelim inary review of projects.  This will be accompanied 
by greater input from partners in scrutiny of the t echnical content of projects before they reach the 
STDF Working Group.   Furthermore, each project should include an evaluation plan. 
43. The STDF will continue to provide grant financing up to normally a maximum of 
US$600,000 for project implementation.  No mini mum limit applies on the size of the projects 
funded, although projects will preferably be in the range of US$150, 000 and US$600,000.  
Beneficiaries will continue to be required to meet part of the cost of the implementation of projects 
either through financial or in-kind contributions.  Applications are particularly encouraged from 
organizations in LDCs and OLIEs, or for pr ojects which tackle SPS issues through a regional 
approach.  
44. The operational rules accompanying the medium term strategy provide for a more clearly 
defined role for partners and third parties with regard to the implementation of projects, and in 
particular the oversight of projects within the scope  of their mandates.  The partners are singularly 
qualified to assist developing countries in dealing wi th relevant internationa l standards, guidelines and 
recommendations for food safety, animal and plant health.   
(v) Strengthening the STDF Secretariat 
45. To implement this programme, the STDF Secr etariat will need to be strengthened, 
particularly in relation to the enhanced focus on dissemination and co-ordination of SPS-related 
technical co-operation.  The table below provides an overview of the Secretariat's tasks and activities.  
46. Currently, the STDF Secretariat is staffed by two full-time and one half-time professional.  To 
implement this strategy, progressive expansion to a co re Secretariat team of six persons is estimated 
as necessary.  The team would comprise five profe ssional staff and one administrator.  Employment 
of staff would be according to WTO staffing and recruitment procedures and staff would be bound by 
WTO rules and personnel policies.  Employment of  additional staff would be incremental, with 
regular reviews by the STDF Working Group as st aff numbers increase to  reassess the need for 
                                                      
16 This strategy is accompanied by updated operationa l rules for the STDF in document STDF 139.    G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 29 
 
 
  additional people.  This assessment would be based on an evaluation of the success of the STDF in 
meeting its mandate of coordination, advice, f acilitation and project funding, and in progressing from 
its current collection of projects into a programme. 
Table 1:  Overview of Secretariat tasks and activities 
Task Activities 
Co-ordination • Maintenance of close contacts with multilateral, regional  and 
bilateral SPS-related co-operation programmes; 
• Information collection on technical co-operation activities of 
bilateral, regional and multilatera l donors and developing countries 
and updating the joint WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database on technical co-operation with respect to SPS activities;   
• Annual reporting on SPS-related t echnical co-operation flows;  
• Organization of regional consultati ons between donors, beneficiaries 
and regional organizations on tec hnical co-operation priorities and 
funding mechanisms and commissioning of research on SPS-related 
aid effectiveness; and  
• Dissemination through the SPS Committee, OECD Development 
Assistance Committee and other relevant fora.  
Advice • Analysis of information collected including research commissioned 
to identify good practice in the provision and receipt of SPS-related technical co-operation;  
• Development of a compendium on funding programmes for SPS 
related technical co-operation;  
• Provision of tools to donors and beneficiaries on the evaluation of 
technical co-operation needs and information on good practice in the delivery of technical co-operation. 
Facilitation • Funding project preparation grants to survey SPS technical co-
operation needs and develop indicativ e project terms of reference; 
• Matching of SPS requests with funding sources; 
• Exploiting synergies with other funding mechanisms or initiatives, 
e.g. Integrated Framework, Aid For Trade, JITAP, etc.  
Project funding • Development of capacity evaluation and planning tools, including 
the need for and implications of international standards and their 
application;  
• Capacity building for public and private organizations, notably 
related to market access; and 
• Information sharing activities on international standards and 
implementation strategies at national level. G/SPS/GEN/748 
Page 30  
 
  Table 2:  Overview of Secretariat staffing needs and related costs  
Source of 
funding Title and Responsibilities 
WTO regular 
budget STDF Secretary.   Overall programme oversight and day to day 
management, co-ordination of STDF work with SPS Committee and WTO 
technical co-operation activities. 
STDF Economic Affairs Officer . Co-ordination activities, including contact with 
donors, organization of regional co nsultations (and commissioning of 
related research), strategy developmen t, on-site visits, organization and 
dissemination of reporting templates and collation of resultant information, 
co-operation with other funding initiatives e.g. IF or Aid for Trade, development and implementation of marketing strategy, collection of 
training materials, update of STDF we bsite, update documents for the SPS 
Committee. 
STDF Economic Affairs Officer . Scrutiny of funding applications, project 
preparation grant development and im plementation, project implementation 
oversight, including contracting projects, agreeing project terms of reference, verifying project implementation, collection of training materials, update of STDF webs ite, update documents for the SPS 
Committee. 
STDF Junior Economic Affairs  Officer .  Co-ordination of activities with the 
STDF, IF and Aid for Trade, in particular with the DTIS process and follow-up project preparation grants and projects  
STDF Junior Economic Affairs Officer .  Scrutiny of funding applications, 
organization of regional consultations , maintenance of contacts with 
donors, compilation and update of WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database, technical co-operation compendium, project and project preparation grant contracting, assistance with collection of training materials, update of STDF webs ite, update documents for the SPS 
Committee 
STDF Administrative assistant .  Administrative support to the work of the 
Secretariat. 
 5 staff funded directly from the STDF 
 
47. Further to additional staffing costs, other cost s would be charged directly to the STDF in 
relation to implementation of the STDF programme as  outlined in Table 1.  These costs are presented 
in Table 3.  G/SPS/GEN/748 
 Page 31 
 
 
  Table 3:  Other budgetary items to be charged directly to the STDF  
Expense Nature of Expense 
Donor meetings Travel to meet with donors and recipients active in the SPS area. 
Regional technical co-
operation consultations Regional technical co-operation cons ultations (2 per year including 
10 countries and four experts per country) and  
Research on technical co-operation effectiveness Contracting of research on SPS implementation for discussion at 
regional technical consultations 
Costs related to maintenance of the WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building 
Database Additional data uploading and pr ogramming requirements to ensure 
that SPS-related technical co-ope ration is properly reported on the 
WTO/OECD Trade Capacity Building Database 
 
(vi) Secure sustained funding 
48. The STDF is currently unable to implement pr ojects approved by the STDF Working Group.  
Demand for funding has outstripped the availability of  funds in the Facility.  Furthermore, the demand 
for project funding shows no sign of abating.  
49. A total of 11 donors have contributed funds to the STDF.17  Of these 11 donors, four have 
entered into formal multi-annual funding commitme nts.  Two other donors have renewed in 2006 
contributions first made in 2005.  Figure 1 in pa ragraph 14 illustrates the funding situation for the 
STDF in November 2006. 
50. To fulfil the aims of the STDF and implement the work programme set out above, there is a 
fundamental need for predictable and sustaina ble funding over the medium term strategy 
implementation period (2007-11), ideally in the fo rm of multi-annual commitments.  To implement 
the Medium Term Strategy, a target level of annua l funding of US$5 million is required.  At present, 
the Facility is approximately US$3.5 million short of achieving this target in 2007.    
 
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17 This total does not include contributions from the World Bank and the WTO.