WTO led Aid For Trade Initiative

Aid for Trade is an important part of Official Development Assistance (ODA). With the purpose of improving trade capacity of developing countries, developed countries provide free aid (grants) or concessional loans to developing countries for targeted use in trade-related programs and projects.

It is recognized that Aid for Trade can be a valuable complement to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), but it cannot be a substitute for the development benefits that will result from a successful conclusion to the DDA.
Because trade is a broad and complex activity, Aid for Trade is broad and not easily defined. It includes technical assistance — helping countries to develop trade strategies, negotiate more effectively, and implement outcomes. Infrastructure — building the roads, ports, and telecommunications that link domestic and global markets. Productive capacity — investing in industries and sectors so countries can diversify exports and build on comparative advantages. And adjustment assistance — helping with the costs associated with tariff reductions, preference erosion, or declining terms of trade.