U.S. chips in for WTO technical trade help

U.S. chips in for WTO technical trade help    The United States will contribute $1.05 million for trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) to the World Trade Organization.
   The WTO's TRTA program provides training for developing countries to improve their ability to analyze issues, assess their interests and participate effectively in the negotiations. The program also provides these nations with assistance in meeting WTO obligations and ensures they fully benefit from the results of WTO negotiations.
   'This contribution reflects the United States' commitment to work with developing countries as partners in the global trading system, and to ensuring that developing countries can and do benefit when the Doha Round of world trade negotiations concludes,' said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, in a statement.

Kirk

   'A balanced and ambitious conclusion to the Doha Round, with meaningful new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and service providers, will help these countries meet their development objectives and improve the well being of their people,' he said.
   This latest contribution, approved by Congress, will bring total U.S. trade assistance for the Doha Development Agenda to almost $10 million since the launch of negotiations in November 2001.
   It is also part of much broader U.S. assistance efforts. Overall U.S. support for trade capacity building since the Doha Round began in 2001, has now surpassed $11 billion.