Funding partners

EIF’s role in supporting the coordination of trade efforts in LDCs would not be possible without buy-in from funding partners. With funds less readily available and more closely scrutinized, the ability of an LDC to identify, design and pitch programmes that can generate sustained, value-for-money impact on poverty is critical. As a result, avoiding duplication and waste while building mutually reinforcing partnerships has never been more important.

EIF provides a platform for donors to increase synergies and harmonize efforts, and the programme is currently supported by 26 country donors through contributions to EIF's Trust Fund.

The programme relies on Donor Facilitators to work with focal points on the ground to ease coordination and donor/government dialogue on trade issues. The Donor Facilitator is a representative of the donor community active in supporting an LDC's trade agenda, and is identified by the government and other donors.

EIF trust fund partners

Australia

Belgium

Canada

Denmark

Estonia

European Commission

Finland

France

Germany

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Japan

Korea, Republic of

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Norway

Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States of America

For Norway, the pledge we made to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and to leave no one behind means an even stronger commitment to the least developed countries. Amidst the pandemic, continued support to increase access to trade and investments is more important than ever, and the EIF is a key partner in these efforts.

As a strong proponent for free and fair trade, Sweden believes that the EIF strengthens the opportunities for the LDCs to take full advantage of existing and future prospects for development through trade. Promoting gender equality and inclusive trade is crucial to maximize the impact of trade and development activities on people's livelihoods. It is therefore promising that this is one of the EIF's four overarching strategic goals in 2016-2018.