World Trade Organisation [to 28 March 2015]
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

26 March 2015
Azevêdo says lack of trade finance can be a significant trade barrier for developing countries
Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, in opening the seminar on “Trade Finance in Developing Countries” at the WTO on 26 March 2015, pointed to a recent WTO Secretariat paper that showed trade financing gaps are “the highest in the poorest countries, notably in Africa and Asia”. He said that “lack of development in the financial sector can be a significant barrier to trade”, and told participants “let’s redouble efforts to work together and resolve this problem”

26 March 2015
Azevêdo urges continued support for fund helping developing countries implement international standards
Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, at a reception for participants in the Standards and Development Facility (STDF) meeting at the WTO on 26 March, said that the one of the most frequent issues raised by business people in developing countries are the difficulties they face in meeting required standards. He welcomed the recent extension of the STDF programme for the next five years, stressing that the “partnership has accomplished a great deal”.