DDG Zhang welcomes 2026 cohorts of participants in two technical assistance programmes

A ceremony held at the WTO headquarters on 12 March marked the launch of the 2026 edition of two WTO technical assistance programmes, the French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP) and the Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP). Welcoming participants, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted the timeliness of these programmes, with the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference due to take place from 26 to 29 March in Yaound�, Cameroon.

DDG Zhang welcomes 2026 cohorts of participants in two technical assistance programmes

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• Technical assistance
• Trade and development

• Ireland
• France
• Netherlands

A ceremony held at the WTO headquarters on 12 March marked the launch of the 2026 edition of two WTO technical assistance programmes, the French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP) and the Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP). Welcoming participants, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted the timeliness of these programmes, with the 14^th WTO Ministerial Conference due to take place from 26 to 29 March in Yaound�, Cameroon.

Over the course of ten months, 34 government officials from developing and least-developed WTO members and observers will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise in various aspects of the multilateral trading system and the work programme of the WTO. The welcome ceremony for the participants was attended by ambassadors and representatives of the programmes' three donor countries and of the beneficiary economies.

DDG Zhang welcomed the participants in both programmes, saying: "This year's programme starts at a very important time in the WTO's calendar - we are just weeks away from MC14. In Yaound�, members will, among other things, address the question of WTO reform in a meaningful way. You will notice that many meetings are already under way, as members are working hard to pave the way for Yaound�."

DDG Zhang told the participants that they will gain hands-on experience in the work of the WTO, including how trade policy is shaped at the WTO, and that they will have the opportunity to attend meetings in areas of interest to their economies and to interact closely with representatives of the WTO Secretariat.

This year's cohort for the�French Irish Mission Programme�comprises 18 participants. Funded by France and Ireland, this programme aims to support Geneva-based government officials from developing and least-developed WTO members to engage in WTO activities. Participants will be working on trade policy development in their respective permanent missions in Geneva.

Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, France's Permanent Representative to the WTO, said: "Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the closing of the 2025 edition. What struck me was the enthusiasm of the officials who had finished their respective programmes. They all stressed how formative the year spent in Geneva had been, thanks to the quality of the supervision received and their immersion in the daily work of the WTO committees."

Brian O'Brien, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland, said: "For many years, Ireland has been a steadfast supporter of the French Irish Mission Programme because of our strong and enduring faith in the multilateral system. Ireland understands the critical importance of ensuring that all WTO members can fully and effectively participate in shaping and implementing shared global rules. The presence in Geneva of participants in the French Irish Mission Programme contributes to making international trade more inclusive and sustainable, in order to ultimately promote economic development and alleviate poverty in developing countries and least-developed countries."�

For the Netherlands Talent Programme, which isfunded by the Netherlands, 16 participants were selected. The participants will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the multilateral trading system and to contribute actively to the WTO's work, as they will join several WTO Secretariat divisions.

Welcoming the new Netherlands Talent Programme cohort, Audrey Goosen, the Netherlands' WTO Ambassador, said: "The multilateral trading system has brought much prosperity to WTO members, including to your respective governments. Your participation in the work of the Organization this year is very timely, as these are challenging times for multilateralism. Your contribution will be instrumental in strengthening the multilateral trading system. We also hope that the experience you will have gained in Geneva will help you in your future careers."

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