Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make it her policy to support the adoption of a target to increase trade-related capacity-building assistance to developing countries, including support for building their capacity to meet product regulations and standards; and if she will take steps to enhance Aid for Trade initiatives through (a) the Enhanced Integrated Framework in the Open Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals and (b) other measures.

As we have already made clear, the UK supports the provision of trade-related capacity-building assistance to developing countries, and the importance of enhancing Aid for Trade commitments. Language on this is included in the most recent draft goals and targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on 2 June.

Aid for Trade is a vital ingredient for helping developing countries build their capacity to trade. The UK spends around £1 billion annually on Aid for Trade, and DFID is working alongside other donors, multilateral organisations, and recipient countries, to enhance the effectiveness of Aid for Trade initiatives.

The final targets in the post-2015 development framework will however be subject to international negotiations in the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active role.