Trade helps developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) grow their economies, create jobs, and improve living standards. Aid for Trade (A4T) makes this easier by supporting developing countries and LDCs to participate in the global economy. It includes investing in better infrastructure, such as roads, ports and digital networks, and streamlining border processes so goods and services can move more efficiently. It also supports reforms that create a stable and transparent environment for business and investment.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) launched the Aid for Trade Initiative in 2005 to ensure all countries – especially the most vulnerable – could benefit from global trade. The Initiative promotes inclusive access to the multilateral rules-based trading system, with the WTO at its core, by encouraging support for developing countries and LDCs to build the skills, systems and capacity needed to trade effectively. Every two years, the WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade brings together governments, businesses and development partners to assess progress, share lessons and drive further action.
 

Australia's Aid for Trade

Australia is committed to helping its partners in the Indo-Pacific harness trade as a pathway to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Through Aid for Trade, Australia works closely with Indo-Pacific developing countries and LDCs to turn trade opportunities into real benefits for communities – supporting job creation, strengthening local industries and building more resilient economies.

Australia’s support is practical and responsive to partner needs. It includes investments in infrastructure, support to improve trade systems and regulations and programs that help countries make the most of international and regional economic architecture – including through the WTO, our free trade agreements, and organisations like ASEAN, APEC, and IPEF.

A strong focus is placed on ensuring the benefits of trade are widely shared. Australia’s Aid for Trade promotes women’s economic empowerment, supports inclusive and sustainable trade practices and prioritises locally led development.

Aligned with Australia’s International Development Policy, this work supports a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It assists developing countries and LDCs to strengthen their engagement in regional and global markets, participate in transparent and reliable supply chains and embed inclusive and sustainable approaches in their trade and development strategies.