The joint FAO-WHO project and fund for enhanced participation in Codex is expected to run for 12 years and has already received an initial contribution from Switzerland.

A statement released by the FAO said the fund would help 120 developing countries to be able to send their officials to attend Codex meetings as well as set international food safety and food quality standards in their countries.

The programme will not only boost food quality and standards for the domestic market in some of the world's poorer countries, but will also give them a boost when it comes to increased efficiency and effectiveness in exporting their products to trade on the international marketplace.