RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE WT/COMTD/W/32
31October 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-4793)
Committee onTrade andDevelopment
Eighteenth Session
17November 1997
WTO PROGRAMME FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION
Three-Year Plan (1998-2000)
Note bytheSecretariat
1. The guidelines forWTO technical cooperation adopted bytheCommittee onTrade and
Development on15October 1996, require thatthethree-year planfortechnical cooperation bepresented
totheCommittee onTrade andDevelopment. Theattached plan covers theperiod 1998-2000.
2. The work oftheWTO Secretariat providing technical assistance andcooperation from
headquarters hasintensified considerably during 1997, andisexpected togrow further andexpand
intheyears tocome. Itmay berecalled thatthiswork includes providing technical assistance and
cooperation through (i)contacts with delegations andcapital-based representatives inGeneva (also in
seminar format), including, increasingly, atthelevel ofMinisters, and(ii)direct contacts with capital-
based officials viatelecommunications. These activities areusually inresponse torequests forassistance
intheresolution ofspecific issues andproblems oftheMembers concerned. Such activities arenot
covered intheattached plan, thefocus ofwhich isontheSecretariat 'sactivities astheyinvolve missions
tocapitals andevents where funding hasbeen provided forexperts from capitals totravel toGeneva.
3. Training activities constitute animportant subset ofWTO technical cooperation activities.
They aredealt with inAnnex 2tothisnote.
4. Itmayberecalled thatthe1997-1999 Three-Year Plan, andparticularly thedetailed programme
ofactivities for1997, contained indocuments WTO/COMTD/W/25 andAddendum 1,were circulated
totheCommittee onTrade andDevelopment inMay andAugust 1997, when anumber oftechnical
cooperation activities hadalready been undertaken, andalarge number ofother activities were planned.
Thus, atthattime, sufficient information wasavailable onspecifics sothatitwaspossible topresent
adetailed programme ofactivities for1997, indicating thevarious events, sources offunding, the
Division orDivisions incharge oftheir implementation, andrelevant comments.
5. Afullreport onWTO technical cooperation activities during thecurrent year (1997) willbe
provided totheCommittee onTrade andDevelopment early in1998. However, already apreliminary
review oftechnical cooperation activities in1997 reveals that, bytheendoftheyear, theSecretariat
willhave organized and/or participated inover 200different activities, whilst, according tothereports
submitted totheCommittee, atotal of79activities hadbeen undertaken in1995, thefirstyear ofthe
WTO, and124activities hadbeen developed in1996. Thisevolution shows anincrease ofapproximately
56percent inactivities in1996 over 1995, androughly a61percent increase in1997 over 1996.
This tendency may beexpected tocontinue inthenext three years.
6. These developments reflect several trends, such astheincreasing priority placed byMembers
ontechnical cooperation asamajor instrument tosupport theintegration ofdeveloping countries into
themultilateral trading system; thespreading awareness, among developing countries, oftherolethatWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 2
technical cooperation canplay intheprocess ofadapting their policies, laws andregulations tothe
rules oftheWTO; and, consequently, aproliferation ofrequests fortechnical cooperation action, not
onlyfrom developing andleast-developed countries, butalso, increasingly, from economies intransition
andcountries intheprocess ofaccession. This situation isgenerating ever increasing pressures, not
only onthetechnical cooperation services oftheSecretariat, butalsoontheregular workload ofthe
various Divisions involved..
7. Atrend towards anincreasing number ofactivities attheregional level canalsobeobserved.
Theexperience over thelastthree years, especially in1997, points tothegrowing efficiency andcost-
effectiveness ofthismode ofdelivery, inparticular inrelation tothedevelopment andtraining ofhuman
resources, andinrelation todissemination ofinformation andclarification ofissues inrelatively new
subjects. Inview ofthefactthattheregular WTO budget fortechnical cooperation canonly beused
tofinance thetravel ofWTO staff, thistype ofactivities could nothave been organized inthepast,
andwould notbeanimportant component ofthepresent plan, without thesubstantive financial resources
provided through generous voluntary contributions from certain Members. Many ofthese activities
arealsotheresult ofcloser collaboration with other international organizations andwith theWorld
Bank andregional development banks.
8. Many delegations made substantive suggestions onthe1997-1999 plan, both onform and
substance. Inthepresent document, theSecretariat hasendeavoured totake them intoaccount and
make thenecessary adjustments. Interms ofdetailed activities, both astotheir presentation andtheir
content, theThree-Year Plan hastobeanevolving document. Moreover, theneed fortheSecretariat
tomaintain thenecessary flexibility torespond tothetechnical assistance needs ofdeveloping countries
inatimely, appropriate andefficient manner hastobebuilt intotheplanning andexecution processes.
9. Intheprocessofpreparationsforthepresentdocument,acommunicationwassenttoDelegations
ofdeveloping-country Members inGeneva inviting them topresent requests fortechnical cooperation
activities for1998 by15October 1997. This target datewassetinterms oftheleadtime required in
theSecretariat forthetimely production andcirculation ofthepresent document; itdoes notimply
thatrequests presented afterwards willnotreceive adequate attention andresponse. Replies tothis
communication have been received from numerous delegations, some ofthem invery precise terms
for1998, some containing only indications ofareas ofinterest andpreferred modes ofdelivery (e.g.,
technical missions, general seminars, technical workshops, etc.). Thecapacity oftheSecretariat to
respond tothese requests isalways dependent ontheworkload required fortheservicing ofWTO bodies,
including Committees, working parties anddispute settlement panels, andother regular Geneva-based
Secretariat activities. Accordingly, theprocess ofinternal consultations within theSecretariat has
intensified toensure thetimely availability ofresources, both human andfinancial.
10. Anumber oftherequests presented inprecise terms, andanumber ofconcrete activities, already
foreseen for1998, arelisted inAnnex 1below. Anumber ofother requests require consultations with
thedelegation concerned inorder todefine, inmore specific terms, theactivities tobeundertaken.
TheSecretariat willmake allnecessary efforts, within itsexisting resources, tocover asmany aspossible
oftechnical cooperation needs.
11. Inlight oftheabove, thestructure ofthepresent document isdifferent from thestructure of
document WTO/COMTD/W/25. After thepresent introductory section, thePlan describes thebroad
lines ofaction fortheSecretariat 'stechnical cooperation activities ondifferent WTO subjects forthe
years 1998 and1999. Fortheyear2000, ageneral statement ofanindicative nature isincluded, outlining
likely priorities forthefuture. Annex 1contains alistofforeseen/planned activities for1998, and
Annex 2covers theWTO Trade Policy Courses held inGeneva.WT/COMTD/W/32
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12. Inresponse tocomments byMembers, Annex 1indicates, fortherelevant activities: (i)a
description oftheactivity with themodes ofdelivery tobeused; (ii)theorganizing entity; (iii)the
proposed source offunding, and(iv)theexecuting unitandhuman resource utilization. Moreover,
thisAnnex issplit intothree categories:
-1(A): events wholly organized andfinanced bytheWTO, either through theregular budget
fortechnical cooperation missions, orfrom trust funds established with voluntary
contributions andadministered bytheWTO;
-1(B): events organized jointly bytheWTO with other institutions, andevents organized and
financed byother institutions, where theWTO istoparticipate inamajor orsubstantive
role; and
-1(C): events where theWTO hasbeen invited toparticipate, among anumber ofother
institutions.
13. Apreliminary estimate ofthecostofthe1998 activities listed inAnnex 1(including 1(A),
1(B), and1(C)), based onthecosts incurred foractivities in1997, isintheorder ofatotal of4to
4.5million Swiss Francs. Outofthis, roughly SFs500,000 correspond totheWTO regular technical
cooperation missions budget (WTO staff travel). 3.5to4million Swiss Francs, which include
approximately 1to1.5million foractivities planned asaresult oftheHigh Level Meeting fortheLeast-
Developed Countries, would have tobecovered from WTO Trust Funds made upofextra-budgetary
voluntarycontributions.Theseactivitiesincluderegionaloneswherefinancingisprovidedforgovernment
participants. Thefigures quoted are,ofnecessity atthepresent point intime, rough calculations. It
should benoted thatthey arebased onactivities asthey could beplanned/foreseen inOctober 1997.
IntheSecretariat 'sexperience, many further requests willbeforthcoming throughout theyearof1998.
Therefore, areserve ofSFs241,000 hasbeen setaside from theWTO regular budget. Proposed source
offunding, ofanindicative nature, isalsoincluded inAnnex 1.Further consultations concerning extra-
budgetary resources would berequired insome cases. Consultations arealso required with the
governments ofsome ofthecountries indicated asvenues ofregional events, inorder toconfirm the
possibility oftheir hosting them.
14. Atpresent, thebalance available inextra-budgetary resources for1998 activities falls short
oftherequirements shown above. Therefore, adjustments may have tobemade inthePlan inthe
course oftheyear, through cutbacks in,orpostponements of,certain activities.
15. Asinthepast, many actors areinvolved ineach ofthe1998 events. TheWTO Secretariat
asawhole;thehostcountry;fundingresources;andthebeneficiarycountriesthemselves.Theinteraction
required among these actors isanimportant factor inthedetermination ofexact dates, coverage,
participation anddocumentation fortheparticular events.
16. Theglobal objective oftheSecretariat 'stechnical cooperation activities canbesummarized
inthefollowing broad lines:
- First, toenhance theimplementation ofthepriority placed byMembers onthe
integration oftheleast-developed countries intothemultilateral trading system, asa
means toassist them intheir development efforts, inparticular inthelight oftheresults
oftheHigh Level Meeting onanintegrated response fortrade-related technical
cooperation forthem;WT/COMTD/W/32
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- Second, tocontinue implementing assistance forthebetter understanding ofrights and
obligations ofdeveloping countries under theWTO Agreements, andfortheir improved
implementation, andtofacilitate participation inwork onnew issues;
- Third, tocontinue improving thecoordination andmanagement oftechnical cooperation
activities oftheSecretariat asawhole;
- Fourth, tomake increasing useofmore efficient andcost-effective modes ofdelivery,
such asregional activities; and
- Fifth, tomultiply theutilization ofinformation technology-based technical cooperation
andtraining tools.
Inthiscontext, thework oftheEconomic Research andAnalysis Division will also be
increasingly used toprovide theunderpinnings ofeconomic argument, tobeincluded intechnical
cooperation activities andtraining materials.
17. Thespecific aims inrelation toacertain number ofareas andsubjects aresetoutbelow for
1998 and1999. Fortheyear 2000, ageneral statement outlining likely priorities forthefuture is
included. Annex 1contains alistofforeseen/planned activities for1998, andAnnex 2covers theWTO
Trade Policy Courses held inGeneva.WT/COMTD/W/32
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1998
1. Agriculture andSPS Agreements
1.1 Agreement onAgriculture
Indocument WT/COMTD/W/25 itwasstated thatfor1998, thefocus oftheSecretariat 's
technicalassistanceactivitiesrelatedtotheAgreementonAgriculturewouldremainonassistingMembers
inimplementing their specific commitments intheareas ofmarket access, domestic support andexport
competition, andonbeing available fortechnical, legal andpolicy advise inthecontext ofanychanges
intrade-related agricultural policies onthepartofindividual Members.
Itisenvisagedtoprovidetargetedassistancebywayofmissionstothecapitalsof5to6Members
onademand-drivenbasis.In1998preferencewillbegiventorequestsfromAfricanandAsiancountries.
Inaddition, theSecretariat intends toorganize, orparticipate in,tworegional seminars ontherules
andcommitmentsinagriculture(oneinAfricaandoneinCentralandEasternEurope),withparticipation
from Members aswellasacceding countries. Atleast oneofthese regional seminars willbeconducted
incooperation with other international organizations, inparticular theWorld Bank and/or FAO. WTO
sponsorship oftheparticipation ofsome Members inthese seminars willberequired.
TheAnnex shows, inparticular, tworegional seminars ontheAgreement onAgriculture to
beorganized jointly with theWorld Bank, oneinSouthern Africa andthesecond inCentral orWest
Africa.
1.2 SPS Agreement
In1998, theSecretariat intends toprovide assistance intheform ofactivities more focused
onspecific national concerns. This willinvolve more individual country visits, with 5to6countries
targeted onademand-driven basis. In1998 preference willbegiven torequests from African andAsian
countries.
TheAnnex shows thatregional seminars onSPSmatters willbeorganized inIndonesia, Chile,
Vietnam, andSouth Pacific/Asia. These regional seminars willbecoupled with subsequent national
workshops intherespective host country. Private sector participation willbeencouraged.
TechnicalassistancewillcontinuetoincludeWTOsponsorshipofparticipationofWTOMembers
inriskanalysis courses byrelevant scientific bodies (CODEX, OIE, IPPC).
2. Market Access Issues
2.1 Tariff Schedules
In1998, theSecretariat willhave toprovide assistance toanumber ofdeveloping countries
(about 8to10)inconnection with thetransposition oftheir pre-Uruguay Round Schedules intothe
Harmonized System, including thechanges thathave taken place in1996 (HS96). While themain
attention willhave tofocus oncertain French-speaking African least-developed countries (seethesection
ontheleast-developed countries), requests forassistance inthisrespect may alsocome from afew
Asian countries.WT/COMTD/W/32
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2.2 Agreement onCustoms Valuation
Indocument WT/COMTD/W/25, itwasstated thatatotal of52developing countries have
made useofArticle 20oftheAgreement enabling them toinvoke a5year delay fortheapplication
oftheprovisions oftheAgreement, andthatfor28ofthose countries thetransition period ends at
theendof1999. TheSecretariat 'sactivities inthisareawillthushave tobeoriented towards assisting
these countries tobeadequately prepared forthefulfilment oftheir obligations bythatdeadline.
AprogrammeunderdiscussionwiththeInter-AmericanDevelopmentBankforesees,forinstance,
three sub-regional seminars intheLatin American andCaribbean region todealwith issues onWTO
schedules, customs valuation, rules oforigin andmarket access ingeneral. Under thearrangements
with APEC, around 9Asian countries have been receiving intensive technical training onvaluation
with thecooperation oftheWorld Customs Organization (WCO) intheperiod 1997/1998. Member
governments have alsobeen giving extensive assistance through theAPEC Secretariat.
Other activities tobeorganized oncustoms valuation include atwo-day workshop forMiddle
Eastern countries (possibly combined with theAsian workshop), andatwo-day workshop forEastern
andCentral European countries. Cooperation with theWCO willcontribute totheeffectiveness of
technical assistance activities.
3. Agreement onTextiles andClothing
Theprogress achieved, inaccordance with theprovisions oftheAgreement onTextiles and
Clothing, intheintegration process ofinternational trade inthese products tothemultilateral rules
means thatthissector willbeofincreasing interest todeveloping countries, including theleast-developed
among them. Since technical cooperation isademand-driven process, theSecretariat isnotyetina
position toprovide proposals forspecific technical cooperation missions. However, theSecretariat
stands ready inthisareatoorganize, upon request, fiveorsixregional orsub-regional seminars each
in1998 and1999, covering thethree broad regions ofdeveloping countries intheworld.
Technical assistance andcooperation atthenational level, both forGeneva-based delegations
andforcapital-based government officials, may alsobeundertaken.
4. Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade
In1998 and1999, technical cooperation under theAgreement needs tobeintensified and,
possibly, refocused inlight oftheresults oftheTBT Triennial Review inNovember 1997. Technical
cooperationactivitiesareconsideredbyMemberstobeimportant,asprovidedforintheTBTAgreement.
Inthiscontext, theSecretariat willcontinue toassist developing countries inparticipating more
actively inthepreparation ofinternational standards andinintroducing them domestically. Regional
andsub-regional seminars given bytheSecretariat willbecomplemented bycountry missions. Such
missions willalsobeusedtoidentify areas where institutional improvements could strengthen thequality
oflaboratory testing andconformity certification and,thus, improve conditions offoreign recognition,
soastohelp inreducing market access costs associated with multiple testing andcertification.
Throughout 1997, cooperation andcollaboration with other international organizations such
asISOandtheInternational Trade Center were intensified. This trend willcontinue in1998, ascan
beseen from theregional seminars jointly organized with those institutions and listed inAnnex 1.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 7
5. Rules Agreements
5.1 Regionalactivities.Anumberofactivitiesdevelopedwithregionalfinancialinstitutions,
such astheAsian Development Bank (ADB) andtheInter-American Development Bank (IADB) during
1996 and1997 have produced positive results anddemonstrated theusefulness ofinter-agency
cooperation. This collaboration istobecontinued in1998 and1999.
Theproject with theIADB forthese years includes, uptonow, four activities for1998 and
three for1999. Previous activities with Latin American andCaribbean countries have covered already
alarge amount ofgeneral issues. Moreover, asisthecase invarious Uruguay Round agreements,
theAgreement onSubsidies andCountervailing Measures foresees transitional periods fordeveloping
countries forthedismantling oftheir subsidy programs andthealigning oftheir subsidy regimes with
thedisciplines oftheagreement. Thus, animportant component ofassistance from 1998 onwards will
beonsubsidy disciplines. Activities willalsoconcentrate oncalculations ofanti-dumping andsubsidy
margins, andtheconcept ofinjury.
Theproject with theADB for1998 includes anexporter 'sworkshop onanti-dumping, plus
seminars onsubsidy disciplines andontrade remedies andcompetition.
5.2 Country Specific Workshops: Asstated indocument WT/COMTD/25, thisprogramme
provides theopportunity ofamore specialized assistance toMembers. Theissues tobedealt with in
each workshop arecoordinated with thegovernment agencies receiving theassistance andarecustom
tailored totheir specific needs. Requests pending from 1997 willbeattended toin1998 andin1999.
Sixcountry specific workshops areplanned for1998 andasimilar number willtake place in1999.
Details for1998 canbefound inAnnex 1.
5.3 Other Assistance: Assistance onthepreparation andreview ofdraft legislations and
regulations oncontingent trade remedies isalsoavailable toMembers. This isdone strictly upon request
bytheMember desiring toadopt implementing legislation. [Since thistype ofassistance isstrictly
request-driven itisdifficult toforesee thenumber ofthistypes ofprogrammes tobeconducted inthe
next twoyears.]
5.4 Seminars onRules: Inorder toincrease andenhance theparticipation ofdeveloping
countries intheactivities ofthedifferent committees oftherules agreements (Anti-Dumping, Subsidies
andCountervail,andSafeguards),andtoimprovetheirresponsetotheirvariousnotificationobligations,
theSecretariat willcontinue itsassistance intheform ofregional seminars intheareaofWTO rules.
Atthispoint, twoseminars onrules areplanned, oneinKorea for25developing countries, aspart
oftheKorean training programme fordeveloping countries, andoneforNorth African countries, in
response torequests made byMorocco andTunisia. Details forthese activities canbefound inAnnex
1.
5.5 Accession Related Missions: TheSecretariat envisions tocontinue itsassistance to
acceding countries. Thepurpose ofthisassistance istoclarify therights andobligations intherules
areathattheacceding country acquires upon accession totheWTO. Itisdifficult toestimate thenumber
ofmissions inthisareatobecarried outsince thisisdone strictly attherequest oftheWorking Party
onAccession oftheparticular country ortheacceding country itself.
6. Agreement onTrade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights
Aspointed outindocument WT/COMTD/W/25, theyears 1998 and1999 arecrucial forthe
preparation bydeveloping countries oftheir implementation oftheTRIPs Agreement, given thattheir
transition period ends intheyear 2000.WT/COMTD/W/32
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Thefocus oftheSecretariat 'stechnical cooperation activities specifically inrelation toTRIPS
willcontinue tobealong three main lines: first, toassist Members intheunderstanding oftherights
andobligations which flow from theTRIPS Agreement, andintheassessment oftheamendments that
may beneeded totheir national legislation, theadaptations ininstitutions thatmay becalled forand
other requirements forwhich they would need toplan; second, toassist Members toparticipate fully
intheoperation oftheTRIPS Council, including tomeet their procedural obligations under the
Agreement, andtheother mechanisms oftheWTO related toTRIPS matters; andthird, toensure
complementarity andcooperation with other intergovernmental organizations, inparticular WIPO. The
main modes ofsupply areinformation andadvice given toMembers inGeneva, seminars andworkshops
fordeveloping countries and, toalesser extent, NGO conferences.
Thepriority attached toassistance toleast-developed countries, andtheresults oftheHigh
Level Meeting ontheLeast-Developed Countries held attheWTO on27and28October 1997, are
reflected inthenumber ofactivities organized forthem in1998. Inparticular, ascanbeseen inAnnex
1,three regional seminars ontheTRIPS Agreement willbeorganized in1998 fortheleast-developed
countries, oneforAfrican English-speaking LDCs, oneforAfrican French-speaking LDCs, andone
forLDCs outside theAfrican region.
Furthermore,theSecretariatwillparticipate,in1998,inmorethantwentyinternational,regional
andnational seminars andworkshops organized byother institutions (e.g. WIPO).
7. General Agreement onTrade inServices
Onconclusion ofthenegotiations onfinancial services inDecember 1997, theSecretariat stands
ready toassist developing countries inimplementing their commitments. Assistance may begranted
either intheform ofcountry missions or,toaccelerate thedissemination process andreduce costs,
intheform ofregional seminars. Such seminars aretofocus onMembers with similar technical and
institutional conditions. Toensure effective planning, itisnecessary thatpotential hostcountries indicate
their interest well inadvance.
Inaddition, theSecretariat intends tocontinue itscurrent activities toenhance developing
countries 'participation intheGATS andfamiliarize government officials andsectoral experts with
relevant provisions. Particular emphasis istobeplaced onrules currently under negotiation -including
forsafeguards, government procurement andsubsidies aswell aslicensing andcertification of
professional services -andanyother issues ofinterest todeveloping countries.
Thirdly, theSecretariat envisages intensifying itsservices-related assistance toacceding
countries. This isfrom twoperspectives: first, tosupport these countries inproviding information
ontheir current services regime and,second, tofacilitate their preparation ofschedules ofcommitments.
8. Trade andEnvironment
Asindicated indocument WT/COMTD/W/25, thetrade andenvironment debate which istaking
place intheCommittee onTrade andEnvironment (CTE), andintheinternational community atlarge,
involves abroad range ofdifferent, andoften complex, issues. Some ofthese issues areofdirect
relevance todeveloping countries. They include: (1)thetransparency oftrade-related environmental
measures, andtheeffects ofthese measures onthemarket access opportunities ofdeveloping countries;
(2)theexport ofgoods thatareprohibited domestically foreither health orenvironmental reasons;
(3)theuseoftrade sanctions inmultilateral environmental agreements (such astheMontreal Protocol
onSubstancesthatDepletetheOzoneLayer)toencouragecompliance,andtheGATT/WTOcompatibility
ofthese sanctions; etc.WT/COMTD/W/32
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Inlight ofthis, theSecretariat willdevelop andorganize, upon request andsubject tothe
availability ofappropriate funding, aprogramme ofregional andsubregional seminars forgovernment
officials ofdeveloping countries (trade aswellasenvironment officials), withtheobjective ofexplaining
andpresenting thedifferent issues involved. Details ofthepossible programming ofthese seminars,
inAsia, English-speaking Africa, French-speaking Africa, Latin America, theCaribbean andtheMiddle
East, canbefound inAnnex 1.Whereas allefforts would beundertaken tocomplete thisprogramme
during 1998, unforeseen circumstances related toprogramming, organization andlogistics, might make
itnecessary forittobedeveloped over thetwoyears of1998 and1999.
9. Integrated Technical Assistance Programme forSelected Least-Developed andOther African
Countries
AnIntegrated Programme ofTechnical Assistance forSelected Least-Developed andOther
African Countries waslaunched inearly 1996 bytheWTO incollaboration with UNCTAD andthe
International Trade Centre. Thespecific objective oftheprogramme istoassist least-developed and
other African countries intheexpansion anddiversification oftheir trade andimprove their integration
intothemultilateral trading system.
Areas where WTO isexpected tomake contributions forcountry projects inBenin, Burkina
Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania andUganda, andwhere activities willbeorganized in
1998 are:
- providing lecturers fortraining oftrainers 'courses;
- contribute totheestablishment ofNational Reference Centres onthemultilateral trading
system (aCentre where documentation andinformation willbereadily available to
thepublic, business andacademic communities inthecountry concerned);
- carry-out workshops toincrease knowledge andunderstanding oftheUruguay Round
Agreements;
- legal drafting orredrafting oflegislations tocomply with WTO Agreements, and
assistance onnotifications procedures andobligations;
- assistance toCustoms Administrations; and
- studies ontheimpact ofWTO Agreements onindividual LDCs economies.
10. Least-Developed Countries
Theconclusions oftheHigh-Level Meeting forLeast-Developed Countries held on27and
28October 1997 inpursuance oftheSingapore Ministerial Declaration hasagreed onprojects and
activities tobeimplemented over the1998 and1999 period. Some activities thatmayalready beforeseen
for1998 have been included inAnnex 1.Other activities agreed upon shall beintroduced atthe
appropriate time.
11. Accessions
In1998, asignificant number ofcountries, including some important economies, aregoing
tobeinanaccelerated phase oftheir accession processes. With anacceleration ofthese processes,
theSecretariat willbedevoting agreat deal ofattention toproviding technical assistance tothose
countriesinspecificareaswherenegotiationsarefocused.Theseincludebothsystemicissuesandbilateral
market access issues. Examples ofsuch countries inthiscategory would beRussia, Ukraine, Saudi
Arabia, Croatia andJordan.
Also in1998, theSecretariat would need toprovide technical assistance tosome other countries
whose governments require assistance inorder toaccelerate andconclude their accessions. TheseWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 10
countriesincludeVietnam,Nepal,Sudan,Cambodia,Uzbekistan,Algeria,Moldova,Kazakstan,Kyrgyz
Republic, Georgia, Oman, Seychelles, Tonga andVanuatu.
12. Dispute Settlement
12.1 SpecialTrainingCoursesonDisputeSettlementProcedureswillcontinuetobeorganized
bytheSecretariat atWTO Headquarters. Two ofthese courses areforeseen for1998. Onrequest,
these courses may alsobeorganized inthefield, onanational basis.
Inviewofthehighdemandforregistrationinthesecourses,theSecretariatenvisagestoorganize,
upon request andsubject totheavailability ofappropriate funding, aprogramme ofregional and
subregional workshops forthetraining ofgovernment officials ofdeveloping countries ondispute
settlement procedures andpractices. Details ofthepossible programming ofthese seminars, inthe
three regions ofthedeveloping world, canbefound inAnnex 1.This programme istobedeveloped
over thetwoyears of1998 and1999. Aspecial component ondispute settlement andthewayitconnects
together alloftheWTO agreements isalsotobeincluded intheactivities specifically directed atthe
least-developed countries.
12.2 Specializedlegalassistancewillcontinuetobeprovidedtodevelopingandleast-developed
countries, inpursuance oftheprovisions ofArticle 27:2 oftheUnderstanding onRules andProcedures
fortheSettlement ofDisputes.
13. Other issues
13.1 Investment, Competition Policy, andGovernment Procurement
Paragraph 22oftheSingapore Ministerial Declaration states thatthetechnical cooperation
programme oftheSecretariat willbeavailable todeveloping andinparticular least-developed country
members tofacilitate their participation inthenew groups ontherelationship between trade and
investment, theinteraction between trade andcompetition policy, andtransparency ingovernment
procurement.
TheSecretariat 'stechnical cooperation programme istherefore ready tocover increasingly
thesematters,theobjectivebeingtoprovideinformationthatwillfacilitatetheparticipationofdeveloping
andleast-developed countries inthework. Given thelimits ontheSecretariat 'sown resources,
cooperation with other intergovernmental organizations, inparticular UNCTAD, isunderway and
recourse isalsomade totheuseofoutside experts. Thefocus isnotonly ongovernment officials
from capitals, through symposia, butalsoonGeneva-based delegations, through events intheGeneva
area.
a) Investment. Asdetailed inAnnex 1,in1998 WTO plans tojointly organize with
UNCTAD three symposia oninvestment forGeneva-based delegations andtworegional
seminars. TheSecretariat plans toparticipate alsoinseminars wholly organized by
UNCTAD attheregional andnational levels, andinsixother regional ornational
seminars oninvestment organized byother institutions.
b) Competition policy. Two symposia forGeneva-based delegates andthree regional
seminarsareplannedtobejointlyorganizedwithotherinter-governmentalorganizations.
TheSecretariat alsoplans toparticipate inconferences, seminars andother events on
competition policy organized byother institutions.WT/COMTD/W/32
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c) Government procurement. TheSecretariat plans toparticipate inanumber ofevents,
including regional seminars, conferences etc., ongovernment procurement organized
byother institutions.
13.2 Notifications Procedures andObligations
The Secretariat will continue togive attention andrespond torequests forassistance on
notificationsproceduresandobligations.In1998,oneworkshopwillbeorganizedinGenevaforGeneva-
based delegations. Moreover, amodule onthese issues hasbeen used, andwillcontinue tobeused,
intensively inseminars andworkshops ontheWTO held atthenational, sub-regional andregional
levels.
TheHandbook onNotifications Procedures andObligations, issued in1996, willcontinue to
beconstantly updated anddisseminated aswidely aspossible among interested Member governments.
14. Activities carried outusing information technology tools
Information technology isincreasingly being incorporated intotechnical cooperation activities,
inordertodevelopnewandmoreefficientandcost-effectivedeliveryinstruments.Theprojectsdescribed
below cover theperiod 1998-2000.
14.1 TheIntegrated Data Base forPersonal Computers
On16July1997, theGeneral Council decided, inter-alia ,thattheSecretariat "...shall, upon
request, provide technical assistance toMembers inrelation tothesubmission ofthedata required
fortheIntegrated Data Base forPersonal Computers." Inpursuance thereof, theSecretariat intends
toestablishatechnicalassistanceprogrammeforthePCIDB,covering:-thedevelopmentofPCsoftware
forsubmission preparation; -participation inWTO seminars toprovide training; conducting PCIDB
workshops tailored toregional and/or national requirements; -establishment ofcontacts inmissions
andnational capitals; and-collaboration withother international organizations andregional secretariats
forfollow-up.
Inearly1998,nationalfact-findingandcooperationmissionstoanumberofdevelopingcountries
ineach region, aswell assome countries intransition, would beenvisaged. These activities would
target theofficers responsible forthecollection ofcustoms tariff data andimport statistics, andthe
intention would betoidentify needs tobegin with. General information onIDB requirements would
bepresented, andcontacts with national representatives forfurther follow-up andcollection ofdata
would beestablished, forimplementation, ifpossible, onaregional basis.
Based ontheabove, workshops would bedesigned for1998 and1999, inwhich theStatistics
andInformation Systems Division would participate. Where possible anduseful, these could alsobe
arranged inconjunction with other WTO seminars orworkshops.
14.2 Distance-learning
a) TheTrade andDevelopment Web-Site
Development andstrengthening oftheWTO/World Bank Trade andDevelopment Web-Site
willcontinue during 1998. This would include thesetting upofWTO reference centres, providing
internet linkages andtraining onWeb Sites foranumber ofcountries asafollow-up activity after the
LDC High Level Meeting.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 12
b) CD-ROMs
TheTechnical Cooperation andTraining Division hasprepared aprototype ofacomputer-based
package thatwillbeused asatoolfortechnical cooperation inelectronic form. Thefirstpackage covers
theresults oftheUruguay Round andtheWTO Agreements andcanbeused tointroduce theWorld
Trade Organization inthesame manner asthrough ageneral seminar (4to5dayseminar). Thepackage
consists ofasetofmodules thateach correspond toatwo/three hour seminar lecture. Each module
isorganized insections andunits. Theunitisthebasic, self-contained component ofthepackage. The
user willalsobeinaposition toreview thematerial using theso-called Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) approach.
This package willbemade available indiskettes andCD-ROMs, andadraft version isalready
operational intheWTO website (http://www.wto.org/eol/e/default.htm) andintheWTO/World Bank
Trade andDevelopment website (http://www.itd.org/eol/e/default.htm).
Specialized self-training packages canalsobedeveloped inthesame format, onspecific subjects
andindividual WTO Agreements.
c) Video-conferencing
Video-conference isapowerful toolthatcanbeused forinteraction between headquarters-based
WTO experts andcapital-based government officials andother interested institutions/individuals.
Forinstance, through theInternet, theavailability oftheWTO training package intheWTO
website referred toabove, provides theuserinthefield withtheopportunity ofinteracting withGeneva-
based experts either through electronic mail or,subject totheavailability ofadequate hardware and
software, onaone-to-one basis inrealtime.
Video-conferencing through direct high quality video links canbeused foradvisory missions
without leaving headquarters, andforcomplementing from Geneva mission teams which arealready
inthefield. This modality could, inthelonger term, alsoallow theorganization ofevents ataregional
level, without theneed foranyoftheparticipants toleave their home countries, oranyoftheexperts
totravel from Geneva. Asurvey ofexisting andplanned video-conferencing capacities around theworld
would have tobedone, andasmall meeting room attheSecretariat would have tobeprepared with
theappropriate equipment. Work willbegin in1998.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 13
1999
1. Agriculture andSPS Agreements
1.1 Agreement onAgriculture
In1999, theSecretariat will continue toassist Members inimplementing their specific
commitments under theAgreement onAgriculture andtoprovide advice inthecontext ofanychanges
intrade-related agricultural policies onthepartofindividual Members. Theapproach willbedemand-
driven. 5to6country missions areenvisaged, with preference being given torequests from Africa
andLatin America. Two regional workshops, focusing onthemultilateral rules affecting trade in
agricultural products andthework oftheCommittee onAgriculture arealsoforeseen (one inAfrica
andoneintheCentral American/Caribbean region), with participation ofboth Members andacceding
countries. Sponsorship ofWTO participation ofsome Members inthese seminars willberequired.
1.2 SPS Agreement
In1999, theSecretariat intends tocontinue thesecond phase oftechnical SPSAgreement related
assistance, i.e.assistance focusing onspecific national concerns. Itisagain envisaged totarget 5to
6countries onademand-driven basis. Preference willbegiven torequests from African andCaribbean
Basin (including Central American) countries. Inaddition, tworegional workshops areenvisaged (one
inCentral andEastern Europe andoneinAfrica), with participation from Members aswellasacceding
countries. These regional workshops will becoupled with asubsequent national workshop inthe
respective host country. Participation oftheprivate sector willbeencouraged.
Technical assistance should alsoinclude WTO sponsorship ofparticipation ofWTO Members
inriskanalysis courses byrelevant scientific bodies (CODEX, OIE, IPPC).
2. Market Access Issues
2.1 Tariff Schedules
Assistance willcontinue tobenecessary foranumber ofdeveloping countries intheAfrican,
Asia Pacific andCaribbean area inconnection with thetransposition oftheir pre-Uruguay Round
Schedules intotheHarmonized System and, inparticular, with theintroduction oftheHS96 changes.
Most likely theneed forsuch assistance willbeinthesame range asfor1998.
2.2 Agreement onCustoms Valuation
Foranother 25developing countries thedelay period fortheapplication oftheprovisions of
theAgreement willexpire inthecourse oftheyear 2000 orearly 2001. Similar arrangements asin
1998 willhave tobemade onaregional andindividual basis forthose countries toassist them. In
1999, inparticular during thefirstsixmonths, provision willhave tobemade fordeveloping countries
who request assistance, inorder toprepare them totheextent possible forthelegal andpractical
implementation oftheAgreement.
2.3 Agreement onRules ofOrigin
Under theharmonization work programme fornon-preferential Rules ofOrigin, adeadline
ofJuly 1998 isforeseen fortheconclusion ofthiswork. Ifthatdeadline canbemetitwillbecome
necessary toassist alarge number ofdeveloping countries indrawing uptherequired national provisionsWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 14
andmaking other necessary arrangements toenable them toimplement thenewAnnex totheAgreement
onRules ofOrigin.
3. Agreement onTextiles andClothing
Theactivities described for1998 would becontinued.
4. Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade
Theactivities described for1998 would becontinued.
5. Rules
Theactivities described for1998 willbecontinued.
6. Agreement onTrade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights
Thefocus oftheSecretariat 'stechnical cooperation activities specifically inrelation toTRIPS
willcontinue tobealong three main lines: first, toassist Members intheunderstanding oftherights
andobligations which flow from theTRIPS Agreement, andintheassessment oftheamendments that
may beneeded totheir national legislation, theadaptations ininstitutions thatmay becalled forand
other requirements forwhich they would need toplan; second, toassist Members toparticipate fully
intheoperation oftheTRIPS Council, including tomeet their procedural obligations under the
Agreement, andtheother mechanisms oftheWTO related toTRIPS matters; andthird, toensure
complementarity andcooperation withother intergovernmental organizations, inparticular WIPO. The
main modes ofsupply areinformation andadvice given toMembers inGeneva, seminars andworkshops
fordeveloping countries and, toalesser extent, NGO conferences.
7. General Agreement onTrade inServices
Technical cooperation activities in1999 will focus onequipping developing countries to
participate more effectively inthenext round ofcomprehensive services negotiations, duetobegin
nolater than theyear 2000. Thescope ofthese activities isdelineated byArticle XIX:3 oftheGATS
which requires thatforeach round negotiating guidelines andprocedures beestablished. These are
tospecify "modalities forthetreatment ofliberalization undertaken autonomously byMembers since
previous negotiations, aswellasforthespecial treatment forleast-developed country Members under
theprovisions ofparagraph 3ofArticle IV".
TheCouncil forTrade inServices, initsreport inpreparation forthe1996 Singapore Ministerial
Meeting, undertook todevelop aninformation exchange programme. Theaimis"tofacilitate theaccess
ofallMembers, inparticular developing country Members, toinformation regarding laws, regulations,
administrative guidelines andpolicies affecting trade inservices inorder tocontribute totheassessment
oftrade inservices which would assist future negotiations intheservices sector".
TheSecretariat willassist developing countries inthree areas:
a. Theinformation exchange programme.
b. Assessment oftrade inservices inoverall terms andonasectoral basis.
c. Establishment ofnegotiating guidelines andprocedures.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 15
8. Integrated Technical Assistance Programme forSelected Least-Developed andOther African
Countries
Programmes described under 1998 willbecontinued in1999. These should cover thefollowing
activities: seminars, technical andspecialized workshops, legal drafting orredrafting ofnational
legislation, andassistance toimprove export base andcompetitiveness ofenterprises.
9. Trade andEnvironment
Seesection in1998
10. Least-Developed Countries
Theactivities described for1998 willbecontinued.
11. Accessions
Atthispoint intime, itisalready quite clear thatagreat dealofthework foreseen for1998
willspilloverintothetechnical assistance activities in1999. Itisexpected that1999 willbeaparticularly
busy period intheaccessions area andthedemands fortechnical cooperation willbeeven higher as
most acceding governments trytobecome members oftheWTO before theturn ofthecentury.
Additionally,by1999theSecretariatexpectstobeservicingnewrequestsforaccessionfromgovernments
whom itisknown arepresently considering thisquestion.
12. Dispute Settlement
12.1 SpecialTrainingCoursesonDisputeSettlementProcedureswillcontinuetobeorganized
bytheSecretariat atWTO Headquarters. Two ofthese courses areforeseen for1999. Onrequest,
these courses may alsobeorganized inthefield.
Work willalsocontinue in1999 under theprogramme ofregional andsubregional workshops
forthetraining ofgovernment officials indispute settlement procedures andpractices.
12.2 Specializedlegalassistancewillcontinuetobeprovidedtodevelopingandleast-developed
countries, inpursuance ofArticle 27:2 oftheUnderstanding onRules andProcedures fortheSettlement
ofDisputes.
13. Other Issues
13.1 Investment, Competition Policy, andGovernment Procurement
TheSingapore Declaration calls fortheGeneral Council totakedecisions attheendof1998
onhow thework intheareas oftrade andinvestment andtrade andcompetition policy willbecarried
forward.Itcanbeexpectedthatthedevelopmentoftheworkontransparencyingovernmentprocurement
willalsobereviewed bytheGeneral Council atthattime. Secretariat technical cooperation activities
inthese areas in1999 and2000 willdepend inlarge partonthese decisions oftheGeneral Council.
13.2 Notifications Procedures andObligations
The Secretariat will continue togive attention andrespond torequests forassistance on
notifications procedures andobligations.
14. Activities carried outusing information technology tools
Seesection on1998.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 16
2000
Technical cooperation activities arecontinuously evolving. They have toadapt constantly, inter
alia, totheneeds oftherecipient countries, tothestage ofimplementation oftheWTO Agreements
and toanyfurther developments inthemultilateral trading system.
Whereas some oftheactivities listed under various items in1998 and1999 willcontinue into
theyear 2000, some further considerations have tobetaken intoaccount
Technical cooperation needs intheyear 2000 willlikely bedetermined, among many other
considerations, ontwospecific factors: first, theexpiration, forsome developing countries, ofthe
transition periods forthefullimplementation ofsome oftheagreements; andsecond, theprocesses
ofreviews andpossible negotiations tobeinitiated inaccordance with the"built-in" agenda oftheFinal
ActoftheUruguay Round including, inter alia,theprogressive liberalization oftrade inservices and
thecontinuation oftheprocess ofreform ininternational trade inagriculture.
These aresome ofthereflections thattheSecretariat willhave totakeintoaccount inthefuture
drawing upofitsprogramme fortechnical cooperation activities intheyear 2000.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 17
ANNEX 1
PROGRAMME OFTECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
1998
Explanatory Notes
1. Thetables inAnnex 1present detailed information ontechnical cooperation activities asthey
areplanned/foreseen for1998. This information issubject tocontinuous adjustments inthe
light ofdevelopments such asconfirmation ofspecific dates, new requests fortechnical
cooperation activities, andthepossibility ofcancellation orreformulation ofothers.
2. TheTable contains thefollowing columns:
- Thefirst column isaconsecutive number foreach activity;
- Thesecond column contains planned dates, country, andtype ofactivity;
- Thethird column indicates theorganizing institution;
- Thefourth column indicates proposed source offunding from WTO administered funds,
with thefollowing indications:
WTO/TC. WTO Budget allocation forTechnical Cooperation Missions (WTO
staff travel).
Norway Funds. Avoluntary, extra-budgetary contribution oftheGovernment of
Norwaytocovertechnicalcooperationactivitieswithleast-developedcountriesprimarily,
andother African countries south oftheSahara.
ECTrade Remedies Funds. Avoluntary, extra-budgetary contribution oftheEuropean
Commission fortechnical cooperation activities inthearea oftrade remedies.
New Zealand Funds. Avoluntary, extra-budgetary contribution oftheGovernment
ofNew Zealand, fortraining andtechnical cooperation activities with small Pacific
island countries.
Netherlands Funds. Avoluntary, extra-budgetary contribution from theGovernment
ofThe Netherlands fortechnical cooperation activities with developing countries,
including least-developed, andeconomies intransition.
- Thefifth column contains indications of"other funding" available forWTO technical
cooperation activities.
- The sixth column shows theSecretariat Division(s) mainly concerned with the
corresponding activity;
- Thefinal column contains comments, asappropriate.
3. Anumber ofexpressions andabbreviations areused throughout theTable. Thefollowing is
abrief explanation ofthem:WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 18
Integrated Programme. WTO/UNCTAD/ITC Integrated Technical Assistance Programme forSelected
Least-Developed andOther African Countries.
This isaProgramme jointly developed bythethree organizations andadopted inMay 1996,
inresponse totheurgent needs ofleast-developed andother African countries andtocalls for
improved coordination andcooperation among international organizations. Countries covered
are:Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia andUganda.
IDB: Islamic Development Bank
IADB: Inter-American Development Bank
ADB: Asian Development Bank
IICA: Inter-American Institute forCooperation inAgriculture
ITC: International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO
TCTD Technical Cooperation andTraining Division
AgD Agriculture andCommodities Division
RD Rules Division
IPID Intellectual Property andInvestment Division
AccD Accessions Division
LegD Legal Affairs Division
MAcc Market Access Division
ERAD Economic Research andAnalysis Division
TSD Trade inServices Division
TED Trade andEnvironment Division
DD Development Division
TextD Textiles Division
4. Annex 1issplit intothree categories:
-1(A): events wholly organized andfinanced bytheWTO, either through theregular budget
fortechnical cooperation missions, orfrom trust funds established withvoluntary contributions
andadministered bytheWTO;
-1(B): events organized jointly bytheWTO with other institutions, andevents organized and
financed byother institutions, where theWTO istoparticipate inamajor orsubstantive role;
and
-1(C): events where theWTO hasbeen invited toparticipate, among anumber ofother
institutions.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 19ANNEX 1A
ACTIVITIES FULLY ORGANIZED BYWTO
Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
1 15-18/01/1998 South Pacific/Asia Regional SPS
Seminar 6-8countriesWTO/CODEX/
OIE/IPPCNetherlands
FundsAgD Funding tofinance participation of
WTO expert.
2 27-29/01/1998 Mauritius National seminar on
AgricultureWTO Norway
FundsAgD LegD
3 26-30/01/1998 Haiti Technical Mission on
Implemen tation(ScheduleXXVI-
State ofRegulation)WTO Norway
FundsTCTD
MAccInformatics equipment might alsobe
installed inthismission.
4 02-05/02/1998 Pakistan Workshop onHS96 and
Tariff SchedulesWTO WTO/TC MAcc
5 02-06/02/1998 Thailand AD/CVD Investigations
WorkshopWTO WTO/TC RD
6 10-13/02/1998 Colombia Regional Andean
CommunitySeminaron
Anti-Dumping, Subsidies and
CountervailingDutiesand
SafeguardsWTO with Host
Gov.Netherlands
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsFour invited countries: Bolivia,
Ecuador, Peru andVenezuela.
7 16-19/02/1998 Indonesia Regional Seminar on
Dispute Settlement Procedures
andPracticesWTO Netherlands
FundsLegD 22invited countries -2participants
percountry.
8 18-19/02/1998 Costa Rica National Seminar on
TBTWTO WTO/TC TCTD
TEDFunding tofinance participation of
WTO expert.
9 23-26/02/1998 GuatemalaRegionalWorkshopon
WTO Schedulescustoms
Valuation Rules ofOrigin and
Agriculture productsWTO Inter American
Dev. Bank
(IADB)TCTD
MAcc8participating countries: Mexico,
Costa Rica, Honduras, ElSalvador,
Nicaragua, Belize, Panama.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 20Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
10 01-05/03/1998 Asian countries Trade Remedies
and Competition Seminar for
Asian developing countriesWTO Asian Dev.
BankRD ADB Program.
11 10-13/03/1998 Bolivia National Seminar on
WTO andMultilateral Trading
SystemWTO WTO/TC TCTD
LegDFunding tofinance participation of
WTO expert.
12 16-19/03/1988 Turkey AD/CVD Investigations
WorkshopWTO ECFund RD ECsuggestion, Turkey hasindicated
their interest.
13 30/03-
03/04/1998Guatemala Subsidies Disciplines
Seminar forCentral American
CountriesWTO Inter American
Dev. Bank
(IADB)RD IADB Program: 8invited countries.
14 03-06/04/1998 Middle East Regional Workshop
onCustoms ValuationWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
MAccThis workshop could possibly be
combined with certain countries in
Asia. 4participants (Member) and3
observers.
15 18-22/04/1998 Brazil Workshop on WTO
Schedules customs Valuation
Rules ofOrigin andAgriculture
productsWTO Inter American
Dev. Bank
(IADB)TCTD
MAcc10invited countries -3participants
percountry.
16 20-25/04/1998 Senegal Technical mission onthe
Agreement onCustoms ValuationWTO WTO/TC TCTD
MAcc
17 21-30/04/1998 Guatemala National Seminar on
WTO and Multilateral Trading
SystemWTO WTO/TC TCTD
18 04-08/05/1998 Pacific Seminar ontheTRIPS
Agreements forLDCs outside
AfricaWTO Norway
FundsTCTD
IPID2participants from some 14
countries, thetotal ofsome 30
participants.
19 18-21/05/1998 Jamaica orTrinidad &Tobago
Workshop onWTO Schedules
Customs Valuation Rules of
Origin andemphasis ontextilesWTO Inter American
Dev. Bank
(IADB)TCTD
MAcc13invited countries.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 21Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
20 21-25/09/1998 Guatemala National Training
Course onDispute SettlementWTO WTO/TC TCTD
LegD
21 January 1998 China AD/CVD Workshop WTO WTO/TC RD
22 Jan-Feb 1998 TunisiaAD/CVDImplemen tation
MissionWTO WTO/TC RD
23 Jan-Feb 1998 AsiancountriesSubsidies
Disciplines Seminar forAsian
developing countriesWTO WTO/TC Asian Dev.
BankRD ADB Program.
24 February
1998Dubai Training Course onTrade
Negotiations SkillsWTO WTO/TC TCTD
25 February
1998Djibouti Regional Seminar for
French-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
26 February
1998Guinea Bissau National Seminar
andInformatics InstallmentWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
Divisions
27 February
1998Djibouti National Seminar on
ServicesWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
(Back-to-back with Regional)
28 February
1998Indonesia Regional Seminar on
Trade andEnvironment forAsian
countriesWTO Netherlands
FundsTCTD
TED18invited countries.
29 March 1998 BulgariaWorkshopon
Notifications RequirementWTO WTO/TC TexD
30 March 1998 Côte d'Ivoire Regional Seminar
onTrade and Environment for
French-speakingAfrican
countriesWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
TED22invited countries.
31 March 1998 Chad National Seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
(Notifications and installment of
informatics equipment).WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 22Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
32 March 1998 Central African Republic Needs
Assessment Mission and
National SeminarWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Back-to-back with Chad.
33 March 1998 Cyprus General Seminar onWTO
andUruguay Round agreementsWTO WTO/TC Anumber
of
Divisions
34 March 1998 Mongolia Technical mission on
HS, Tariff Schedules and
Notification RequirementsWTO WTO/TC TCTD
MAcc
35 March-April
1998Bangladesh Regional Seminar for
Asia/Pacific LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
36 April 1998 Guinea National seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
37 April 1998 Mali Technical Mission on
ImplementationWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
38 April-May
1998Tanzania Regional Seminar for
African English-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting
39 May 1998 Haiti National Seminar on
Textiles andServicesWTO Norway
FundsTSD TexD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting
40 May 1998 Eastern Europe Workshop on
Customs ValuationWTO TCTD
MAcc6participants (Members) and 13
observers.
41 May 1998 Mediterraneancountries
Specialized regional seminar on
textilesforselected
Mediterran eancountries(Algeria,
Malta, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia,
Morocco)WTO Netherlands
FundsTCTD
TexDWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 23Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
42 May-June
1998Bolivia Workshop onTextiles,
Rules ofOrigin andSafeguardsWTO WTO/TC TCTD
TexD RD
43 June 1998 Morocco Regional WTO Rules
SeminarWTO WTO/TC RD
44 August 1998 Argentina AD/CVD Calculations
Workshop forLatin American
CountriesWTO IADB RD IADB Program.
45 August 1998 Colombia AD Investigations
National WorkshopWTO WTO/TC RD
46 August 1998 Thailand Advanced Taining
Course onDispute Settlement
(five days)WTO with Host
Gov.WTO/TC Governmt of
ThailandLegD Costs ofparticipation ofWTO
expert tobeshared bytheWTO and
theGovernment ofThailand.
47 Sept.1998 Bolivia GATS Workshop WTO WTO/TC TCTD TSD
48 Oct.1998 Niger Short Trade Policy Course
forFrench-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting
forLDCs.
49 Oct.1998 Djibouti Regional Trade Policy
Seminar for IGAD Member
CountriesWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
50 Nov.1998 LatinAmericaRegional
Workshop onInjury
Determination (AD/CVD/SG)WTO IADB RD IADB Program.
51 Nov.1998 Zimbabwe Regional Seminar on
Trade and Environment for
English-speakingAfrican
countriesWTO Norway
Funds or
Netherlands
FundsTCTD
TED18invited countries.
52 Dec.1998 Asian countries Workshop on
Anti-Dumping forexportersWTO WTO/TC Asian Dev.
BankRD ADB Program
53 First Semester Africa Regional seminar onthe
TRIPSAgreementfor
English-speaking African LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD
IPID2participants from some 11
countries, thetotal ofsome 25
participants.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 24Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
54 First Semester Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar on
WTO MultilateralTrading
System forAsia-Pacific CountriesWTO New
Zealand
FundsTCTD
55 First Semester Bolivia National Workshop on
TRIPS,Investmentand
Competition PolicyWTO WTO/TC TCTD
IPID
56 First Semester UDEACRegionalSeminar
(Union des Etats del'Afrique
Centrale) onTrade PolicyWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
57 First Semester Guatemala National Seminar on
theAgreements onAgriculture
SPSandTBTWTO WTO/TC TCTD and
other
Divisions
58 First Semester Jamaica Regional Seminar on
Trade and Environment for
Caribbean CountriesWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
TED13invited countries.
59 First Semester Kazakhstan National seminar on
WTO andthemultilateral trading
systemWTO WTO/TC TCTD
60 First Semester Kenya AD/CVD Legislation WTO IMF RD Third mission for legislation
implementation.
61 First Semester Latvia Accession WTO Netherlands
FundsAccD
MAccToassist inpreparation ofschedules
onmarket access ingoods and
services.
62 First Semester Netherlands Antilles Regional
Seminar onWTO Multilateral
Trading SystemWTO Netherlands
FundsTCTD
63 First Semester Oman Mission onAccession WTO WTO/TC AccD Consultations onnext phase of
accession process.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 25Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
64 First Semester SADC Training ofTrainers inthe
SADC regionWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
Divisions
as
appropriateFunding modalities for national
participants tobediscussed.
65 First Semester SolomonIslandsNationalseminar WTO New
Zealand
FundsTCTD In conjunction with Regional
seminar forAsia-Pacific countries.
66 First Semester Uganda Trade Policy Course for
English-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
67 First Semester Tonga National seminar WTO New
Zealand
FundsTCTD In conjunction with Regional
seminar forAsia-Pacific countries.
68 First Semester Turkey Regional Seminar on
WTO MultilateralTrading
System forBlack SeaEconomic
Cooperation CouncilWTO Netherlands
FundsTCTD
69 First Semester Vanuatu Mission onAccession WTO WTO/TC AccD
MAccToassist inpreparation ofreplies to
questions andontheinitial market
access offers ingoods andservices.
70 First Semester Viet Nam Seminar onServices WTO WTO/TC TSD
71 First Semester Viet Nam SPSRegional Seminar WTO Tobe
determinedAgD
72 Second
Semester3Regional Workshops Activities
will beproposed bytheSISD
(statistical training)WTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
SISD
73 Second
SemesterMadagascarIndianOcean
Commission Regional Trade
Policy SeminarWTO Tobe
determinedTCTDWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 26Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
74 Second
SemesterAfrica Regional seminar onthe
TRIPSAgreementfor
French-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD
IPID2participants from 21countries, the
total ofsome 42participants.
75 Second
SemesterBulgaria Seminar onAgreement
inAgriculture, SPSandTBTWTO WTO/TC TCTD and
other
Divisions
76 Second
SemesterChile Regional Seminar onTrade
and Environment for Latin
AmericaWTO Netherlands
FundsTCTD
TED17invited countries.
77 Second
SemesterGuatemala National Seminar on
CustomsValuation&
Notifications RequirementsWTO WTO/TC TCTD and
other
Divisions
78 Second
SemesterMozambique National seminar WTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
79 Second
SemesterPakistan Workshop on SPS
Measures andTBTWTO WTO/TC AgD TED
80 Second
SemesterSenegal National Seminar WTO WTO/TC TCTD and
other
Divisions
81 Second
SemesterSouthern Africa Workshop on
Dispute SettlementTobe
determinedLegD
82 Second
SemesterSouthAmericaSubsidies
Disciplines Seminar forSouth
American countriesWTO Inter American
Dev. Bank
(IADB)RD IADB Program.
83 Second
SemesterTurkey Regional Seminar on
Trade and Environment for
Middle East countriesWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD
TED7invited countries.
84 Short Trade Policy course for
English-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 27Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
85 Africa Regional Seminar for
English-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD
and/or
Specialized
DivisionsFollow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
86 Africa Regional Seminar for
French-speaking LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
87 Asia Regional Seminar forAsian
andPacific LDCsWTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
88 Nepal National Seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
89 Vanuatu National Seminar WTO New
Zealand
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
90 Zambia National seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD Follow-up toHigh-Level Meeting.
91 Malawi National Seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD
92 Papua New Guinea Technical
MissionforInformatics
InstallmentWTO Norway
FundsTCTD and
other
DivisionsWT/COMTD/W/32
Page 28ANNEX 1B
ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED JOINTLY WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS
Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
1 12-30/01/1998 Singapore Regional Training
Course fordeveloping countriesWTO with Gov.
ofSingaporeWTO/TC Gov. of
SingaporeVarious
DivisionsOrganized bytheGovernment of
Singapore andtheWTO with the
financial suport for participants
from developingcountries.
Estimated cost isforparticipating
WTO staff/lecturers corresponding
toWTO/TC.
2 10-12/02/1998 Africa Regional seminar on
competition policyWTO andother
IGOsTobe
determinedIPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers. Some
40participants from 20countries.
3 15/03/1998 Geneva First Symposium on
competitionpolicyfor
Geneva-based delegatesWTO UNCTAD
World BankUNCTAD
World BankIPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers.
4 05-09/04/1998 Uruguay Regional workshop on
Dispute Settlement forFTAA
Working Group onDispute
SettlementWTO WTO/TC LegD Costs limited toparticipation of
WTO expert.
5 01-20/06/1998 United States Joint WTO/OAS
Technical Regional Assistance
Project (English speaking)OAS WTO Tobe
determinedOAS Various
DivisionsWTO fundinglimitedto
participation ofWTO experts. This
will befollowed byasimilar
seminar forSpanish speaking 4th
week ofJune andfirsttwoweeks of
July.
6 22/06-
17/07/1998United States Joint WTO/OAS
Technical Regional Assistance
Project (Spanish-speaking)OAS WTO Tobe
determinedOAS Various
DivisionsWTO fundinglimitedto
participation ofWTO experts.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 29Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
7 15/07/1998 Geneva Second Symposium on
competitionpolicyfor
Geneva-based delegatesWTO UNCTAD
World BankNetherlands
FundsUNCTAD
World BankIPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers.
8 01-02/11/1998 Geneva area Third Symposium
onInvestment forGeneva-based
delegatesWTO UNCTAD Netherlands
FundsUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andUNCTAD.
9 08-28/11/1998 Korea, Rep. ofTraining Course
fordeveloping countriesWTO with Gov.
ofKoreaGov. ofKorea TCTD and
other
DivisionsNocosttoWTO.
10 January 1998 Democratic Republic ofCongo
Needs assessment andNational
Seminar forLDCsWTO Tobe
determinedTCTD Needs assessment with ITC and
possibly Business Guide.
11 February
1998Southern Africa WTO/WB
Regional Seminar on the
agriculture agreement andother
implementation matters, and
regional integrationWTO World
BankNorway
FundsWorld Bank AgD DD WTO fundingtofinance
participants andWTO experts. Ten
totwelve countries with cost of
their participation shared between
WTO andtheWorld Bank.
12 March 1998 Egypt Joint Regional TBT
Seminar forArab countriesISO/ITC/WTO WTO/TC TED Cost limited toparticipation of
WTO expert.
13 April 1998 Guatemala OAS Seminar on
Standardsandthe
ImplementationofTBT
AgreementforCentral
American countriesOrg. of
American StatesNetherlands
FundsTED
14 April 1998 Qatar Symposium onrole of
private sector ininternational
tradeWTO ITC WTO/TC TCTD Cost limited toparticipation of
WTO expert.
15 May 1998 Geneva area First Symposium
onInvestment orGeneva-based
delegatesWTO UNCTAD Netherlands
FundsUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andUNCTAD.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 30Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
16 May-June
1998Chile SPSRegional Seminar Gov. ofChile
FAO World
BankWTO/TC Gov.of Chile
FAO World
BankAgD Cost toWTO only forparticipation
ofWTO experts.
17 May-June
1998Korea, Rep. ofTraining Course
fordeveloping countriesWTO with Host
Gov.Gov. ofKorea TCTD and
other
DivisionsNocosttoWTO.
18 June-July
1998Central/EastAfricaWTO /World
Bank Regional Seminar for
French-speakingcountries
mainly ontheAgreement on
Agriculture onimplementation
mattersWTO World
BankNorway
FundsWorld Bank TCTD AgD WTO fundingtofinance
participants andWTO experts.
19 July 1998 Japan Joint Regional TBT
Seminar for Eastern Asian
developing countriesISO/ITC/WTO WTO/TC TED Cost limited toparticipation of
WTO expert.
20 September
1998Tunisia Joint Regional TBT
Seminar forAfrican French-
speaking countriesISO/ITC/WTO Norway
FundsTED Funding tofinance participants
from LDCs, WTO expert andone
outside consultant.
21 First Semester Asia Regional Seminar on
InvestmentWTO UNCTAD Netherlands
FundsUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andUNCTAD.
22 First Semester Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte
d'Ivoire,Ghana,Kenya,
Tanzania, Uganda Anumber of
activities under theIntegrated
Programme are foreseen for
seven countriesWTO UNCTAD
ITCTobe
determinedTCTD and
other
DivisionsIntegratedProgramme
(WTO/UNCTAD/ITC)
23 First Semester Burundi National Seminar WTO Norway
FundsTCTD Needs assessment with ITC and
possibly Business Guide.
24 First Semester Geneva areaSecond Symposium
onInvestment forGeneva-based
delegatesWTO UNCTAD Netherlands
FundsUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andUNCTAD.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 31Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
25 First Semester LatinAmericaRegionalSeminar
onInvestmentWTO UNCTAD Netherlands
FundsUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andUNCTAD.
26 First Semester Tunisia Seminar onCustoms
IssuesWTO UNCTAD
ITCTobe
determinedTCTD and
other
DivisionsIntegrated Africa Programme.
27 First Semester Tunisia Seminar onTextiles WTO UNCTAD
ITCTobe
determinedTCTD and
other
DivisionsIntegrated Africa Programme.
28 Second
SemesterCôte d'Ivoire Regional seminar
onTariff issues inparticular
Article XXVIII andHarmonized
systemWTO World
BankTobe
determinedTCTD
29 Second
SemesterAfrica Regional Seminar on
InvestmentWTO UNCTAD Tobe
determinedUNCTAD IPID Costs tobeshared between WTO
andUNCTAD.
30 Second
SemesterAsia Regional seminar on
competition policyWTO andother
IGOsTobe
determinedOther IGOs IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers. Some
40participants from 20countries.
31 Second
SemesterLatin America Regional seminar
oncompetition policyWTO andother
IGOsTobe
determinedOther IGOs IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers. Some
40participants from 20countries.
32 Second
SemesterAfrica Regional Seminar on
Competition PolicyWTO andother
IGOsTobe
determinedOther IGOs IPID Costs tobeshared equally between
WTO andother organizers.
33 Second
SemesterTunisia Seminar onTRIPS WTO UNCTAD
ITCTobe
determinedTCTD and
other
DivisionsIntegrated Africa Programme.
34 Second
SemesterTunisia Seminar onWTO Rules WTO UNCTAD
ITCTobe
determinedTCTD and
other
DivisionsIntegrated Africa Programme.
35 VariousBusinessGuide
Seminars with ITCITC ITC TCTD NocosttoWTO.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 32Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
36 WTO/World Bank project on
Information Technology for
DevelopmentWTO World
BankNorway
Funds and
Netherlands
FundsTCTD
IMRDThis would include thesetting-up of
WTO reference centers, providing
Internet linkages, CD-ROMs and
training onWEB sites for 12
countries asafollow-up activity
after theLDC High-Level Meeting.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 33ANNEX 1C
ACTIVITIES TOWHICH WTO ISINVITED TOPARTICIPATE,
AMONG OTHER PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
1 29-30/03/1998 Abu Dhabi Symposium oneffects
ofglobalization andinternational
worldtradeliberalization
agreements on small/medium
industries inArab countriesGov. ofUAE
Abu Dhabi
Chamber of
Commerce
Islamic Dev.
Bank andother
regional
institutionsWTO/TC Organizers ERAD WTO funding limited tofinance
participation ofWTO expert.
2 01-05/04/1998 South Africa Commonwealth
RegionalWorkshopon
Implementation ofthe TRIPS
AgreementCommonwealth
Sec.Commonwealth
Sec.TCTD
LegD IPIDNocosttoWTO.
3 28/04-
02/05/1998Kenya Commonwealth Workshop
onTRIPS and theMultilateral
Trading SystemCommonwealth
Sec.WTO/TC IPID WTO funding limited tofinance
participation ofWTO expert.
4 First Semester Regional Seminar onInvestment UNCTAD Tobe
determinedUNCTAD IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.
5 Second
SemesterRegional Seminar onInvestment UNCTAD Tobe
determinedUNCTAD IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.
6 3RegionalSeminarson
Government ProcurementIGOs and/or
national gov.WTO/TC IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.
7 6conferences, seminars, symposia
onCompetition PolicyWTO WTO/TC IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.
8 6conferences, seminars, symposia
onGovernment ProcurementWTO/TC IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 34Technical Cooperation Missions Organized By Funding Other Funding Execution Comments
9 6Regional orNational Seminars
onInvestmentWTO/TC IPID WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO expert.
10 Round Tables forapproximately 6
LDCsUNDP WTO/TC TCTD DD WTO funding limited tofinance
participation ofWTO expert(s).
11 UNDP Capacity Building in
Africa Project. Participation in3
workshopsUNDP WTO/TC TCTD WTO costs limited toparticipation
ofWTO experts.WT/COMTD/W/32
Page 35
ANNEX 2
WTO TRADE POLICY COURSES HELD INGENEVA
Objectives for1998
WTO Training activities aimtoassist recipient countries intheir understanding andimplementation of
agreed international trade rules andtocontribute towards human resource development, through theorganization
oftrade policy courses inGeneva forofficials from developing countries (regular courses) andeconomies in
transition (special courses).
• Regular Trade Policy Courses fordeveloping countries
These courses aimtowiden theparticipating officials 'understanding ofthemultilateral trading system
andinternational trade law, andoftheactivities, scope andstructure oftheWTO, inorder toallow them to
improve theeffectiveness oftheir work intheir ownadministrations. TheCourses areintended forgovernment
officials from WTO Members aswellasnon-members whoareinvolved intheformulation andimplementation
oftrade policy.
• Special Courses foreconomies intransition
Special courses have been organized since 1991 forgovernment officials from economies intransition
tofacilitate theconsolidation ofthese countries 'economic reform andtheir effective participation intheworld
trading system.
Work programme for1998
UptofiveTrade Policy courses willbeplanned, organized andimplemented in1998. Three Regular
Courses ofatwelve-week duration willbeheld, oneinSpanish, from 12January to3April andtheothers in
English, from 27April to17Julyandfrom 14September to4December 1998, andtwenty-four WTO fellowships
willbeavailable foreach Course. Thethird regular Trade Policy Course isinresponse tosuggestions thatways
andmeans beidentified toexpand WTO training opportunities fordeveloping countries.
Two Special Courses willbeheld which willbefinanced through financial contributions byindividual
governments; participation islimited toofficials from thecountries expressly invited. Theprogramme ofthe
Courses consists oflectures complemented bypractical work.
Plan for1999 and2000
Atthisstage, itisnotpossible togive aprecise picture ofwhat canbeoffered interms ofTrade Policy
Courses inGeneva. FortheRegular Trade Policy Courses, there willbethree regular courses each year.
WithrespecttotheSpecialCoursesforofficialsfromeconomiesintransition,thecorrespondingfinancial
decisions bytheSwiss andUSGovernments arenormally taken each year.