RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/COMTD/W/62
6 May 1999
(99-1841)
Committee on Trade and Development
Twenty-fifth Session
REPORT ON TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING 1998
Note by the Secretariat
Table of Contents
     Page No.
I. OVERVIEW OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES 4
II. TECHNICAL COOPERATION: SUBJECTS COVERED 7
A. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT 7
PROJECT AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OFWTO REFERENCE CENTRES
B. NOTIFICATIONS 8
C. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 8
D. CUSTOMS VALUATION 9
E. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 9
F. BILATERAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND 10
BRIEFING SESSIONS
G. ACCESSION 11
H. TRADE POLICY REVIEW (TPR) 11
I. PROVISION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION 11
J. THE WTO – A TRAINING PACKAGE 11
III. HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON INTEGRATED INITIATIVES FOR 12
LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES' TRADE DEVELOPMENT:
INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR TRADE-RELATED
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
A. NATIONAL SEMINARS 13
B. REGIONAL SEMINARS 13
C. SHORT TERM TRADE POLICY COURSES 14
D. TECHNICAL MISSIONS 14
E. ESTABLISHING MODERN DATA PROCESSING FACILITIES 14F. JOINT INTEGRATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME 14WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 2
IV. REGIONAL/NATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND SPECIALLY  14
FUNDED  PROJECTS
A. AFRICA 15
(a) Technical Cooperation for Africa in the Multilateral 15
Trading System
(b) Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme in  16
Selected Least-Developed and Other African Countries
B. ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 18
C. LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 18
D. EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPEAN AND CENTRAL 20
ASIAN COUNTRIES
E. MIDDLE EAST 20
V. TRADE POLICY COURSES 21
VI. AN ASSESSMENT OF WTO's TECHNICAL COOPERATION 24
VII. BUDGETARY ASPECTS 25
ATTACHMENT I The Information Technologies for Development (ITD) 27
ATTACHMENT II JITAP Progress Report 30ATTACHMENT III TABLES – TECHNICAL COOPERATION 49
ACTIVITIES IN 1998WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
The number of WTO technical cooperation and training activities carried out in 1998 (299)
underwent again an unprecedented increase over 1997 (31 per cent).  These activities took place in
125 countries and covered most WTO Members, countries and territories in accession, countries thathave expressed an interest in joining the WTO and nearly all least-developed countries whether
Member of the WTO or not. The increase in number of activities compared to previous years has
largely been made possible through extra-budgetary contributions through individual Trust Funds, but
with minimal increases in staff. In addition to funds that were already provided in 1996 and 1997, new
contributions were received in 1998 thus facilitating the broadening and deepening of technical
assistance provided.  At present, extra-budgetary contributions constitute over eighty percent of total
funding of all technical cooperation activities. Some of the extra-budgetary funds provided by donorshave been exhausted or are near completion, and without having clear indications as to their renewal,
this obviously raises the question of sustainability of the level of activity reached in terms of financial
support.
Since the establishment of the WTO, the Secretariat has prepared various documents
pertaining to designing, planning, monitoring and evaluating technical cooperation activities. These
include:
(a) The guidelines for technical cooperation, adopted in October 1996;
(b) The implementation modalities, adopted in November 1997;(c) The WTO Programme for Technical Cooperation (WT/COMTD/W/32/Rev.1 and
WT/COMTD/W/48), generally referred to as the three-year plan;
(d) The Manual on Technical Cooperation and Training, published in 1998.
Moreover, in 1998 discussions at the Committee on Trade and Development particularly
focussed on modalities for evaluating technical cooperation in the WTO.  The Secretariat made
various proposals to conduct such evaluation, which eventually met the approval of the Committee (2
March 1999).  As of July 1999, the Secretariat will start using questionnaires with the specific
purpose of evaluating technical cooperation and will produce a first evaluation report on this basis in
early Spring of the year 2000.
The present report contains a limited assessment of the WTO's technical cooperation
activities. In general, it can be said that while respecting the demand-driven approach, a geographical
balance is maintained in the delivery of assistance and priority given to least-developed countries and
to low-income economies. WTO's technical assistance has covered a very broad and diverse range of
countries, including Members and non-Members and a very broad range of trade-related topics, which
have been addressed in a general and/or specific way, depending on the requirements of thebeneficiary countries.
In this report on technical cooperation (1998), Chapter II provides a broad overview of all
technical cooperation activities, their characteristics and regional distribution; Chapter III focuses on
the follow-up to the High-Level Meeting on Integrated Initiatives for Least-Developed Countries;Chapter IV elaborates further on regional/national activities and programmes, including their funding;
and Chapter V covers the Trade Policy Courses, and Chapter VI addresses the issue of Assessment of
Technical Cooperation.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 4
I. OVERVIEW OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES1
The WTO Programme for Technical Cooperation (WT/COMTD/W/48), generally referred to
as the three-year plan, contains a list of activities to be carried out in the period 1999-2001. The
previous version (WT/COMTD/W/32/Rev.1) was submitted to the Committee in Autumn 1997 andincluded activities for 1998. It provides the basis for TC activities.  Last year, nearly eighty per cent of
all activities contained in the three-year plan were  executed in 1998, the remaining twenty per cent of
activities were carried over to 1999.  At the same time, they represented only one third of all technical
cooperation activities carried out by the WTO.
The vast majority of all activities conducted, i.e. two-thirds of all activities, were not included
in the plan. This could be explained by the fact that this was the first year of operation of the three-year plan and many requests for assistance were made and carried out on short notice in 1998.  The
contribution of the three-year plan to enhancing the efficiency in delivering technical assistance is
expected to further improve in future.
During the year 1998, a total of 308 technical cooperation activities have been organized,
which involved most Divisions in the WTO. This compares with 227 activities in 1997, amounting to
an increase of some 36 per cent. These activities were held in 126 Members, 98 of which were WTO
Members, 19 in the process accession, while the remaining 9 countries were either observer or had
expressed interest in joining the WTO.  Out of the 126 Members where technical assistance activities
were held, the large majority were developing countries, 34 were least-developed.
2 
The average duration of an activity is 3.5 days, bringing the total number of days associated
with WTO's technical cooperation activities to 1,070 days in 1998, up from 222 in 1994. This increase
of nearly five hundred percent represents a major activity for the WTO staff involved in the delivery
of technical assistance.
Of all activities carried out, almost half (46.8 per cent) were fully organized by the WTO, less
than twenty per cent (19.4%) of all activities we re jointly organized between the WTO and other
organizations and in one third of all activities, the WTO was invited to participate in activities held by
other bodies/organizations. This report covers all activities where the WTO had a direct or indirect
involvement.
Table I gives a regional breakdown of activities and shows that major efforts were directed
towards assisting African countries, which benefitted from almost one third of all activities (93) in
1998 (an increase of more than 40 per cent over 1997).  Activities in other regions also increased with
62 held in Asia and the Pacific, 57 held in Europe, 70 in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 26 in
the Middle East.
                                                     
1Full details on all technical cooperatio n activities are provided in the Annex.
2The WTO currently counts 29 Members that are recognized as least-developed countries.  A total of
48 countries are recognised as least-developed following the UN definition.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 5
Table I
Technical Cooperation Activities by Region
Region 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total
Africa 20 43 66 93 222
Asia/Pacific 20 28 53 62 163
Europe 17 16 32 57 122
North3/Latin America
and the Caribbean16 26 58 70 170
Middle East 6 11 18 26 61
Total 79 124 227 308 738
Growth Rates
Periods
Region1996/95 1997/96 1998/97
Africa 115% 53% 41%
Asia/Pacific 40% 89% 17%
Europe -6% 100% 78%
North3/Latin America and the
Caribbean62% 123% 21%
Middle East 83% 64% 44%
Total 57% 83.% 36%
Total activities: 308
Activities having a reference code in the 3-year Plan 112
Activities not having a reference code in the 3-year plan 196
Activities fully organized by WTO 140
Activities organized by WTO and other institutions 58
Activities where WTO was invited 110
Activities in the 3-year Plan but not executed 58
With respect to the modes of delivery or types of activity covered by the WTO, Table II
shows that the majority of activities in 1998 consisted of participation in or contribution to technicalcooperation workshops and conferences (106), technical missions (90), regional seminars (71) and
national seminars (41).  Compared to 1997, the number of workshops and conferences in which the
Secretariat participated increased moderately.  These result from the need to assess the implications of
the Agreements on a national level in a broader and sometimes more specific way.  As seen in Part IV
of the Annex, the topics of the workshops, conferences, round tables, training courses are wide-
ranging and generally deal in-depth with specific issues. The workshops in particular can be
characterized by a 'hands-on' approach,  with officials being trained and/or familiarised with theintricacies of a specific agreement.  Also, the expertise of the WTO Secretariat in specific fields has
increasingly been solicited in activities organized by other bodies. The number of technical missions
increased from 55 in 1997 to 90 in 1998, partly reflecting an increased demand for specific assistance,
as a result of the establishment of WTO Reference Centres in least-developed and Developing
Countries.  Details on this programme are provided below.
                                                     
3 Refers to activities for developing countries held in North America.WT/COMTD/W/62
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Since many of the technical cooperation activities took place at the sub-regional or regional
level, WTO activities registered as having taken place in one particular country in fact covered
participants from a number of countries e.g.  APEC, ASEAN, CARICOM, ALADI, SADC, thus
broadening the number of beneficiary countries of such assistance. Several countries benefited from
more than one activity.
Table II
Technical Cooperation Activities by Mode of Supply4
Type of Activity Area
YearAfrica Asia/
PacificEurope Latin/
North America
and CaribbeanMiddle East Total
National Seminars 1995
1996199719987
1313
77
47
108
1477
1016134
14433
294441
Total 40 28 20 46 13 147
Regional Seminars 1995
1996199719983
7
14178
7
13191
2456
8
16220
23818
265071
Total 41 47 12 52 13 165
Technical Missions 1995
19961997199810
9
21443
5
12200
1882
19
121
35616
195590
Total 84 40 17 24 15 180
Workshops,Conferences,Symposia, TrainingCourses1995
1996199719980
1418252
1221138
1216371
7
17231
56812
5078
106
Total 57 48 73 48 20 246
All Activities 1995
19961997199820
43669320
285362 17
16325716
2658706
11182679
124227308
Total 222 163 222 170 61 738
Technical cooperation activities in Africa were mainly delivered in the form of technical
missions (44), workshops and conferences (25), regional seminars (17) and national seminars (7).
The increase in the number of technical missions (from 21 in 1997) can be explained by the
implementation of the Integrated Programme for Africa (cf Chapter IV), which became operational in
the summer of 1998 and during which technical expertise was provided in specific areas for purposes
of institutional and human capacity building.  The increase is also explained by the programme of
                                                     
4In some cases, several technical cooperation activities were jointly organized during one mission.  The
total number of activities therefore does not necessarily correspond to the number of missions carried out ineach region.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 7
establishing WTO Reference Centres in least-developed Countries, the majority of which are in
Africa.
In Asia and the Pacific the total number of activities increased to 62 from 53 in 1997; with
most of the technical cooperation delivered through regional seminars (19) and technical missions(20). WTO's participation in workshops and conferences decreased from 21 to 13. Also, a total of ten
national seminars were held.  In North/Latin America and the Caribbean, a total of 70 activities were
carried out, up from 58, mostly consisting of workshops and conferences (23), regional seminars (22),
technical missions (12) and national seminars (13).  Of the 26 activities held in the Middle East, most
consisted of workshops and conferences (8), regional seminars (8) and technical missions (6). In
Europe, technical cooperation activities were organized in the form of workshops, conferences,
symposia, training courses (37), most of which actually took place at the WTO headquarters inGeneva.
It would thus appear that while the mode of delivery can vary among regions, each region
continued to be covered by a variety of activities.
II. TECHNICAL COOPERATION:  SUBJECTS COVERED
A. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF WTO REFERENCE CENTRES
The World Trade Organization and the World Bank have initiated a project that uses
information technologies to better enable decision-makers in developing countries to understand and
to make use of the rules and mechanisms of the WTO for the benefit of their countries.  The project
will enable developing country decision-makers to:
- have permanent on-line access to electronic training, education and information tools
conceived specifically for them;
- maintain an on-going, electronic contact with the WTO so they can keep abreast of
new developments (e.g., telecommunications agreement) and be informed specifically
on their importance for their country or region.
Detailed information on the Information Technologi es Project is provided in the Annex to this
document .
The WTO Reference Centres' programme originally started as a component of the WTO-
UNCTAD-ITC Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme (JITAP)
5 to provide enhanced
technical assistance to the countries visited by the Director-General of the WTO and the Executive
Director of the ITC in January 1996.  Later in April 1996, the JITAP was jointly launched at Midrand
(South Africa) by the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC, and covered eight countries.  Following the
conclusion of the High-Level Meeting on Integrated Initiatives for Least-Developed Countries' trade
development in October 1997,  WTO Reference Centres have expanded to cover forty-two countriesas at end December 1998.
The emphasis on least-developed Countries in the programme implies that Africa, the
continent which of all counts for the largest number of LDCs, is the major beneficiary of WTO
Reference Centres. All African least-developed country Members and observers, with the exceptionof Sierra Leone (because of political instability), have been covered by the WTO Reference Centre
                                                     
5 The JITAP programme was developed by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO to help selected least developed
and other countries in Africa participate more effectively in the evolving multilateral trading system and tobenefit therefrom.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 8
programme.  The regional distribution consists of thirty-one WTO Reference Centres in Africa, seven
in Asia, two in the Pacific and one each in the Middle East and the Americas.
In recognition of the difficulties faced by Small Island Developing WTO Members, attention
is increasingly focused on these countries during 1999.  The establishment of WTO Reference Centresand training to be provided to officials of Small Island Developing Countries on accessing the wealth
of information on the WTO Web site, together with WTO's expanded technical cooperation activities
aim at helping increase exports of these countries and diversify their sources of imports.  Twenty-two
Small Island Developing Countries are scheduled to be covered by the programme in 1999.
B. NOTIFICATIONS
In the Singapore Ministerial Declaration, Ministers noted, inter alia , that compliance with
notification requirements had not been fully satisfactory.  This was explained by difficulties many
developing country Members were encountering with the expanded notification obligations contained
in the WTO Agreements.  Because the WTO system relies on reverse monitoring as a means to
improve transparency and assess implementation, Members which had not submitted notifications in atimely manner, or whose notifications were not complete, were invited to do so.
In order to raise awareness on Members' notification obligations, the Secretariat almost
systematically includes a module on notification requirements in national as well as in regional
seminars.  Upon request, the Secretariat organized technical missions to assist Members in complyingwith their notification obligations.  In addition, this area was regularly covered in the assistance
provided to Geneva-based delegations.
C. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
In accordance with Article 27.3 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the
Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the Technical Cooperation Division, jointly with the Legal Affairs
Division, organized the Eleventh and Twelfth Sp ecial Training Courses on Dispute Settlement
Procedures and Practices.  These courses were held from 10 - 13 February 1998 and from 6 - 9
October 1998, respectively.  The objective of these courses was to enhance the understanding of
officials from developed and developing country Members as well as acceding countries of the WTO
Dispute Settlement Understanding, so as to enable them to advise their governments effectively on all
matters relating to the implementation and application of the WTO Agreement.  The programme for
both courses included a general presentation on the GATT/WTO system, followed by detailed
presentations on the dispute settlement procedures and practices.  The courses also contained an
important practical component requiring active involvement and interaction from the participants,
through case studies and simulated panel exercises.  A total of 75 participants took part in thesecourses.  In view of the high demand of these courses, the Secretariat has increased the number held
in Geneva from two to three.
As was foreseen in last year's report, the Secretariat with the financial assistance of donor
governments, held a number of regional and sub-regional workshops on dispute settlement proceduresand practices for government officials from developing countries.  Four such courses were held last
year; the first for Asian Developing Countries was held on 16 -20 February 1998 in Bali, Indonesia;
the second for African English-speaking countries on 9 -12 June 1998 in Windhoek, Namibia,  the
third for Latin American countries on 29 June - 2 Ju ly 1998 in Caracas, Venezuela, and the fourth was
held for Caribbean countries on 9-12 December 1999 in Barbados.   It is intended to hold similarcourses this year for Pacific-island countries, Middle-Eastern Countries, Central and Eastern
European, Central Asian and Mediterranean countries and French-speaking African countries.
During 1998, developing countries were actively involved in the dispute settlement process,
both as complainants and as respondents.  Pursuant to the provisions of Article 27.2 of the DSU,
several developing countries sought the assistance of the Secretariat in a variety of legal matters andWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 9
situations.  Assistance which was provided included advising countries on their legal rights and
obligations under the WTO Agreement; assessing a Member's initiating action under any of the
covered agreements, undertaking legal research and providing comments on submissions prepared by
a Members' lawyers.
D. CUSTOMS VALUATION
In view of the upcoming expiry of transition periods for the implementation of certain aspects
of the Agreement on Customs Valuation,  the WTO and its Members seek to assist countries in their
adjustment efforts through technical cooperation.
The WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation provides several special and differential
treatment provisions for developing countries in Article 20 and Annex III of the Agreement.  In
particular, Article 20.1 of the Agreement envisages the possibility for a developing country Member
to delay implementing the Agreement for a period not exceeding five years.  This period of time is to
be used by the Member to make the transition to the Customs Valuation Agreement.  In addition,
Article 20.3 provides that "developed country Members furnish, on mutually agreed terms, technicalassistance to developing country Members that so request.  On this basis, developed country Members
shall draw up programmes of technical assistance which may include, inter alia, training of personnel,
assistance in preparing implementation measures, access to sources of information regarding customs
valuation methodology, and advice on the application of the provisions of the Agreement".  Some
fifty-three developing country Members have invoked the delay period which will expire within thefollowing one to two years.  For this reason, the Committee agreed to engage more actively in the area
of technical assistance.
It was agreed that technical assistance should be tailored to the specific needs of the Member
concerned.  Identification of those needs was assisted by a questionnaire, the responses to which  havehelped in the establishment by the Secretariat of a Programme of Technical Assistance, which began
in August 1998 and which has already benefitted several Members.   In addition, some developed
country Members informed the Committee of the technical assistance activities they had conducted or
were conducting.  Some delegations pointed out the benefit of developing a framework for trade
facilitation that would ensure coherent cooperation between relevant international organizations in the
field of technical assistance and capacity building.   In this connection, the Committee agreed that the
responses to the questionnaire (G/VAL/W/24/Rev.1) should be forwarded by a senior WTO official toother international organizations in order to draw th eir attention to the needs identified in developing
country Members with respect to this Agreement and its implementation.   Such a letter, it was felt,
would serve to better coordinate the efforts of all the organizations and to avoid duplication in any of
the technical assistance provided.
E. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The general technical cooperation and training activities of the WTO Secretariat described in
this note usually cover intellectual property.  In addition, the Secretariat has provided assistance
specifically in relation to the TRIPS Agreement.  Much of the this has been provided through
international, regional and national seminars devoted in whole or in large part to the TRIPS
Agreement or to a specific aspect of the Agreemen t.  Cooperation with WIPO has been a key feature
in this area, based on the Cooperation Agreement between the two Organizations.  For example, in
1988 the Secretariat participated in 12 seminars organized by WIPO outside Geneva and in many
WIPO training activities in Geneva.  Similarly, WIPO provided speakers to two seminars organized
by the WTO outside Geneva, and contributed to the WTO training activities in Geneva.  The WTO
Secretariat and WIPO organized a Joint Symposium on "The Process of Implementation of the TRIPS
Agreement" in Geneva in September 1998.  In addition, the Secretariat cooperated with a number of
other intergovernmental organizations, including the European Patent Office, UNCTAD and the
World Bank.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 10
In July 1998, WIPO and the WTO launched a Joint Initiative on Technical Cooperation to
assist developing countries to meet their commitments under the TRIPS Agreement by the year 2000,
which builds on the existing cooperation betw een the two Organizations and their existing
programmes in this connection.  Under the Joint Initiative, the two Organizations have committedthemselves to use available resources to provide, on request, assistance to enable developing country
Members of the WTO to comply with obligations  under the TRIPS Agreement within the applicable
time limits.  By the end of 1998, some 30 developing country Members had expressed interest in
taking advantage of the Joint Initiative.  The Secretariat and the International Bureau of WIPO have
examined the specific requests that have been received in detail and agreed upon appropriate follow-
up action.  In most cases, the International Bureau of WIPO has taken the lead by integrating these
requests into its programmes of assistance to each of the countries for 1999, and the WTO Secretariatis contributing to these activities of WIPO to the extent that its limited human resources permit.  In a
number of other instances, assistance is provided through joint events, and in the remaining instances,
the WTO Secretariat has taken the lead.
As part of the follow-up to the High-Level Meeting on Integrated Initiatives for Least-
Developed Countries' Trade Development, the WTO Secretariat organized, in cooperation with the
Governments of Australia and New Zealand, a seminar on the TRIPS Agreement for officials from
least-developed and certain other developing countries from the Asia/Pacific region in Sydney,
Australia in April.  Officials from least-developed countries have also participated in many of the
activities referred to above.
In addition, it should be recalled that a large part of the work of Secretariat officials dealing
with intellectual property matters has been concerned with providing information in response to
questions put to them by representatives of Member governments in Geneva and capitals.  Such
advice and information has also been given to officials from acceding countries.
6
F. BILATERAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND BRIEFING SESSIONS
An annual briefing session for newly arrived delegates of Members and Observers is
organized regularly in the Autumn of each year.
Briefing sessions for Geneva-based delegations and visiting officials of least developed
countries, developing countries, economies in transition and countries in the process of accession are
organized on a regular basis.  These briefings are provided either to individual delegations and
officials or in the form of briefing sessions for several delegations.  They constitute a very important
aspect of technical assistance and address specific concerns of individual or groups of countries.
On an ongoing basis the Secretariat provides bilateral technical assistance to Members.  This
mainly consists of assisting Members and acceding countries by providing information and guidance
upon their request on any area covered by WTO Agreements.  Such assistance can be provided in
meetings between WTO staff members and delegations, through e-mail, in writing or by telephone/fax
communication.
                                                     
6 For further information, please see a note by th e Secretariat entitled "WTO Secretariat Techncial
Cooperation in the TRIPS Area", dated 7 September 1998 and circulated in document IP/C/W/110.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 11
G. ACCESSION
During 1998 the Secretariat continued to provide technical assistance to countries in the
process of accession to the WTO, and to respond to requests for assistance from other countries
contemplating accession. Technical missions were organized to assist these countries. The missions
focused on  advising and explaining the benefits of the multilateral trading system as well as practical
and technical issues relating to accession.  These countries are also very much associated with WTO
activities in Geneva, or regionally, and with officials being invited to attend the seminars, workshops
etc.
The increased complexity of the ongoing accession negotiations also requires that acceding
governments provide technical data and information covering sectors like TRIPS, Agriculture, StateTrading, and Services, as well as notifications on Customs Valuation, Technical Barriers to Trade,
and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.  Both during missions and from Geneva, the Secretariat
assists in the compilation and tabling of the need ed information in agreed formats such as the
Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime, and replies to questions from WTO Members.
Countries visited in 1998 included Vanuatu, Croatia, Laos, Oman, Seychelles, Andorra,
which are all at different stages of accession.
H. TRADE POLICY REVIEW (TPR)
Technical assistance was provided to several developing countries in the preparation of their
trade policy reviews.  While the reviews of developing and least-developed countries are less frequent
than for developed countries, it represents a major exercise; the number of requests has thus gradually
increased.  The Secretariat provides assistance in this area to all requesting developing countries, in
particular African and least-developed countries.
I. PROVISION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The Secretariat has continued to prepare studies on individual products of interest to
developing and least-developed countries. Upon request, data on trade flows, tariffs and non-tariff
measures have often been made available. One case in point is the study on trade and tariffs for
leather products, which was prepared for the leather fair organized by the ITC in South Africa.Information was also provided on the assessment of other countries' schedules on market access in
goods of relevance to developing countries' export interests as well as data designed to help them
assess the impact on their services trade of specific commitments on services made by developed
countries.
In addition, comprehensive studies on the implications of the WTO Agreements for
requesting individual countries or groups of countries, as well as background notes on specific issues
in different areas of the negotiations, were prepared.
J. THE WTO - A TRAINING PACKAGE
A computer-based package on the World Trade Organization has been prepared by the
Secretariat and is now accessible on the WTO web-site ( www.wto.org ) . It mirrors the structure of a
general seminar and covers all concepts developed in a normal 4 to 5 day seminar run by TCD. It
consists of ten modules. Each of the first nine modules corresponds to a three-four hour seminarlecture, and includes a review section using the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) approach.  The
last module - module 10 - contains the Final Act as well as other key WTO documents.
This package can be seen as two inter-related components: (i) a set of over 350 “slides”; (ii) a
“book” that contains a short explanation for each bullet point appearing on the slides. The slides areWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 12
available in English and French on-line, while the Spanish version should soon be finalized. The
“book” is for the moment only available in English and its translation into French and Spanish is
under way. Once all the material is available in the three working languages, a CD-ROM will be
pressed and distributed. The same material contai ned in the CD-ROM could be made available in
printed form as well, i.e. a "book" and a set of slides.
III. HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON INTEGRATED INITIATIVES FOR LEAST-
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES' TRADE DEVELOPMENT:  INTEGRATED
FRAMEWORK FOR TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
In pursuit of the Comprehensive and Integrated WTO Plan of Action for Least-Developed
Countries, a High Level Meeting on Integrated Initiatives for Least-Developed Countries' TradeDevelopment was held at the WTO on 27 and 28 October 1997 and, in addition to the WTO,
organized by the International Trade Center,  UNCTAD and UNDP in close collaboration with the
IMF and the World Bank. The High Level Meeting endorsed the Integrated Framework for Trade-
Related Technical Assistance to Least-Developed Countries (WT/LDC/HL/1/R ev.1).   The framework
aims at making such assistance in least-developed countries more effective and efficient by layingdown a mechanism for closer coordination of trade-related technical assistance activities.  The
mechanism applies to the trade-related assistance activities of the IMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, the
World Bank and WTO in all 48 least-developed countries  as such designated by the UN.   It is based
on least-developed countries' (LDCs') requests for such assistance and on their full ownership of the
process.  To this end, the Integrated Framework envisages as a first step that the least-developedcountries make an assessment of their needs for trade-related technical assistance.  Taking this
assessment as a basis, the six agencies then formulate a coordinated response of trade-related
technical assistance activities which each organization individually, but in coordination with the other
five, is in a position to provide in line with its own expertise, comparative advantage and available
resources. So far 40 least-developed countries expresse d an interest in the exercise by submitting their
Needs Assessments to which the six agencies have drawn up their "Integrated Responses" of
assistance activities. These are published, after consultations with the country concerned, in the
document series WT/COMTD/IF---.
In 1998,  the WTO, jointly with the other five  core agencies,  finalised its review and
provided its contribution to the Integrated Responses to 27 such Needs Assessments,  which were
published in documents WT/COMTD/IF/13 through 39. The WTO also provided assistance to anumber of least-developed countries in drawing up their Needs Assessment.  These typically cover
areas ranging from compliance with the WTO rules and obligations to supply side constraints, such as
infrastructure,  issues of human and institutional capacity building,  needs of the private sector, etc..
The next stage is to broaden the exercise so that least-developed countries can seek support
that goes beyond what the six agencies can make available to meet their needs for trade-related
technical assistance.   It involves each least-developed country, along with its multilateral, regional
and bilateral development partners, reviewing its assessment and preparing a concrete programme - a
portfolio of projects - of technical assistance to meet those needs. To this end, the LDC will call a
"roundtable" to which it will invite the development partners of its choice and which will provide theopportunity to endorse such a multi-year programme. The "roundtables" provide the occasion for the
development partners to announce interest in financing and/or providing technical assistance and
expertise to support elements of the programme.   These round tables are therefore a vital step in
achieving the objectives of the Integrated Framework and in getting multi-year programmes of
technical assistance endorsed.   While the ownership and initiative of organizing these meetings liewith the least-developed countries themselves, the assistance of a local advisor and/or the six agencies
involved may be requested, having due regard to  the objective of capacity building within the
administration of the country concerned.  Given their presence in the field and their vast experience in
organizing donor meetings, the World Bank and UNDP are considered best placed to assist the
countries in organizing such meetings, although the other agencies have also extended assistance.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 13
In 1998, the WTO joined UNDP in a preparatory mission to Haiti to assist the government in
its preparation for its trade-related roundtable meeting. Moreover, in 1998 WTO has been giving
technical advise on the organization of trade-related roundtables and any other aspect of the Integrated
Framework process as part of its on-going technical assistance activities to least-developed countries,both in Geneva and in the countries concerned.   In 1998, one country, Uganda, held a donor meeting
under the Integrated Framework, en marge  of its Consultative Group Meeting in December 1998, in
Kampala, in which WTO participated.  It was the first of its kind.  In light of the comments made at
the meeting by the donor community, the Government of Uganda will fine-tune its proposals for
trade-related technical assistance, while at the same  time strengthening the involvement of the private
sector in the exercise.  This should lead to the government preparing a prioritised list of proposals for
consideration by the donor community, which would be discussed at a second meeting at a later stage,with the objective of endorsing a multi-year programme of trade-related technical assistance.   In
1998, a total of twenty-one LDCs expressed an inte rest in organizing such "roundtables" and a
number of them are in various stages of preparation, with the assistance of one or more of the
agencies.
In November 1998, the government of Mali benefitted from its presence in Geneva for its
Trade Policy Review  to have informal consultations with some of its development partners in the
context of the Integrated Framework.  The consultations served as an additional opportunity for the
government of Mali to draw attention of its deve lopment partners  to the Integrated  Framework in
particular in the light of its planned  trade-related round table in 1999.  It is expected that this examplewill be followed by other least-developed countries in the future.
While the trade-related "roundtables" are a necessary step in endorsing multi-year
programmes of trade-related technical assistance, agencies have been carrying out technical assistance
activities under the  Integrated Framework pending and prior to such meetings.  For instance WTO, in1998, has implemented the following technical assist ance activities under the Integrated Framework:
A. NATIONAL SEMINARS
Eleven national seminars were undertaken in 1998 (Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti ,
Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Cambodia, Laos, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, Mauritania)
B. REGIONAL SEMINARS
One regional seminar for English-speaking African least-developed countries took place in
mid-June (in Zambia) with the participation of ITC.  Two other regional seminars specifically for
least-developed countries were undertaken in Djibouti  (French-speaking least-developed countries)and in Bangladesh (Asian and Pacific least-developed countries).
The WTO organized fifteen regional seminars  in 1998 in which least-developed countries'
officials and representatives from the private sector and from academic institutions participated.  Two
of these regional seminars on the multilateral trading system were undertaken jointly with the WorldBank (in Botswana and in Cameroon).  Twelve regional seminars focussed on specific subjects, in
particular on dispute settlement, TBTs, market access, services, trade and environment and TRIPS.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 14
C. SHORT TERM TRADE POLICY COURSES
The first short term trade policy course for English-speaking least-developed countries was
held in May 1998 while the second short term trade policy course for French-speaking least-
developed countries was held in Turin (Italy) in October 1998.
D. TECHNICAL MISSIONS
Fifteen technical missions were undertaken to assist individual least-developed countries in
their preparation for their implementation of WTO obligations, with a view to enhancing their
participation in the multilateral trading system.  They concerned specifically notification obligations,
issues relating to the adaptation of internal legislation to WTO disciplines or assistance in accession(Rwanda, Mauritania, Vanuatu,  Niger, Banglade sh, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Uganda, Burkina Faso,
Benin, Madagascar, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Chad).
E. ESTABLISHING MODERN DATA PROCESSING FACILITIES
In response to requests for assistance in establishing modern data processing facilities, the
Secretariat began a programme to install computers and Internet links in the trade or commerce
ministries of all LDCs.  At the end of 1998, 42 leas t-developed countries had been provided with such
"Reference Centres" (27 Members and seven Observers).
F. JOINT INTEGRATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
Prior to the High-Level Meeting, a Joint Integrated WTO/UNCTAD/ITC Technical
Assistance Programme for Selected Least-Developed and Other African Countries (JITAP) was
adopted in May 1996.  It responds to the urgent need of least-developed and other African countries tobe assisted in the expansion and diversification of their trade and in the process of their integration
into the multilateral trading system.  This progra mme currently covers eight developing countries,
four of which are least-developed:  Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Uganda.  Activities under this
Programme for individual LDCs are being subsum ed under the Integrated Framework.  In 1998, a
Common Trust Fund was established to finance country projects by the three organizations involved.
The Integrated Framework has resulted in a smooth-running inter-agency mechanism between
the six agencies involved,  which WTO chairs and to which it contributes its particular technical
expertise to the endeavour.   In 1998, the Inter-Agency Working Group met three times, (at the World
Bank, at UNDP and at WTO) in addition to daily contact using electronic means.   To handle the day-
to-day work of and to service meetings of the inter-agency coordination mechanism, the six agencies
established the Administrative Unit of the Integrated Framework in 1998, which is located at ITC andensures its day-to day management.  It is up and running since the middle of 1998. WTO finances one
professional staff member to this Unit.  The Integrated Framework is now on the Internet:
http://www.ldcs.org , which provides updates on Country Programmes (needs assessments, integrated
responses, donor consultations), Programme Participants (LDCs, core organizations, other
development partners), Programme Implementation (key data, implementation, progress and otherrelevant information).
IV. REGIONAL/NATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND SPECIALLY FUNDED PROJECTS
While some technical assistance activities are financed from the regular budget of the WTO,
the bulk of the activities are financed through extra-budgetary contributions by Donors.  These
contributions are often earmarked for specific activities or programmes, which mostly would not be
carried out in the absence of these funds.  This ch apter summarizes the main activities carried out in
different regions and for which extra-budgetary resources were used.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 15
A. AFRICA
(a) Technical Cooperation for Africa in the Multilateral Trading System
Technical assistance delivered by the Secretariat was in the form of establishing WTO
reference centers, technical missions, national seminars, regional seminars and participation to
conferences or symposia.
Of the 93 activities conducted, technical missions accounted for 64 activities, while
establishment of WTO reference centers accounted for 24, regional seminars for 17, national seminars
for 7, and participation in symposia/conferences/meetings organized by different institutions for
25 activities.  In comparison to 1997 the number of technical assistance activities delivered increasedby more than 30% in 1998.
A substantial number of these activities were delivered in the context of the follow-up of
specific initiatives undertaken in 1996 and 1997, in particular with regard to the Integrated
Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to support least-developed countries;  the JointITC/UNCTAD/WTO Technical Assistance Programme (JITAP), and the WTO Information
Technology for Development Project.  The increase in technical assistance activities was also due to
requests from individual African countries to implement their WTO obligations, in particular their
notification requirements and adaptation of their internal legislation to the WTO Agreements.
Main Features
(i) Technical Missions
The most important activities in number were the different technical missions undertaken by
the Secretariat (44).  Several of these (17) were undertaken with the view to assist individual countries
to comply with their obligations under the WTO, in particular in terms of notifications as well as in
terms of adapting their national legislation to the WTO Agreements.  Ten requests concerned
notifications of which three covered also an adaptation of the existing legislation.  Seven technical
missions concerned only an amendment of national legislation of which five covered the Customs
Valuation Agreement.  In addition, four technical missions were undertaken with the view to assist
individual countries improve their commitments in financial services as well as in the InformationTechnology Agreement.  Five field missions were  undertaken within the framework of JITAP with
the view to implement the different activities covered by this Programme in 1998 and beginning of
1999 and eight missions were undertaken as a foll ow-up to the High-Level Meeting of October 1997.
(ii) Reference Centers
Reference centers under the WTO Information Technology for Development Project were
installed in 20 least-developed countries in 1998 as a follow-up to the High-Level Meeting on the
trade of the least-developed countries held in October 1997.  The missions undertaken during 1998
were aimed at installing computer equipment and providing basic training in computer as well asconnecting WTO focal points in the Ministries concerned to Internet information resources. Also,
during the year the WTO replaced in November 1998 the WTO Reference Center in Kenya blasted by
a bomb in August 1998.  Such an action was undertaken in the framework of the Joint Integrated
Programme for Technical Assistance in which Kenya is one of the eight participating countries.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 16
(iii) Regional Seminars
Some 17 regional seminars were organized in 1998 of which several of them organized jointly
with other international organizations such as th e World Bank, WIPO or with sub-regional institutions
such as SADC, UDEAC or other international/in tergovernmental bodies such as the Commonwealth
Secretariat and the Islamic Development Bank, in which several African States are members.  Two
trade policy seminars on market access were also organized specifically in Zambia and in Djibouti for
African least-developed countries as a follow-up to the High-Level Meeting of October 1997.  The
main subjects that were dealt with in these regional seminars were market access issues, agriculture,
environmental issues, regional integration.
(iv) National Seminars
Seven trade policy seminars were undertaken at the request of individual countries of which 6
were undertaken in African least-developed countries.  Two national seminars were done in favour of
countries seeking accession to the WTO.  All these seminars were of a general nature intended to
provide a better knowledge of the multilateral trading system and its agreements.  In eight seminars, aspecific part of their programme was intended at  assisting their authorities to implement their
obligations, in particular notifications.
(b) Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme in Selected Least-Developed and Other
African Countries (JITAP)
This programme has developed along the country-level needs assessment and extensive
consultations were undertaken by joint ITC/UNCTAD/WTO field missions.
During June/July 1998, joint field missions visited each of the seven sub-Saharan countries
participating in this project.  During these missions, country implementation plans were discussed and
adopted in coordination with the National Steering Committees which act as counterparts of the three
executing organizations with representatives from the private and public sectors.  Consultations were
held with UNDP, the World Bank, sub-regional institutions and bilateral donors, who are also
members of the National Steering Committees, in order to coordinate JITAP activities with ongoing
technical assistance projects.
With the view to finance technical assistance activities under the JITAP and in order to
increase efficiency in the identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation on
individual programme activities, a Common Trust Fund (CTF) was established in February 1998.
The CTF is operated under the guidance of the Steering Group of the Joint Programme, composed of
representatives of donors to the Fund, the Secretariats of the three cooperating institutions andrecipient partners.  The CTF, which is managed by ITC through a Fund Administrator, has two
windows, namely Window I which is intended to receive unearmarked contributions and Window II
which is intended to receive contributions from one or more donors for country projects or
components therefrom.
In the activities undertaken in 1998 the following objectives were pursued:
- building national capacity to understand the WTO Agreements and their implications
for the countries concerned,
- conforming national policy and regulatory framework to the Agreements of the
multilateral trading system,
- enhancing the countries' capacities to take advantage of the Agreements through
improved export readiness.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 17
Under the first objective of this programme the WTO has undertaken or participated in the
following specific activities:
Two joint ITC/UNCTAD/WTO courses were held in Geneva to train presenters in
multilateral trading system (MTS) matters in English and in French, respectively.  A core number of
six resource persons in each country have been trained in all aspects covered by the MTS.  For the
course in French that was held in November 1998, the three organizations prepared a training pack
based on their respective training material available.  The training pack will be made available in
English soon.  In each country the core network of trainers is expected to expand through the
organization of in-country seminars and workshops.
During the period under consideration three national trade policy seminars and two
subregional specialized seminars were undertaken in JITAP countries.
The WTO has ensured a follow-up concerning the WTO Reference Centers installed in 1997
by providing additional documentation, as well as in providing technical advice for a goodmaintenance of the equipment delivered in all participating countries.  Following the bomb blast in
Nairobi on 7 August 1998, the WTO replaced the computer equipment and training material in
October/November 1998 and a WTO mission was underta ken in November to train officials in the
Ministry of Trade to use the replaced material to the reference center.
With respect to the second objective, the WTO has provided technical assistance to customs
administration and has assisted in the implementation of WTO Agreements in individual countries, in
particular with respect to notification and amendment of national legal systems to the MTS.
With respect to customs matters, a WTO mission visited Kenya in September 1998 to provide
legal assistance relating to the implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreement whose
transitional period finishes on 31 December 1999.  Similar missions will be undertaken shortly in
response to specific requests by Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Tanzania.  In
addition, comments were made in December 1998 by the Secretariat with respect to the draft
presented by the customs authorities in Kenya of its revised Customs and Excise Legislation.
The WTO Secretariat has received specific requests from Benin, Ghana and Kenya for
technical assistance concerning the creation or adaptation of their respective national legislation
concerning anti-dumping, subsidies and countervailing measures.  Also similar requests were received
from Ghana, Uganda and Burkina Faso concerning the overall implementation of WTO Agreements.
A technical mission was held in Ghana in Septembe r 1998 and three other technical missions are to be
undertaken shortly.
Concerning notifications, the WTO has continued to respond to requests made by individual
countries in the period under consideration.  In addition, the WTO Secretariat has also responded to
specific requests made in the area.
Regarding the third objective, the WTO has continued to provide documentation as well as
trade statistics to JITAP countries to enhance their possibilities of trade expansion and diversification
that are being offered by the MTS.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 18
B. ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Several regional activities took place in Asia and the Pacific that were funded from the
regular WTO budget and from WTO Trust Funds.  These included:
(a) the fifth annual WTO conference for the 23 Asian developing economies, held in
Hong Kong, China from 24 to 27 March 1998, that provided an opportunity for Asian
national WTO desk officers to get a deeper understanding of the WTO and of the
implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements.  It assisted them also to set up
the necessary linkages between the WTO multilateral trading system and the conduct
of their respective national trade policies;
(b) the aim of the Regional Seminar, held in Singapore, from 29 to 30 October 1998,
with the participation of 12 Asian countries, was to review the operation of the
dispute settlement mechanism, to take up issues to be discussed in the continuing
review, including the problems specific to developing countries in preparing for their
government's participation in the DSU review process.  Four Asian university lawprofessors (from Australia, Japan, Korea, Thailand) gave presentations on how to
improve the WTO dispute settlement system.  This conference gave an opportunity to
the participating officials to make observations relating to their day-to-day work and
specific needs as practitioners in world trade policy and dispute settlement.  They also
emphasized the necessity for the WTO to organize regionally or nationally moretraining seminars of a three to four-day duration with case studies and simulations on
dispute settlement.
(c) a WTO Regional Workshop on dispute settlement procedures and practices for
23 Asian developing economies was held in Bali, Indonesia from 16 to18 February 1998.  This conference is part of a training programme covering all
regions and sub-regions of developing countries and economies in transition;
(d) a Joint Singapore/WTO Trade Policy Course was held in Singapore from 12 to
27 January 1998.  This course, which is held annually in Singapore for trade officials
from developing and least-developed countries, was initiated by the Understanding
signed by the Trade Minister of Singapore and the Director-General of the WTO atthe 1996 WTO Ministerial Conference;
(e) the annexed table on technical cooperation activities in 1998 shows that a large
number of additional activities were carried out at the regional or national levels,
directly by the WTO Secretariat or jointly with national administrations, internationalor regional organizations.  These activities cover virtually all subjects of
responsibility within the WTO legal system, including needs assessment missions and
the establishment of WTO Reference Centers in Asian least-developed countries.
C. LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
In 1998, technical cooperation activities with Latin American and Caribbean countries
focused around three broad lines of action:  first, strengthening and consolidating collaboration with
regional institutions, particularly the Institute for Latin American and Caribbean Integration (INTAL)
of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), through joint regional seminars and workshops;second, responding to requests at the national level on specific issues, through technical missions; and
third, responding to requests for the establishment of coherent national programmes of activities. At
the same time, the WTO responded to technical cooperation requests from countries in the region in
the context of preparations and negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Finally,
regional workshops were also organized fully by the WTO in the context of its regional workshopWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 19
programmes on trade and environment and dispute settlement, as well as other subjects such as TBT,
SPS and services negotiations.
(a) Five subregional specialized workshops were organized in 1998 in collaboration with
IADB-INTAL  on several subjects such as subsidy disciplines in Colombia forMercosur and Andean countries (4-7 May) and Guatemala for Central American
countries (21-24 September), market access issues in Trinidad and Tobago for
Caribbean countries (20-24 July) and Honduras for Central American and other Latin
American countries (3-7 August), and trade in services in Argentina for Mercosur
countries (24-26 August). In these activities, IADB-INTAL provided financing for
government participants and undertook all local  logistical arrangements, and WTO
provided the experts and lecturers. This collaboration is being further enhanced andconsolidated in 1999 through a Joint IADB-INTAL/WTO Programme of Technical
Cooperation for Latin American and Caribbean countries which will be formally
announced in the near future.
(b) National seminars and technical missions were held on implementation of
obligations, renegotiations under Art. XXVIII of the GATT 1994 and assessment of
legislation (Haiti, 26-30 January); TBT (Costa Rica 19-20 February); TRIPS (Brazil,
4-7 May and 24-25 September); financial services (Ecuador, 29 July) and GATS
(Bolivia, 9-11 November); customs valuation (Paraguay 28 September - 2 October;
Peru 14-16 October; Colombia 19-21 October; and Suriname 16-20 November),Antidumping (Venezuela 3-7 August); tariff schedules, lists of concessions and
transposition to the Harmonized System (Guatemala 17-18 August; Honduras 19-20
August); regional agreements and WTO rules (Venezuela 14-15 September); and
assistance on documentation systems and on-line legal research projects (Colombia
19-23 October). Other technical missions included the establishment of the WTOReference Centre and its connexion to the Internet in Haiti (20-21 April) and
preparations for the Round Table of Haiti in the follow-up to the High Level meeting
on the least-developed countries (21-23 September).
(c) National WTO Seminars were held in Bolivia from 15 to 17 April, Guatemala from
20 to 24 April, Belize on 27 and 28 April, and Suriname on 20 and 21 August. Along
with broad explanations and dissemination of information on the WTO and itsagreements, discussions were held with national authorities on coherent programmes
of activities with each of these countries over the following eighteen months to two
years. This approach is continuing in 1999.
(d) Two regional workshops on dispute settlement (Venezuela, 29 June-2 July and
Barbados, 9-12 November) and two on trade and environment (Trinidad and Tobago,
20-24 July, and Chile, 31 August - 4 September) were also held.
(e) An advanced training programme on a Trade Agenda for the Americas, covering
multilateral and regional approaches, was jointly organized by the WTO with theOrganization of American States and Georgetown University in Washington, D. C.
The WTO provided experts and lecturers, the OAS provided financing for
participants and Georgetown University provided the facilities and further lecturers.
The course was addressed to trade officials and negotiators of small economy
countries in the Western Hemisphere and its main objective was to raise awareness oftheir countries' commitments in the multilater al trading system so as to ensure the
highest possible degree of WTO-consistency in regional integration negotiations. The
course was delivered from 2 to 19 June in English and from 29 June to 17 July in
Spanish. The WTO also participated in othe r activities in the context of the FTAA
negotiations, such as the workshop on dispute settlement held on 18 February inWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 20
Montevideo, Uruguay, prior to the meeting of the FTAA working group on dispute
settlement.
(f) Other activities at the regional level included: a Workshop on the impact of trade
liberalization on the manufacturing and export sector of countries members of theOrganization of Eastern Caribbean States (Dominica, 19-21 January); a seminar on
Services Negotiations organized by SELA (Mexico City, 30 March-1 April); a
seminar on the WTO and the multilateral trading system (Netherlands Antilles, 30
March-1 April); a seminar on Regional Trade Agreements and the WTO including
the TBT Agreement for Central American countries (Guatemala, 27 April-6 May); a
seminar on the SPS Agreement for CARICOM countries (Guyana, 6-8 May); a
seminar on Customs Matters for Caribbean states (Bahamas, 8-9 June); a Seminar onIntellectual Property Rights and agriculture for Latin American and Caribbean
countries (USA, 11-13 June); a seminar on transparency in government procurement
organized by the OAS (Argentina, 7-8 Sept ember); a seminar on the International
Services Economy for the Rio Group of Latin American countries (Panama, 25-26
November); and a Seminar on Government Procurement for the Group of Three(Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela) and the Andean Community countries (Bolivia,
Ecuador and Peru) (Colombia, 30 November - 1 December).
D. EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPEAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES
Technical cooperation activities carried out in Eastern and Central European and Central
Asian Countries included national and regional seminars, technical missions, workshops and training,
some of which were financed through extra-budgetar y resources.  In particular, as detailed below,
Switzerland made funds available for special training courses covering different countries in the
region. The WTO also participated in a regional seminar organized by the Black Sea EconomicCooperation, held in Istanbul and financed through the Netherlands' contribution to the WTO Trust
Fund.
E. MIDDLE EAST
A number of technical cooperation activities took place in the Middle East during 1998,
comprising eight workshops, conferences, symposia, roundtables and training courses; seven regional
seminars; six technical missions; and four national seminars.  Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar were the
main destinations for the national seminars, while the regional seminars were held in Bahrain, Jordan,
Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.  Technical missions on the Harmonized
System and customs valuation took place in Bahr ain and Oman.  Israel benefited from a technical
mission on anti-dumping and countervailing duties; Bahrain on the establishment of WTO ReferenceCentre and training on accessing the wealth of information on the WTO Web site; and Oman on
accession.
Training courses were organized in Palestine, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates;
symposia were held on the effects of globalization and international trade liberalization on small andmedium-sized enterprises in Arab countries, and on WTO and developing countries in the
United Arab Emirates; and regional workshops on the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, and
on GATS and maritime transport future negotiations were held in Lebanon.
An assessment of these missions points to a deepening of knowledge of the WTO Agreements
in the countries concerned.  In the case of the United Arab Emirates, the mission led to a proposal by
the Director-General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up national committees to
coordinate WTO-related matters in the country.  In other cases, the advice provided enabled the Arab
Organization for Agricultural Development to successfully download from the WTO Web site all the
information needed about the Agreement on Agriculture, and WTO functions and activities whichWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 21
served as useful inputs for its regional study on "Impact of WTO and international trade liberalization
on Arab Agriculture".
V. TRADE POLICY COURSES
WTO's technical cooperation activities are generally geared towards enhancing human capacity
building through seminars, workshops and training. Tr ade Policy Courses are also considered effective
tools in assisting developing countries as well as  countries in accession integrate in or familiarize
themselves with the multilateral trad ing system.  The training courses address all aspects of the trading
system and through their practical orientation, prepare officials in implementing the obligations resulting
from the multilateral trading system in their nationa l administrations. Working relations between the
trainees and the WTO Secretariat in many cases c ontinue after the incumbents have taken up duties in
their national administration, particularly when the o fficials have responsibilities in the area of trade
policy. Given the oft-reaffirmed usefulness of the tr aining courses, several WTO Members are financing
specific training programmes undertaken by the WT O Secretariat. Recipients also insist on their
importance as a training tool.
Summary of Activities
(a) Developing countries
The WTO finances and organizes three Trade Policy Courses per year for trade officials from
developing countries which are memb ers or observers of the WTO.  The Courses, held in English and
alternately in French and Spanish, take pl ace in Geneva and last for twelve weeks.   From 1955 when the
first such courses were held, to April 1999, 1622 officials mainly from developing countries,
including 75 in the capacity of 'free' auditors, participated in these courses.  Over this period, the
courses were shortened from 6 months each at the beginning to 4 from the late '60s, and to 3 as of
1998 when a third regular course was added to the annual programme.  The latest compression was
also effected to allow for a special six-week course  to be held for acceding countries in transition and
was done at the cost of both suppressing activities of the regular courses and slowing down the
process of adapting the courses to new demands on training, in particular in the field of capacity
building in the area of implementation of WTO rules at the national level.  The plus side has been,
however, that 24 more fellowships could be of fered per year (see under '(c) budget' below).
In 1998, the 7th WTO Trade Policy Course (TPC) in Spanish from 14 January to 3 April7, the
8th TPC in English from 27 April to 17 July8 and the 9th WTO TPC from 14 September to
4 December9 were held.
                                                     
7 Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela
8 Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cyprus, Egypt, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Korea,
Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Pakist an, Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Turkey, Uganda and Viet Nam.
9 Botswana, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malaysia,
Mongolia, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, VietNam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 22
(b) Economies in Transition
As mentioned in passing in (a), the WTO Secr etariat also organizes shorter courses (between
four and eight weeks duration) for officials from ec onomies in transition which are in the process of
accession to the WTO.  Si nce 1991, 308 officials from the economies in transition have been trained in
trade, WTO and particularly accession issues through special courses financed by Switzerland (210)
and the United States (98) and organized by or with the help of the Training Division of the WTO
Secretariat.
In 1998, the 8th Special Course on Accession to WTO for Eastern and Central European and
Central Asian Countries was organized for trade officials from economies in transition. This special
course was financed by the Swiss authorities and was held between 20 May and 3 July, comprising21participants from 13 countries.
 10
Objectives
The overall objective of these kinds of courses is to widen the participating officials'
understanding of trade policy matters, the multilateral trading system, international trade law and the
functioning of the WTO.  The knowledge acquired is expected to allow participating officials to
improve the effectiveness of their work in their own administrations and to promote a more active
participation of their countries in the work of the WTO.
There are specific objectives corresponding to the main course components, e.g.,
presentations and discussions on WTO agreements to acquaint participants with their content and
legal/trade policy implications; negotiation simulations to help participants understand the
psychology, process and substance of trade negotiations;  dispute settlement exercises to facilitate
practical understanding of how cases are prepared and disputes resolved, etc.
Content of Courses
The Trade Policy Courses are designed to meet both the overall and specific objectives.
The programme for the developing country courses is comprehensive and consists of various
theoretical and practical components designed to explain the trade policy context of the WTO as wellas its key functions:  facilitating the implementation and operation of the Multilateral Trade
Agreements;  providing a forum for negotiations;  administering the understanding on dispute
settlement and the TPR mechanism;  and cooperating with the World Bank and the IMF to achieve
greater coherence in global economic policy-making.  Given its role and expertise, the WTO
Secretariat in close cooperation with other relevant organizations (UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO, ITU, ISO)is well placed to plan and deliver this kind of specialized training service to officials from Members
and Observer countries.
The programme for economies in transition elaborated in coordination with the trust fund
donors is more specific as it is tailored to understanding accession-related issues.  (A full descriptionof WTO Trade Policy Courses is available on the WTO home page:  www.wto.org under the heading
Trade Policy Courses)
                                                     
10 Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia,
Lithuania, Moldova, Russian Federation and Ukraine.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 23
Resource Allocation
WTO Budget:  for each developing country Trade Policy Course, 24 participants are financed
by WTO fellowship awards which cover travel e xpenses to and from Geneva, hotel accommodation,
sickness and accident insurance and a per diem to meet daily living expenses in Geneva and on studytour (there are no tuition fees for participants).  Each participant costs approximately SFr 20,000,
meaning that 24 fellowship awards per course  amounts to approximately SFr 500,000.  The WTO
training budget covers the costs of three courses per year.  In 1998, the budget was increased from
SFr 1.2 to SFr 1.5 million, to pay for the addition of a third trade policy course. This represents a
budgetary increase of 25% in order to enlarge the number of trade officials trained by 50% (from 48
to 72 fellowship awards per year), without additional human resources for the Training Division.
Trust funds:  the special trade policy courses for the economies in transition are financed by
the Swiss and United States Governments.  The financing is the same as for the regular courses in that
the budget is dedicated mainly to the travel and subsistence costs of the officials invited. It also
includes provision for a 13% overhead cost.  The Secretariat is currently studying various alternatives
for providing technical assistance to this group of countries.
The presentations and exercises are carried out to a large extent by secretariat officials dealing
directly with the respective subjects, and also by some outside experts and consultants, although very
few of these can be paid.  Emphasis is laid on developing synergies with organizations such as the
World Bank, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO, WCO, ITU and ISO where their experience and expertise canbe used as complementary course inputs at no extra cost to the WTO.
Internal Evaluation of Activities
Evaluation of WTO Trade Policy Courses currently takes place at three levels.
Selection of participants
Current practice:  WTO Trade Policy Courses are open to government officials from
developing countries and economies in transition. Officials most likely to benefit from the training are
currently working in the field of foreign trade pol icy who need to obtain a wider knowledge of the
WTO and the multilateral trading system before assuming further responsibilities in this field.
Emphasis is laid on getting clear informa tion from governments on the following questions
regarding their nominees for the courses:  relevance of the course to the current or immediately
prospective duties of a nominee;  use by the nominee of knowledge and skills gained on the course
upon returning to work;  expectations regarding th e nominees' future positions and ability to make
significant impact in the relevant ministry;  assessment of nominee's language (WTO working
languages) skills including ability to grasp technical/legal/economic vocabulary.
Evaluation of current practice:  the above criteria are spelled out in the invitation sent to
governments for nomination of candidates and in the application form for candidatures.  On the basisof the information received, the Secretariat selects the most suitable candidates.
Course delivery and programme elaboration
During the trade policy courses, participants are asked to prepare evaluation reports at certain
points during and at the end of the course.  The method used is a questionnaire covering each  course
component together with a discussion session of programme critique led by the Training Division.
This form of evaluation gives the Secretariat feedback on the value of the information and knowledge
received by the participants and on whether the specific objectives of that component were met.
Conclusions are then drawn with a view to making concrete improvements to the next course, i.e.,WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 24
discarding course elements perceived to be redundant and adapting existing components or
developing new ones.
Detailed reports are available from the Secretariat regarding previous courses but the general
trend seems to be that trainees want more participatory and practical exercises in order to acquireknowledge and skills which are directly relevant in their jobs.  The Training Division, in close
cooperation with operational divisions of the Secretariat, is therefore developing a course curriculum
and training material containing more practical exer cises in which participants perform individually or
in teams.
This type of internal evaluation, based on participant perceptions and the Training Division's
insights and experience, relates to the quality of course components and their specific trainingobjectives and how to make continuous improvements to them.
More active interaction between training (capacity building) and country-based technical
assistance is currently being introduced in cooperation other organizations which provide technical
cooperation
Course follow-up
An important measure of how well the trade policy courses meet the overall training objective
lies with identifiable improvements back on the job.  This aspect of evaluation is currently underdevelopment in the Training Division in order to monitor how effectively institutional capacity
building is being developed and maintained in the relevant ministries of the participants.
The Training Division is currently developing an evaluation system for the post-course phase
with a view to measuring the effectiveness of the training activity.  The foundation of this is theestablishment of a data base through which the Training Division can follow, for a reasonable period
of time, the careers of the course participants.  Do participants stay in their jobs when they have
completed the course?  To what extent are they engaged directly in WTO work?  What percentage of
participants get promotion having used the knowledg e they acquired during the course in day to day
work?  How many participants return to Geneva as delegates?   How do participants further their
knowledge of the WTO having completed the trade policy courses?
VI. AN ASSESSMENT OF WTO's TECHNICAL COOPERATION
This report contains a combination of qualitative and quantitative information, but does not
provide an assessment of the impact of the assist ance. The information currently available within the
Secretariat, does not allow for such an impact assessment. Other than measuring the frequency of
visits to the Internet, mostly performed through the WTO Reference Centres, quantitative indicators to
measure the impact of the assistance provided are not yet available. At the last meeting of the
Committee on Trade and Development (2 March 1999), Members agreed with proposals prepared by
the Secretariat to conduct the evaluation  of WTO's technical cooperation on a regular basis. This
evaluation will be done on the basis of questionnaires prepared to that effect. A first evaluation report,based on the proposed methodology, will be produced in early Spring of the year 2000.  Such
evaluation will cover all technical cooperation activities carried out by the WTO, including those
conducted with extra-budgetary funds.
A first global appraisal within the Secretariat to assess WTO technical cooperation activities
undertaken by individual staff members and assessed by these same staff members confirms that a
variety of factors determine the outcome of these activities.  Among these factors are:
- the mode of delivery for meeting a specific demand;WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 25
- the duration of the activity;
- the degree of specificity;- were the objectives well defined, so as to meet participants' expectations?- did the right target group attend the activity?- the level of attendance throughout the activity;- were preparations of the seminars (timing, documentation, logistics, conference
facilities) adequate?
- was there a follow-up to the activity?
VII. BUDGETARY ASPECTS
Following the request of delegations at the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Committee on Trade
and Development, on March 1999, and internal Task Force Report on Enhanced WTO Technical
Cooperation was circulated to Members. In the document, on the assessment of resource needs, it was
generally observed that resource needs are of a large magnitude, due to the potential requirements of
technical cooperation from developing, least developed and economies in transition Members, as wellas states and customs territories in the process of accession.  Over the years, the financial outlays for
technical cooperation activities have increased manifold, with extra-budgetary resources contributing
over 80 per cent of the requirements.  Dependence on ad hoc grants made it difficult to plan technical
cooperation activities, which was necessary for efficiency.  The Task Force therefore emphasized that
the goal of increasing the regular budget for technical cooperation should remain a priority.
An assessment of resource needs should take into account the evolving nature of the rules-
based multilateral trading system and, in this contex t, the need for at least, three levels of activity:
• first, general dissemination of the overview of the WTO and its agreements, present
and future;
• second, more in-depth upgrading of developing countries' human resources skills in
order to function efficiently in their participation in the WTO, including its decision-
making process;  and
• third, the level of specialized knowledge required for the implementation of WTO
commitments, (i.e. training customs officials on the WTO customs valuation
methods, establishing inquiring points, standardization systems and conformity
assessment procedures as required by the TBT agreement, evolving risk assessment
techniques as required in the SPS agreement;  training on the calculation of anti-
dumping and countervailing duties, etc.).
An additional element to be considered is the continuous renewal of developing countries'
administrations, with new government officials requiring repeats of information and training on the
WTO agreements.
The activities planned for 1999 include a number of regional, sub-regional and national
seminars, workshops and technical missions, organized on the basis of requests received and the
broad lines of action set out by the various Divisions on their specific subjects.  Inasmuch as the
Three-Year Plan, and in particular the annual programme of activities, is constructed in a demand-
driven context, programmes are prepared normally on an ad hoc basis.  As a result, there is adifference between planned and executed activities.  Owing to the evolving trade policy environmentWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 26
as well as to the fluctuating workload of the Secretariat on account of disputes and new negotiations
discrepancies between planned and actually delivered technical assistance are, to some extent,
inevitable.
On the basis of the above, an attempt has been made to project annual resource needs for
WTO technical cooperation activities in the medium term, in such a way as to present a coherent and
sustainable programme of activities with clearly specified objectives as a tool for broad planning and
programming purposes.  The results of the exercise are shown in the Annex to the report.  The global
estimates of resource requirements are based on the level of annual activities reached over the past
four years.
As against the outlay of SFR 7.05 million during 1998 (SFR 1.53 million on Trade Policy
Courses and SFR 5.52 million for other technical cooperation activities) the estimated annual
financial resource requirement in the next five years has been estimated at SFR 9.18 million
(SFR 1.53 million for Trade Policy Courses and SFR 7.65 million for other technical cooperation
activities).  The specific components are described in the annex but these should be considered as
indicative in nature and are likely to evolve with the changing priorities of Members.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 27
ATTACHMENT I
The Information Technologies for Development (ITD)
I. INTRODUCTION
The Information Technologies for Development (ITD) project was initiated in late 1997 with
equal financial support from Norway and the Netherlands. The total budget was CHF 785,000. The
following is a summary of results from implementation of the project.
A. Coordination: The ITD project has proven to be a catalyst within the WTO for the use of
Information Technologies in the development and delivery of technical cooperation. Components of
the ITD project have been instrumental in the success of a number of related initiatives,  most notably
the WTO Reference Centres. The ITD project supported a pilot program in October-December 1997
for the  establishment of seven WTO Reference Centres in African trade ministries.  The success of
the pilot project, which provided equipment and training for the  initial seven WTO ReferenceCentres, led to requests  from WTO LDCs and de veloping country Members to expand the program.
The model developed in the pilot project has since been applied in over 40 trade ministries and will
have been extended to 69 LDCs and other developing countries by the end of 1999.
There is  also coordination between the ITD pr oject and related activities with International
Trade Centre (ITC) , UNCTAD and the  Economic De velopment Institute of the World Bank. There
has also been an on-going coordination with about 20 International organizations active in developing
information technology applications in developing countries, through a voluntary group called
Partnerships for Information and Communications Technology in Africa (PICTA).  Those members
include the World Bank, UNESCO, ITU, USAID, IDRC, etc.
B. Hands-on Training: ITD contributions to traini ng of LDCs and other developing country trade
officials include:
(a) WTO Trade Policy Courses: The ITD project has provided computer equipment and
training so that participants in the regular training courses can learn to access WTO
computerized information resources. About 200 trainees have benefited from this newtraining component since the start of the ITD project.
(b) WTO Reference Centres: The ITD project has contributed to the training program for
LDCs and other developing country trade policy officials who are responsible for
WTO Reference Centres. The training materials developed as part of the ITD havebeen central to this training effort in trade ministries. Since 1997, about  600 staff and
officials in LDCs and other developing country trade ministries have benefited from
this training, which enables them to access and use WTO information resources on
the Internet and on CD-ROMs.
C. Information and Training materials:  The ITD project has developed or contributed to the
development of the following:
(a) Interactive Guides:
(i) Guide to the WTO (Trading Into the Future);
(ii) Guide to the WTO and Developing countries;
(iii) Guide to Reading Schedules;
(iv) Guide to Dispute Settlements.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 28
The first two are in print and electronic forms, while the latter two are still in production. The
finished guides are still being provided to WTO Reference Centres and to Trade Policy trainees. They
are also available on the WTO Internet site and on the ITD Internet site. About 1,600 copies of the
electronic versions of these guides are downloaded every month from these two Internet sites. It is
estimated that over 25,000 electronic guides have been distributed over the past year through theInternet, on CD-ROM and/or on diskette.
B. Trade and Development Centre: Part of the ITD project has been to set up an Internet site
with information and training resources designed to meet the needs of LDCs and other developing
country trade officials. The Internet site is used by about 5,000 visitors per month. The content
includes:
(i) On-line fora on trade issues of interest to developing countries:  Six fora have
been organized over the past year with participation from about 800 users
world wide, mostly from LDCs and other developing countries.  Two of the
fora were organized jointly with the World Bank.
(ii) Developing country case studies: Four extensive case studies have been
developed and are available on the ITD Internet site.
(iii) Interactive training guides. These can be viewed online or downloaded from
the ITD Internet site.
• WTO information on CD-ROM: ITD has contributed to production and/or distribution of the
following information tools to WTO Reference Centres in LDCs and other developing countries.
- WTO  and ITD Internet sites on CD-ROM. This is particularly useful in saving
connection time for LDCs and other developing countries.
- WTO training package on CD-ROM.
- Copies for Reference Centres of CD-ROM collections, including UR Results, BISD
and TPR collections, Analytical Index on CD-ROM, Annual Report on CD-ROM.
D. Computer equipment : The ITD funds have been used to provide the following computer
equipment for use by LDCs and other developing country trade officials:
• Ten personal computers and software were provided to the Training Division for use by  WTO
Trade Policy Course participants.
• Personal computers, software, printers, modems, etc. for seven WTO Reference Centres within
the pilot project for WTO Reference Centres.
• Demonstration and presentation equipment that has been used by the ITD project for training,
presentations and demonstrations focused on the results of the project.
E. The Next steps : The ITD project remains instrumental in developing electronic training and
information materials for LDCs and other developing countries. Some of the current and future
activities are:
• Continued development of Internet and CD-based information material for WTO Reference
Centres, as well as for use in other WTO activities, including Trade Policy Courses.
• Expansion of the ITD Internet site to include more case studies, on-line fora and other content.
• Development of a library of interactive training tools on CD-ROM. The first such module has
been completed. It offers users three hours of interactive course material on the Agreement on
Textiles and Clothing. The objective is to develop similar modules for all other WTO
Agreements.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 29
• Training in the use of  information material on the Internet and on CD-ROM, including the use of
specialized databases, remains the most important need identified by LDCs and other developingcountry trade officials who have benefited from ITD activities.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 30
ATTACHMENT II
JITAP Progress Report
(Period ended 28 February 1999)
Joint ITC/UNCTAD/WTO Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme to Selected Least
Developed and other African Countries (JITAP)
(Financed by 13 donors through the Common Trust Fund (CTF)
PROGRESS TO DATE
The funding position of the programme is given in Annex I.
The JITAP programme was developed by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO to help selected least
developed and other countries in Africa participate more effectively in the evolving Multilateral
Trading System (MTS) and to benefit from it.  The Common Trust Fund (CTF) which financed theJITAP programme was created in March 1998 and this report describes the progress made in
implementing the programme during the period ended 28 February 1999.  The 1 st meeting of the
Steering Group of the Common Trust Fund was held in  April 1998 followed by two other meetings in
June and November 1998.
During the earlier part of the period, detailed planning for implementation was undertaken by
the three executing organizations.  Two ITC/UNCTAD/WTO joint field missions were undertaken in
East and West Africa during which the 7 Sub-Saharan countries under JITAP were visited.  During
these missions country implementation plans were adopted in conjunction with the National Steering
Committees (NSCs) which act as counterparts of the three organizations with representatives from theprivate and public sectors and the donor community. Consultations in the countries were held with
UNDP, the World Bank and bilateral donors who are also members of the NSCs in order to
coordinate JITAP activities with ongoing technical assistance projects.
Country specific project activities were organized in clusters spanning the participating
countries.  The programme addresses the needs of the countries concerned by grouping closely related
activities into these distinct groups thereby achieving synergies and economies of scale.  It has 15clusters and over 150 activities in each country.
During the period under review work commenced on 13 clusters and implementation began in
earnest during the second half of the year.  Total expenditure for the JITAP projects as of 31
December 1998 was US$ 640,000.
Two regional co-ordinators were appointed in Eastern and Western Africa stationed in Kampala
and Abidjan.  The Tunisia project is managed directly from Geneva in collaboration with UNDP.  In
each country, except the duty stations of the regional co-ordinators, national facilitators were being
appointed to help with the logistics of the activities to be undertaken.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 31
An intensive course was held for 23 participants from Francophone countries for training of
trainers on the Multilateral Trading System in November/December 1998.  A similar course for 24
participants had been held for the Anglophone countries in November-December 1997.  These
courses sought to develop capacity in key institutions on WTO regulations and the consequences of
the emerging rule based trading system for the countries concerned.  Based on existing WTO,UNCTAD and ITC material, a comprehensive training pack was prepared for the Francophone course
and will be refined, translated and used broadly within the JITAP Programme by institutions that seek
to impart training on MTS.
Two advisory missions on the adaptation of the two ITC guides namely “ Trade Secrets ”, and “
How to Approach Banks ” and another such mission on TBT/SPS/quality management and export
packaging took place in November 98 to the three East African countries, and in February 1999 to thefour West African countries.  The objective of the first missions was to explain the process of
adaptation of both ITC generic guides to local resource persons to enable them to prepare the national
versions of each publication in due course.  The objective of the other mission was to assess the
existing capacity for quality management, TBT and SPS and to help in establishing National Enquiry
Points (NEPs) in all seven countries.
Consultations on the implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreement and other customs
matters were also held  between the WTO Secretar iat and  customs administrations of Benin, Burkina
Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya.  Following these, WTO provided documentation on customs
matters to customs administrations of Burkina Fa so, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and
Uganda and will continue to do so on a regular basis.
A feasibility study was undertaken for the establishment of a Communication and Discussion
Facility (CDF) in Geneva that will be accessible to all JITAP countries through the Internet. The CDF
comprises databases and programmes to manage JITAP documentation exchange and facilitateon-line discussion and sharing of experience among programme partners and resource persons. Work
is in progress for developing a prototype for limited use by the three executing organizations and
selected focal points.  The production version of the CDF is expected to accommodate all users
involved in implementing JITAP activities.
While the Reference centres for official use were fully delivered by the WTO to the focal
points, Reference Centres for the business community were being set up by ITC at eight tradepromotion organizations to help the business communities in sourcing information on rules and
regulations of the Uruguay Round agreements, assessing  market access conditions and identifying
opportunities for trade and investment.  A standard package of MTS related documentation was
designed and relevant documents for this were ordered.  In addition, standard equipment was being
procured to facilitate access to web sites of WT O, UNCTAD, ITC and those of other organizations.
This is also expected to improve training  and information dissemination events. UNCTAD’s
preparatory work was well advanced for the establishment of four Reference Centres for academic use
at identified training institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
During the period under review UNCTAD launched seven country specific MTS impact
studies.  These were aimed at assisting governments to better understand the overall impact of the
MTS on their respective countries and thus facilitate adaptation of national policies to be in line with
WTO Agreements.  The studies will assist them in taking steps to benefit from the trading
opportunities that become available as a result of trade liberalization and to meet this challenge
through the development of strategic options for increasing exports. They will also provide ananalytical basis to the countries for developing a positive agenda for trade negotiations.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 32
Draft country reports were prepared based on statistical analysis by ITC’s Research and
Analysis Unit in order to prepare country matrices of exportable products and target markets.  These
reports cover the two main hundred exported products for each country during the period of
1993-1997. For ten selected product groups, detailed trade mapping was provided to national
counterpart organizations, for review and comments.  After receiving their feedback these trade mapswill be refined to provide inputs for development of sector, and product-group strategies.
Standard equipment and technical documentation are being delivered to the National Standards
Boards to help strengthen capacity for the operation of the National Enquiry Points.  Designing of
national databases on international quality and export packaging requirements for priority products of
the JITAP countries is underway to enable NEPs to provide the required information as stipulated by
WTO agreements on TBT and SPS.
Progress by cluster is given in Annex II, while country details are given in Annex III.
Annex I
Funding position
Funding details by country and by donors are given in the attached Table-A.  This shows that
the total amount needed for the programme is US$ 10,344,100 of which US$ 7,115,536 has beenpledged leaving a shortfall of 3,228,564 as of 28 February 1999.
Cash position
Cash received as at 28 February 1999 was US$ 4,090,468, of which US$ 882,284 was for
Window-1 and US$ 3,208,183 was for Window-2.  Window-1  resources have been allocated to fund
projects in countries having a shortfall, or to projects in countries that have not yet benefited from the
Window-2 donor pledged funds.  This allocation is as follows: Côte d’Ivoire - US$ 338,072, Kenya -
US$ 353,071, Tunisia - US$ 29,500, and Programme Development - US$ 161,641.
Interest earned in 1998 amounted to US$ 83,980.  This will be distributed in compliance with
the general conditions governing the operation of CTF and the respective donor bilateral agreements.
Annex II
Progress by cluster
Cluster 1:  Integrated programme management and headquarters-based technical inputs
Two regional co-ordinators were appointed in East Africa and  in West Africa, stationed at
Kampala and Abidjan respectively. The Tunisia project is handled directly from Geneva in
collaboration with UNDP.  In  each country - except the duty stations of the regional co-ordinators  - a
national facilitator is being appointed to help with the logistics of activities.  The Government of Côte
d’Ivoire has allocated at its own cost official accommodation for the Regional Coordinator based in
Abidjan.  In Kampala, the Government of Uganda has temporarily accommodated the RegionalCoordinator at the premises of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 33
Cluster 2: Support to MTS institutions
All 7 countries have been provided by UNCT AD with TOR for inter-institutional committees
which have been established to provide a useful forum for consideration and coordination of MTS
matters including countries’ preparations for trade negotiations.  Additional documentation, some ofwhich in electronic form, was provided to  Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya and Tunisia by WTO.
At their request, specific institutions were added to the WTO mailing list and receive free of charge
specific WTO publications. MTS-related documentation was also provided under cluster 5 as
explained below.
Cluster 3: Assistance to customs
A WTO mission visited Kenya in September 1998  to provide technical assistance relating to
the prompt implementation of the Customs Valuation Ag reement  by this country at the expiry of the
five-year period  on 31 December 1999. Technical missions to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and
Uganda were being planned for 1999.
Consultations on the implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreement and other customs
matters were also held  between the WTO Secretar iat and  customs administrations of Benin, Burkina
Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire. The Draf t Customs and Excise legislation of Kenya was
reviewed in December/January by the Market Access Division of the WTO and comments were
provided to the Kenyan authorities.
The WTO was providing documentation on customs matters on a regular basis to customs
administrations of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda , Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Cluster 4: Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
The WTO Secretariat received specific requests for technical assistance concerning the
implementation of   WTO  Agreements from Uga nda, Benin, Burkina Faso and Kenya. A technical
mission on implementation issues was undertaken in Ghana in 1998.This mission reviewed with
Ghanaian authorities  the main changes needed so  as to adjust the country’s trade legislation to
conform to WTO Agreements.
Kenyan authorities requested assistance concerning  the Industrial Property Tribunal Office in
December 1998. This project was being undertaken by WIPO in conjunction with the WTO. National
experience in implementing the WTO Agreements by other WTO members was provided. In
particular the WTO Secretariat was maintaining close contacts with the  Ministry of Trade Tourism
and Industry (MTTI) and the Ugandan Law Reform Commission  since mid-December 1998.Technical issues were brought to the attention of the Canadian authorities to facilitate the
implementation process with Canadian help.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 34
Cluster 5: Reference Centres
Reference centres were being set up by ITC at eight trade promotion organizations, to help
the business communities in sourcing information on rules and regulations of the Uruguay Round
agreements, assessing  market access conditions and identifying opportunities for trade andinvestment.  A standard package of MTS related documentation was designed and relevant documents
for this package were ordered.  In addition, standard equipment was procured to facilitate access to
information on the web sites of ITC, UNCTAD, WTO and those of other institutions and to improve
the organization of  training  and informati on dissemination events. UNCTAD’s preparatory work
was well advanced for the establishment of four Reference Centres for academic users at identified
training institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Following the bomb blast in Nairobi on 7 August 1998  which destroyed among other things,
the computer equipment and technical documentation for the reference centre at the focal point as
well as some of the training materials supplied to the Kenyan group of trainers, WTO replaced the
equipment and the technical documentation for this centre.
Cluster 6: Trade information management
Activities under this cluster will commence in 1999.
Cluster 7: Networking programme partners and national networks of trainers/presenters and
MTS experts
A Communication and Discussion Facility (CDF) was being developed to facilitate flow of
information among JITAP partners. It has four modules: (i) “Communication module” to facilitate
communication among programme partners. This aims  at making information easily available on a
JITAP web site, whereby JITAP counterpart organizations, trainers and resource persons  have the
opportunity to access information on programme implementation and on results of activities
implemented under the Programme; (ii) “Questions and Answers module”, which consists of a
questions and answers section relating to the implementation of the programme and related issues, the
undertaking of training and information dissemination activities; (iii) “Newsgroup module”, which
allows for thematic exchange of views and experiences on MTS; and (iv) “On-line chat module”,
allowing for interactive debate on selected topics among programme partners, and resource persons.
The CDF will link the web sites of the three executing organizations namely ITC, WTO and
UNCTAD.  In addition, it will also interlink WTO/World Bank Trade Development Centre (TDC),
and the Integrated Framework web sites.
Cluster 8: Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
Two joint ITC/UNCTAD/WTO courses were held in Geneva to train trainers, presenters, and
experts knowledgeable in multilateral trading system matters, one for Anglophone and one for
Francophone country participants.  A core number of six to seven resource persons in each countrywas trained in all aspects covered by the WTO agreements.  For the course in French, the three
organizations prepared a training pack based on their respective training materials for later use by
national trainers to continue this process.  The training  pack will be made available in English later.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 35
Cluster 9: MTS impact on national economy and external trade and trade policy adaptation
Studies on the impact of MTS on national economies and external trade policy adaptation
were initiated by UNCTAD in seven countries. The studies were undertaken in collaboration with ITC
and will draw on its “product potential work” under Cluster 11.  The findings from these studies willbe presented to national, high-level symposia to be organized in all the seven countries later in 1999.
Cluster 10: Human resource development in nation al and sectoral export strategy formulation
Activities under this cluster are planned to be undertaken in 1999.
Cluster 11: Assessment of export and market potentials
Preparation of matrices of target markets and exportable goods were initiated by ITC in the
seven Sub-Saharan JITAP countries.  Draft country reports were prepared, based on statistical
analysis by ITC’s Research and Analysis Unit.  These cover the main two hundred products exported
by each country during the period of 1993-1997. For ten selected product groups, detailed trademapping was provided to national counterpart organizations, for review and comments. Upon
receiving the feedback from the field, the reports will be analysed by product specialists and by export
strategists and country-specific export strategy options will be developed. These options will be
reviewed by the UNCTAD teams to determine their policy implications, and their findings will be
submitted for discussion at the national symposia mentioned under cluster 9.
Cluster 12: Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to draw advantage of the MTS
opportunities
Activities under this cluster are planned to be undertaken in 1999, based on conclusions of the
national symposia.
Cluster 13: Trade Secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs, and Cluster 14:  Export
financing
Four advisory field missions, two in each subregion (East and West) visited the  countries
covered by the Programme to train the local teams who will adapt the two ITC generic versions of theguides.  Consultations are under way to determine the terms and conditions under which the local
versions will be prepared and distributed to exporters as technical tools for improving their
international trade operations.
Cluster 15: National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS context
Two  technical advisory missions were undertaken in November 1998 (East Africa) and
February 1999 (West Africa) to assess the needs for establishing the National Enquiry Points (NEPs)
required under the Uruguay Round Agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary
and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).
Standard equipment and technical documentation are being procured for the National
Standards Boards.  Preparation of national databases on international quality and export packaging
requirements is underway, for priority products of the countries concerned.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 36
Annex III
Country details
Benin
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).
Partly funded by CTF Window II: Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 - Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
The implementation plan for 1998/1999 was adopted by the National Steering Committee
during the joint field mission in July 1998.  Revision underway to cover Jan-Dec 1999. A National
Facilitator is being identified.
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC are
expected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD. WTO has provided additional material some in electronic form to the IIC in addition to
that provided to the Reference centre at the focal point. Specific institutions were added to WTO’s
mailing list on their request.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
A request for technical assistance relating to the implementation of the Customs Valuation
Agreement at the expiry of the 5-year transitional period on 31 December 1999 has recently been
received. A technical mission will soon visit the country.
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
The WTO Secretariat received a specific request for technical assistance concerning the
overall implementation of   WTO  Agreements  by  Benin. A specific technical mission will be
undertaken for this in due course.
Cluster 5 - Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministère du Commerce de
l’Artisanat et du Tourisme (MCAT) (focal point).  Establishment of a reference centre for businessuse is underway at the Centre Béninois du Commerce Extérieur (CBCE) for joint use by them and the
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Benin (CCIB), the Conseil National pour l’Exportation
(CNEX), and the Observatoire des Opportunités d’Affaires.  Equipment and standard MTS
documentation for this centre are being procured at present.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 37
Cluster 8 - Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts was trained in Geneva (November - December
1998).  The participants came from MCAT, CCIB, CBCE and the Customs Department. National
training and information dissemination programme is expected to be submitted soon by Benin.
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study being undertaken now.
Cluster 11 - Assessment of export and market potentials
Draft report on  a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods submitted to CBCE which is
expected to review it and provide comments. The report will be used for future work under Cluster 12
(Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to draw advantage from opportunities offered by
the emerging MTS).
Cluster 13 - Trade secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs
Adaptation process for “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by CBCE.
Joint publication agreement and modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now being
discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to approach Banks”to be undertaken by CBCE.  Joint
publication agreement and modalities are being reviewed by the national counterpart.
Cluster 15 - National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry Point (NEP). Technical documentation and
equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Burkina Faso
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).Partly funded by CTF Window II: Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands and Norway
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1:  Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
 The implementation plan for 1998/1999 was adopted by the National Steering Committee
during the Joint Field mission in June-July 1998.  Revision underway for the period
January-December 1999.  A National Facilitator has been identified and contracting procedure being
completed at present.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 38
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC areexpected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD. WTO has provided additional material including some in electronic form to the IIC in
addition to that provided to the Reference centre at the focal point. Specific institutions were added to
WTO’s mailing list and are now receiving WTO technical publications free of charge.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
Elements of the implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreement and other customs
matters have been discussed between the WTO Secretariat and  customs administrations of Burkina
Faso. WTO continues to provide, on a regular basis,  documentation on customs matters to the
customs administrations of the country.
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
The WTO Secretariat received a specific request from Burkina Faso for technical assistance
concerning the overall implementation of  the WTO agreements. A specific technical mission will be
undertaken for this in due course.
Cluster 5 -  Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministère du Commerce de
l’Industrie et de l’Artisanal (focal point).  Establishment of a reference centre for business use isunderway at the Office National du Commerce Extérieur (ONAC).  Equipment and standard MTS
documentation are being procured.
Cluster 8 - Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 7 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1998).  The participants came from the Ministère du Commerce, de l’Industrie et del’Artisanat (MCIA), the Chambre de Commerce,  d’Industrie et d’Artisanat du Burkina Faso
(CCIA-BF), the Ministère de la Justice, Ministère de l’Agriculture, and the Office National du
Commerce Extérieur (ONAC) which paid for the participation of an additional person from its own
resources. A national training and information dissemination programme is expected to be submitted
in due course by Burkina Faso.
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study being undertaken now.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 39
Cluster 11 - Assessment of export and market potentials
Draft report on  a Product-Market matrix of  exportable goods wa s submitted to ONAC, who
is expected to review it and provide technical inputs. The report will be used for future work under
Cluster 12 (Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to take advantage from opportunitiesoffered by the emerging MTS).
Cluster 13 - Trade secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs
Adaptation process for “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by ONAC.
Joint publication agreement signed.  Modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now being
discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to approach Banks” to be undertaken by ONAC.  Joint
publication agreement signed and modalities are being discussed with national counterpart.
Cluster 15 - National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
fielding a technical advisory mission for the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry
Point (NEP).   Technical documentation a nd equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Côte d’Ivoire
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).
Partly funded by CTF Window I; and by CTF Window II: Côte d’Ivoire
In the absence of CTF Window-2 funding, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire allocated
financing from national resources equivalent to one third of the total project budget.
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 - Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
Implementation plan for 1998-1999 adopted by National Steering Committee (NSC).
Revision underway to cover January - December, 1999.  Regional Coordinator/Chief Technical
Adviser for West Africa posted in Abidjan. He has assumed the role of National Facilitator also and
will supervise the National facilitators in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.  The Government has
allocated, free of charge, office space for the Regional Coordinator in Abidjan.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 40
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC areexpected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD. WTO has provided additional material including some in electronic form to the IIC in
addition to that provided to the reference centre at the focal point. Specific institutions were added to
WTO’s mailing list and are now receiving WTO technical publications free of charge.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
A request for technical assistance relating to the prompt implementation of the Customs
Valuation Agreement at the expiry of the 5-year transitional period on 31 December 1999 has recently
been received. A technical mission will visit the country soon. WTO continues to provide, on a
regular basis,  documentation on customs matters to the customs administrations of the country.
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
No specific request was received by WTO from Côte d’Ivoire for technical assistance under
this cluster.
Cluster 5 -  Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministère du Commerce (focal
point).  Establishment of a reference centre for the use by the business community, is underway at the
Association de Promotion des Expo rtations de Côte d’Ivoire (APE X-CI).  Equipment and standard
MTS documentation are being procured.
Cluster 8 -  Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1998).  The participants came from the Ministère de la Promotion du Commerce Extérieur
(one of them to be attached to the APEX-CI), the la Direction des Douanes, and the Ministère duDéveloppement Industriel. A National training and information dissemination programme is expected
to be submitted in due course by Côte d’Ivoire.
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study is currently being undertaken.
Cluster 11 -  Assessment of export and market potentials
Counterpart organization for the undertaking a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods
has been identified, and draft report on such a matrix has been submitted to them.  APEX-CI is
providing technical inputs to this report at present.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 41
Cluster 13 -  Trade secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs
Adaptation process for “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by
APEX-CI.  Joint publication agreement and modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now
being discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation of the guide “How to Approach Banks” to be undertaken by APEX-CI.  Joint
publication agreement and modalities are being discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 15 -  National Enquiry Points, quality  management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being  made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
fielding a technical advisory mission for the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry
Point (NEP). Technical documentation and equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Ghana
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).Fully funded by CTF Window II: Switzerland
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 - Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
The implementation plan for 1998-1999 was adopted by National Steering Committee during
the joint field mission in June 1998.  Revision underway to cover Jan-Dec 1999;  National Facilitator
identified, contracting procedure being completed at present.
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC are
expected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD. WTO has provided additional material some in electronic form to the IIC in addition tothat provided to the Reference centre at the focal point. Specific institutions were added to WTO’s
mailing list and are now receiving WTO technical publications free of charge.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 42
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
A request for technical assistance relating to the prompt implementation of the Customs
Valuation Agreement at the expiry of the 5-year transitional period on 31 December 1999 has recently
been received. A technical mission will visit the country soon.  WTO continues to provide, on aregular basis,  documentation on customs matters to customs administrations of the country.
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
A technical mission on implementation issues has been undertaken in Ghana in 1998. This
mission was intended to discuss the major changes that are needed so as to adjust Ghanaian legislation
to WTO Agreements.
Cluster 5 -  Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministry of Trade and Industry
(MOTI) (focal point). Establishment of the reference centre for business use is underway at the GhanaExport Promotion Council (GEPC).  Equipment and standard MTS documentation are being
procured; arrangements are underway to procure equipment for the establishment of the Reference
Centre for academic use at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Cluster 8 - Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1997).  The participants came from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), the Ghana
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI ), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI),
the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the Ghana Standards
Board (GSB). A national training and information dissemination programme is expected to be
submitted in due course by Ghana.
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study is currently being undertaken.
Cluster 11 -  Assessment of export and market potentials
The draft report on a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods was submitted to GEPC,
who is expected to review and comment on it. The report will be used for future work under Cluster
12 (Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to draw advantage from opportunities offeredby the emerging MTS).
Cluster 13 -  Trade secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs
Adaptation process of “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by GEPC.
Joint publication agreement signed.  Modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now being
discussed with the national counterpart.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 43
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to Approach Banks” to be undertaken by GEPC.  Joint
publication agreement signed and modalities are being discussed at present with the national
counterpart.
Cluster 15 - National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry Point (NEP). Technical documentation and
equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Kenya
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).Partly funded by CTF Window I
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 -  Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
Implementation plan for 1998-1999 adopted by National Steering Committee (Joint Field
mission in May 1998).  Revision underway to cover Jan-Dec 1999;  National Facilitator identified,
contract under discussion.
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC are
expected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD. WTO has provided additional material some in electronic form to the IIC in addition tothat provided to the Reference centre at the focal point. Specific institutions were added to WTO’s
mailing list and are now receiving WTO technical publications free of charge.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
A WTO mission has visited Kenya in September 1998  to provide technical assistance
relating to the prompt implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreement at the expiry of the 5-year
transitional period on 31 December 1999. Comments relating to the draft of the Customs and Excise
legislation of Kenya were made in December/January by the Market Access Division of the WTO.
WTO continues to provide, on a regular basis,  documentation on customs matters to customsadministrations of the country.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 44
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
The WTO Secretariat received specific requests for technical assistance concerning the
implementation of WTO Agreements, notably relating to anti-dumping, subsidies and countervailing
measures and intellectual property rights.
Cluster 5 - Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministry of Trade (focal point)
and replaced in 1998 after the bomb blast.  For the second reference centre, geared to the business
community, needs were assessed and installation is  underway at the Export Promotion Council (EPC).
Equipment and standard MTS documentation are bein g delivered; arrangements are already underway
to procure equipment for the establishment of the Reference Centre for academic use at the Kenya
Institute of Business Training in Nairobi.
Cluster 8 - Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1997).  The participants came from the Ministry of Trade, EPC, the Federation of Kenya
Employers (FKE) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). A National training and
information dissemination programme for 1999 is expected to be submitted in due course by Kenya.
Cluster 9 -  MTS impact on national economy and external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study is currently being undertaken.
Cluster 11 -  Assessment of export and market potentials
Draft report on  a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods submitted to EPC which is
expected to review it and provide technical inputs. The report will be used for future work under
Cluster 12 (Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to draw advantage from opportunities
offered by the emerging MTS).
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to Approach Banks” to be undertaken by EPC.  Joint publication
agreement signed and modalities are being discussed at present with the national counterpart.
Cluster 15 -  National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry Point (NEP). Technical documentation and
equipment for the NEP are being procured.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 45
United Republic of Tanzania
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).
Fully funded by CTF Window II: Canada, Denm ark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands and United
Kingdom
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 - Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
Implementation plan for 1998-1999 adopted by National Steering Committee (Joint Field
mission in June 1998).  Revision underway to cover January - December 1999; National Facilitator
being identified.
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC are
expected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs and Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws
and regulations
No requests for technical assistance were received regarding implementation of the Customs
Valuation Agreement and the adaptation of laws and regulations. WTO continues to provide, on a
regular basis,  documentation on customs matters to the Customs Administration in Tanzania.
Cluster 5 - Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce (MIC) (focal point). For a reference centre geared to the business community needs wereassessed and installation is underway at the Board of External Trade (BET).  Equipment and standard
MTS documentation are being delivered; arrangements are already underway to procure equipment
for the establishment of the Reference Centre for academic use at the College of Business Education
in Dar es Salaam.
Cluster 8 -  Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1997).  The participants came from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), BET,
the Zanzibar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ZCCIA), the University of Dar es
Salaam, and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). A National training and information
dissemination programme for 1999 is expected to be submitted in due course by Tanzania.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 46
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study is currently being undertaken.
Cluster 11 -  Assessment of export and market potentials
A draft report on  a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods has been submitted to BET
which is expected to review it and provide comments on it. The report will be used for future work
under Cluster 12 (Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to take advantage from
opportunities offered by the emerging MTS).
Cluster 13 - Trade secrets, the Export Answer book for SMEs
Adaptation process of “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by BET.
Joint publication agreement signed.  Modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now being
discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 14 - Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to Approach Banks” to be undertaken by BET.  Joint
publication agreement signed and modalities are being discussed at present with the national
counterpart.
Cluster 15 - National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry Point (NEP). Technical documentation and
equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Uganda
Joint Integrated  Technical Assistance Programme in Selected LDCs and other African Countries
ITC/UNCTAD/WTO (JITAP).Fully funded by CTF Window II: Denmark, Ge rmany, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland
Progress to date by cluster is as under:
Cluster 1 - Integrated programme management and headquarters based technical inputs
Implementation plan for 1998-1999 adopted by National Steering Committee (Joint Field
mission in May-June 1998).  Revision underway to cover January-December 1999; Regional
Coordinator, Chief Technical Adviser posted in Kampala. He has assumed the role of National
Facilitator for Uganda and will supervise the National facilitators in Kenya and the United Republicof Tanzania.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 47
Cluster 2 - Support to MTS institutions
Terms of reference have been provided by UNCTAD for the establishment of the
Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) to follow-up WTO agreements, and coordinate MTS issues.
Detailed draft work plans and terms of reference for the technical working groups of the IIC areexpected from the focal point that will indicate specific areas of technical support required from
UNCTAD.
Cluster 3 - Assistance to customs
No request for technical assistance was received regarding implementation of the Customs
Valuation Agreement. However, WTO remains r eady to provide assistance. WTO continues to
provide, on a regular basis, documentation on customs matters to customs administrations of the
country.
Cluster 4 - Contribution to the adjustment of trade laws and regulations
The WTO Secretariat  has  received from Uganda specific requests for technical assistance
concerning the implementation of   WTO  Agreements.  WTO maintains close contacts with the
Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (M TTI) and the Uganda Law Reform Commission.
Technical issues in implementation have been brought to the attention of the Canadian authorities,
whose cooperation has been sought by Uganda.
Cluster 5 - Reference Centres
A reference centre for official use was set up in 1997 at the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and
Industry (MTTI).  For the second reference centre geared to the business community needs wereassessed and installation is underway at the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), equipment and
standard MTS documentation being delivered; arrangements are already underway to procure
equipment for the establishment of the Reference Ce ntre for academic use at the Makerere University
in Kampala.
Cluster 8 - Human resource development and improvement of MTS knowledge
A group of 6 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1997).  The participants came from the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (MTTI),
the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC),
the Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC) a nd the Uganda National Bureau of Standards
(UNBS). A national training and information di ssemination programme for 1999 is expected to be
submitted in due course by Uganda.
Cluster 9 - MTS impact on national economy a nd external trade and trade policy adaptation
MTS Impact study is currently being undertaken.
Cluster 11 - Assessment of export and market potentials
Draft report on  a Product-Market matrix of exportable goods submitted to UEPB which is
expected to review it and provide comments. The report will be used for future work under Cluster 12(Formulation of sectoral/product specific strategies to take advantage from opportunities offered by
the emerging MTS).WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 48
Cluster 13 - Quality management in MTS context and export packaging
Adaptation process for “Trade Secrets, the Export Answer Book” to be undertaken by UEPB.
Joint publication agreement signed.  Modalities for preparing and publishing the guide now being
discussed with the national counterpart.
Cluster 14 -  Export financing
Adaptation process for “How to Approach Banks” to be undertaken by UEPB.  Joint
publication agreement signed and modalities are being discussed at present with the national
counterpart.
Cluster 15 - National Enquiry Points, quality management and export packaging in MTS
context
Preparations are being made in consultation with the National Steering Committee (NSC) for
the setting up and strengthening of the National Enquiry Point (NEP). Technical documentation and
equipment for the NEP are being procured.
Tunisia
Fully funded by: UNDP; Tunisia; CTF Window-1 .
Apart from documentation provided to the Reference centre, additional documents, including
some in electronic form, were made available to  the Inter-Institutional Committee (IIC) in Tunisia.
Specific institutions have been added, at their request, to the WTO mailing list and they receive its
technical publications free of charge.
A Reference Centre for official use was set up in 1998 to the focal point at the Ministère du
Commerce. A second Reference centre geared to the business community is expected to be
established at the Centre de Promotion des Exportations (CEPEX).
A number of seminars were organized to cover the following themes: TBT, SPS, quality
management and export packaging; export promotion and development; textile and clothing; andagriculture.  The export potential study has been finalized.  Assistance was provided in trade
information services by establishing a mechanism for analyzing the country’s main export trends.
Formulation of export strategies for five identified sectors is underway.
A group of 4 trainers, presenters and experts has been trained in Geneva (November -
December 1998).  The participants came from the Ministère du Commerce (MC), la Faculté de Droit
de Sfax, and la Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion de Tunis. A National training and
information dissemination programme is expected to be submitted, designed and  in due course by
Tunisia.WT/COMTD/W/62
Page 49ATTACHMENT III
TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN 1998
I: NATIONAL SEMINARS: 41
AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Congo, Dem.
Rep.
19-23 JanuaryDD, ERADNational
Seminar:
(Follow-up toHLM)0
1Myanmar
19-21 January
TCD, TEDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system4
1Bulgaria
7-8 April
TEXD, IPIDWorkshop:
Notification
requirements;government
procurement4
1Haiti
26-30 January
TCD, MACCImplementation
of obligations;
renegotiationsunder
Art.XXVIII;
WTOAgreements;
assessment of
legislation(Follow-up to
HLM)0
2Kuwait
2-3 May
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
02Rwanda
18-20 February
ERADSpecialized
seminar on
exports
promotion0
1India
29-30 January
TCDGATS 4
1Cyprus
2-5 June
TCD; TSDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system4
1Costa Rica
19-20 February
TEDTBT 0
1Qatar
27-28 October
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
41Mozambique
14-16 October
TCDNational seminar:
WTO and the
multilateraltrading system
(Follow-up to
HLM)0
1Indonesia
19-20 February
TCD, LEGDDispute
settlement
procedures andpractices0
3Croatia
18-19 June
IPDIntellectual
Property4
1Bolivia
15-17 April
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system0
1Bahrain
10-11
NovemberTEDTBT, trade and
environment
4
1Malawi
19-22 October
TCD, LEGDNational
workshop: WTO
and the
multilateraltrading system
(Follow-up to
HLM)0
3Chinese Taipei
16-18 March
TCDNational
workshop:
Multilateral
trading system inthe past and
future – 50 years
of GATT andfuture prospects
for WTO0
2Bulgaria
24-26 June
IPIDEnforcement of
intellectual
property rights
(WIPO)4
1Guatemala
20-24 April
TCD, SISDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system;
integrated database presentation0
1Bahrain
22-25
November
TSDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system:
subsidies andcustoms
valuation, basic
telecomm.,services, TPRM
03Mauritius
23-24 October
TSDGATS and the
WTO0
1Cambodia
23-27 March
TCD, DDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
(Follow-up toHLM)0
1Belarus
30 June-1 July
TSDTrade in services,
schedules on
commitments in
services0
2Belize
27-28 April
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
01Turkey
30 June-3 July
TCD, LEGDDispute
settlement
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Sudan
30 Nov.-2 Dec.TCDMultilateral
trading system(Follow-up to
HLM)4
1Viet Nam
27-29 AprilTSDServices 0
3Albania
13-14 JulyTSDGATS 0
2Brazil
4-7 MayIPIDIntellectual
property
02Mauritania
7-13 DecemberTCDWTO and the
multilateraltrading system
(Follow-up to
HLM)0
3Sri Lanka
19-21 AugustTCD, TSD,
ConsultantWTO
Agreements0
3Ecuador
29 JulyTSDFinancial
services
0
3China
21-22 September
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system;China's
agricultural trade0
2Suriname
20-21 August
TCD, EXRDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
03Lao, People's
DemocraticRepublic
16-17 November
EXTRD, TSDTrade in Services
(Follow-up toHLM)0
3Brazil
24-25September
IPIDIntellectual
property
0
3Myanmar
19-20 November
EXTRD, TSDTrade in services 0
3Jamaica
14-16 October
IPDWIPO
Symposium on
IntellectualProperty for the
Judiciary
4
1Bolivia
9-11 November
TSDGATS
0
1Suriname
16-20November
MACCDCustoms
valuation
03Brazil
10-11
December
IPDTRIPS for the
General
Counsel's Office
of the NationalPatent Office
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
3Egypt
11-12 February
IPIDConference on
international
procurementrules4
2Singapore
12-27 January
LEGD, TED,IPID, TSD,
MACCD, RD,
TEXD, AGDDispute
settlement, TBT,
investment andcompetition
policy, services,
tariffs – ArticleVIII – QRs –
export measures,
customsvaluation, rules
of origin,
licensing, PSI,TRIPs, subsidies
and customs
valuationmeasures,
textiles,
agriculture andSPS, trade and
environment0
3Slovak
Republic
23-24 AprilIPDIntellectual
Property0
3Dominica
19-21 January
TCDImpact of trade
liberalization on
themanufacturing/
export sector of
the OECS(7 countries)0
3UAE
15-16 February
TSDSymposium:
Arab Regional
Forum
42Botswana
3-7 March
TCD, AGD,
DDBrainstorming on
regional
integration in
SADC countries.Joint trade policy
seminar for
SADC countries(World Bank and
WTO)4
1Indonesia
16-18 February
TCD, LEGDDispute
settlement
procedures and
practices for 23Asian developing
countries4
1Malta
27-28 May
TCD, TEXDTextiles for 8
selected
Mediterranean
countries4
3Uruguay
18 February
LEGDFTAA working
group on dispute
settlement4
3Lebanon
23-24 April
ACCDHigh-Level
Meeting for
Ministers/Senior
Arab officials
03Botswana
16-18 March
ERADEconomic
Committee
meeting of the
Global Coalitionfor Africa4
2Hong Kong,
China
23-27 March
TCD, TSD, RDMultilateral
trading system
for Asian
developingcountries4
2Turkey
7-9 July
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
for Black SeaEconomic
Council
(11 countries)0
3Mexico
30 March-1
April
TCD, TSDServices
negotiations0
2Bahrain
25-27 April
TCDCompetition law
and policy
(Follow-up
seminar for Arabcountries not
invited to the
Cairo seminar)
03France
8 September
IPDIntellectual
Property for
Developing
Countries
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Czech Republic
30 Sept.-2 Oct.TCD, TEDTrade and
environment forCentral and
Eastern European
and CentralAsian countries
(16)
4
2Cameroon
31 Mar.-4 AprilTCD, DDJoint trade policy
regional seminarfor UDEAC
(World Bank and
WTO)0
2Philippines
24-25 MarchTCDInternational
business roundtable on UR
Agreements4
1Netherlands
Antilles30 Mar.-1 April
TCDWTO and the
multilateraltrading system0
3Saudi Arabia
29-30 AprilACCDWTO
Agreements andaccessions
4
3Egypt
21-23 April
IPIDCompetition law
and policy4
1Australia
27 April-1 May
IPIDTRIPs
Agreement for
Asian and Pacificarea LDCs (16
countries)4
3Guatemala
27 April-6 May
TEDRegional trade
agreements and
the WTO; TBTAgreement for
Central American
countries0
3Jordan
12-15 July
AGD, TEDTBT and SPS
0
1Mali
11-13 May
IPIDTRIPs
Agreement (with
WIPO) (Follow-up to HLM)0
1Myanmar
27-29 May
TSDGATS, market
access for
ASEANcountries4
2Colombia
4-6 May
RDSubsidies'
disciplines for
Andeancommunity
(MERCOSUR)0
3Syria
30 Aug.-1 Sept.
TCDPolicies and
methods for
promotion ofnon-traditional
exports of IDB
membercountries
0
3Egypt
8-11 June
TCDConference on
trade and
development forLeague of Arab
States
(22 countries)4
1Thailand
1-4 June
RDAdvanced anti-
dumping – trade
remedies andcompetition
(procedures)
ADB programme0
3Guyana
6-8 May
AGDSPS Agreement
for CARICOM
countries0
3Saudi Arabia
14 Sept.-4 Oct.
TCD, TSD,IPID, LEGDThree-week trade
policy course for
Arab-speakingIDB countries
(20)
41Namibia
15-18 June
TCDDispute
settlement
procedures andpractices for 23
English-speaking
African countries4
1Malaysia
9-11 June
TCD, TEDTrade and
environment for
Asian developingcountries (26
countries invited)4
2USA
2-19 June
TCD, TBT, SD,LEGDRegional
assistance project
for English-speaking 3-week
course (Latin
Americancountries)0
3Bahrain
29 November –
1 DecemberIPDIntellectual
Property for
countries of theGulf Cooperation
Council
41Zambia
16-18 June
MACCD, TCD,SISD, ITCMarket access
and textiles for
English-speakingAfrican LDCs
(Follow-up to
HLM)0
3Fiji
11-13 June
AGDMinisterial
Conference on
sugar0
3Bahamas
8-9 June
MACCDCustoms matters
for Caribbean
States
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
2Egypt
27-28 JuneTEDTrade and
environment anddevelopment for
Arab countries,
with ISO andITC4
2Malaysia
13-16 JuneSISDIntegrated data
base for APECmember
economies (18
countries)0
3USA
11-13 JuneIPIDIntellectual
property rightsand agriculture
0
3Gabon
8-9 July
IPIDTraining session
on competition:
trade policy,competition
policy,
investmentpromotion
(UDEAC)0
3Sri Lanka
15-18 June
TCD, LEGDLegal
implementation
of WTOAgreements4
2USA
29 June-17 July
TCD, TEXDRegional
assistance
project:  Spanish-speaking 3-week
course (Latin
Americancountries)
43Tanzania
20-24 July
TCD, LEGDLegal
Implementation
of WTO
Agreements forAfrican English-
speaking LDCs
(organized by theCommonwealth
Secretariat)4
2Philippines
30 June-3 July
AGDSPS Agreement
(13 countries)4
1Venezuela
29 June-2 July
TCD, LEGDDispute
settlement
procedures and
practices for 18Latin American
countries
0
3Egypt
26-28
September
TSDElectronic
commerce for
Arab countries0
3Bangladesh
3-7 August
TCD, ConsultantSeminar for 13
English-speaking
LDCs in Asia
and Pacificregion (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Trinidad and
Tobago
6-8 July
TEDTrade and
environment for
Caribbean
countries (13countries)
42Djibouti
28 Sept.-2 Oct.TCD, MACCD,
SISD, TSDTrade policy
seminar for 21French-speaking
LDCs (Follow-up
to HLM)0
3Thailand
3-4 AugustTCDTrade policy:
Multilateralismand the Asia-
Pacific region (6
countries)4
2Trinidad and
Tobago20-24 July
MACCD, SISDMarket access
issues, tariffschedules,
Harmonized
Systemnomenclature and
customs
valuation forCARICOM
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Côte d'Ivoire
2-4 NovemberTCDTrade and
environment for20 French-
speaking African
countries4
1Thailand
24-28 AugustRDAdvanced anti-
dumping – traderemedies and
competition
(procedures)ADB programme4
2Costa Rica
10-14 AugustMACCD, SISDTariff schedules,
customsvaluation,
Harmonized
Systemnomenclature
(9 countries)
0
3Egypt
8-9 NovemberTEDRegional
workshop: role ofregional
metrology
organizations insupporting world
trade needs0
3New Zealand
31 Aug.-5 Sept.AGDWTO Agreement
on Agriculturefor South Pacific
region0
2Argentina
26-28 AugustTSDServices
(MERCOSURand Chile)
43Zimbabwe
23-26 Nov.
AGDAgricultural
policy of African
countries and the
multilateraltrading system0
3Malaysia
7-8 September
IPIDCompetition
policy (APEC)4
1Chile
31 Aug.-4 Sept.
TCD, TEDTrade and
environment for
Latin American
countries
01Singapore
29-30 OctoberLEGD, TCDDispute
settlementprocedures and
practices for 12
Asian Pacificcountries4
3Argentina
7-8 SeptemberIPIDGovernment
procurementtransparency
(OAS)
01Thailand
9-12 November
RDWTO subsidies
for South and
South-East AsianWTO Members4
2Guatemala
21-24 Sept.
RDSubsidy
disciplines
seminar forCentral American
countries
(10 countries)
0
1Barbados
9-12 November
LEGD, TCDDispute
settlement
procedures andpractices for 13
Caribbean
countries
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
3Panama
25-26 Nov.TSDInternational
services economyfor Rio group of
Latin America
0
3Colombia
30 Nov.-1 Dec.IPIDGovernment
procurement forthe group of three
and the Andean
pact countries
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Rwanda
12-16 January
TCD, ERADNeeds
assessment:
WTO and themultilateral
trading system
(Follow-up toHLM)0
1Chinese Taipei
8-11 March
TSDSchedule of
specific
commitments onservices – basic
telecomm.0
1Moldova
28-31 January
IPIDEnforcement of
industrial
property rights4
1Haiti
20-21 April
TCDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre– connecting
LDCs;
presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website (Follow-up to HLM)0
1Oman
9-10 February
MACCDHarmonized
System, customs
valuation
41Congo,
DemocraticRep.
29-30 January
IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Mongolia
30 March-1 AprilTCD, MACCDHarmonized
System, tariffschedules and
notification
requirements4
1Turkey
9-13 FebruaryRDAnti-dumping
andcountervailing
duty
investigations0
3USA
5 MayDDIntegrated
framework fortrade-related
technical
assistance forLDCs (WB
executive board
meeting)4
1Oman
25-27 AprilACCDAccession
4
1Rwanda
2-3 FebruaryIMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Vanuatu
23 AprilACCDAccession 0
1Latvia
2 AprilRDWorkshop on
anti-dumping andsafeguards0
1Venezuela
3-7 AugustRDAnti-dumping 0
1Israel
29 June-1 JulyRDAnti-dumping,
countervailingduties'
calculations
0
1Morocco
3-5 February
TCD, IMRDPreparation for
WTO training
centre set-up4
1Pakistan
27-29 April
MACCDHarmonized
System 96 and
tariff schedules0
3Croatia
1-3 June
ACCDAccession 4
1Guatemala
17-18 August
MACCDTariff schedule:
list of
concessions,
transposition toHarmonized
System4
1Bahrain
21-23 Sept.
SISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Central African
Republic5-6 February
IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)0
2China
4-8 MayTSDTraining
programme ontrade in services0
1Malta
12-15 OctoberMACCDCustoms
valuation4
1Honduras
19-20 AugustMACCDTechnical
mission: list ofconcessions,
transposition to
HarmonizedSystem0
1Oman
1-4 NovemberWCOAccession
0
1Niger
9-13 FebruaryTSDGATS and
specificcommitments
(Follow-up to
HLM)0
3Hong Kong,
China4 June
IPDIntellectual
Property0
2Switzerland
21-22 OctoberTCDColloquium:
round table onChad with UNDP0
3Canada
23-28 AugustAGDProtocol on
biosafetynegotiations0
1Bahrain
7-9 NovemberMACCDHarmonized
System, tariffconcessions,
schedules,
customsvaluation
41Togo
9-10 FebruarySISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Bangladesh
13-14 July IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)0
1Andorra
16-17November
ACCDAccession 0
1Venezuela
14-15September
DDRegional
Agreements andWTO rules
41Myanmar
16-17 July
IMRDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Guinea-Bissau
10-11 FebruaryIMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Maldives
20-21 JulyIMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)0
1Armenia
30 NovemberMACCDMarket access 0
2Haiti
21-23 Sept.TCDPreparation for
round table onHaiti (Follow-up
to HLM)
4
1Guinea
11-12 FebruaryIMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)0
2Bangladesh
8-10 AugustTCDFollow-up to
regional seminar(Follow-up to
HLM)0
1Paraguay
28 Sept.-2 Oct.TPRDCustoms
valuation
41Djibouti
16-17 February
IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)0
2New Zealand
31 Aug.-4 Sept.
LEGDDispute
settlement0
1Peru
14-16 October
TPRDCustoms
valuation
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Mali
16-17 FebruarySISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)0
3India
27-29 SeptemberTSDTelecomm. 0
1Colombia
19-21 OctoberTCDCustoms
valuation
41Zambia
2-6 MarchTCD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Solomon Islands
19-20 OctoberTCD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)0
1Colombia
19-23 OctoberTDDAssistance to the
Ministry ofForeign Trade on
documentation
systems and on-line legal
research projects
4
1Chad
9-10 March
SISDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)0
1Sri Lanka
20-23 October
MACCD +
ConsultantCustoms
valuation
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Egypt
9-11 MarchTEDTBT 4
1Vanuatu
22-23 OctoberTCD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)
0
2Ethiopia
9-11 MarchIPIDTrade and
investment,government
procurement
(Follow-up toHLM)4
1Bhutan
2-3 NovemberTCDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)
41Niger
12-13 March
SISDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Nepal
5-6 November
TCDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Mauritania
16-17 MarchSISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)0
1Lao, People's
Dem. Rep.15-17 November
ACCDAccession
0
1Namibia
23-27 MarchTCDSpecific WTO
Agreements4
1Lao, People's
Dem. Rep.10-11 December
TDD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)
41Mozambique
20-21 April
TCD, TDDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)4
1Cambodia
14-15 December
TDD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website (Follow-
up to HLM)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Malawi
23-24 AprilTCD, TDDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)
4
1Tunisia
11-15 MayMACCDCustoms
valuation, tariffschedules, rules
or origin
0
2Kenya
26-29 May
TCDImplementation
of Joint
Integrated
TechnicalAssistance
Programme for
AfricanCountries
(JITAP)
0
2Uganda
1-3 June
TCDImplementation
of Joint
Integrated
TechnicalAssistance
Programme for
AfricanCountries
(JITAP) (Follow-
up to HLM)
01Morocco
3-4 June
MACCDCustoms
valuation for
customs and
private sector
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Mauritius
8-9 JuneMACCDTechnical
mission:preparation of
schedule for
informationtechnology
products
0
1Seychelles
9-12 JuneACCDAccession,
finalization ofdocumentation
41Angola
22-23 JuneSISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)
4
2Côte d'Ivoire
24-26 June
TCD, TEDImplementation
of Joint
Integrated
TechnicalAssistance
Programme for
AfricanCountries
(JITAP)
4
1Burundi
25-26 JuneSISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 64AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
2Burkina Faso
29-30 JuneTCDImplementation
of JointIntegrated
Technical
AssistanceProgramme for
African
Countries(JITAP) (Follow-
up to HLM)
4
2Benin
2-3 JulyTCDImplementation
of JointIntegrated
Technical
AssistanceProgramme for
African
Countries
(JITAP) (Follow-
up to HLM)
01Kenya
21-23 Sept.
TCD,
ConsultantCustoms
valuation
4
1Madagascar
24-25 Sept.
SISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre– connecting
LDCs;
presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website (Follow-up to HLM)
0
1Madagascar
5-7 October
TCD, TSD,IPID, LEGDLegislation
adjustment,
(Follow-up toHLM)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 65AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Mauritius
26-27 OctoberMACCDCustoms
valuation
4
1Cape Verde
9-10 November
SISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre– connecting
LDCs;
presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website (Follow-up to HLM)
41Gambia
12-13 Nov.SISD, IMRDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite (Follow-
up to HLM)
4
1Kenya
12-13 Nov.
IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre
– connectingLDCs;
presentation of
WTO andcomputer
Website
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 66AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Namibia
16-17 Nov.IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTOReference Centre
– connecting
LDCs;presentation of
WTO and
computerWebsite
0
1Morocco
26 November
WCORules of origin
4
1Ethiopia
30 Nov.-1 Dec.
IMRD, SISDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre– connecting
LDCs;
presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website (Follow-up to HLM)
01Ghana
30 Nov.-4 Dec.TCDImplementation
of WTOAgreements
0
1Tunisia
1-3 December
IMRD, TCDEstablishment of
a WTO
Reference Centre– connecting
LDCs;
presentation ofWTO and
computer
Website (JITAP)
4
1Senegal
2-4 December
SISDTraining on
WTO Reference
Centre
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 67IV: WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES, SYMPOSIA , ROUND TABLES, TRAINING COURSES: 106
AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
THE CARIBBEANMIDDLE EAST
COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Morocco
4-6 February
MACCDCustoms
valuation4
1China
9-13 February
RDWorkshop:
AC/CVD
investigations for
Chinesegovernment
officials0
3Russian
Federation
2-3 February
TSDSymposium:
telecomm. and
GATS0
2USA
28 Jan.
TCD, DDColloquium:
inter-agency
meeting on LDCs
follow-up0
2Saudi Arabia
7-8 February
TCDWorkshop:
consultation with
IDB on training
courses for itsmember states
41Djibouti
8-12 February
TCD, TSDTrade policy,
services (Follow-
up to HLM)0
3Philippines
19-21 February
TSDConference on
telecomm.0
1Switzerland
2-6 February
RDHLM for Vice-
Ministers of trade
and integration of
country membersof Andean
community0
3Colombia
1-3 February
TSDSymposium:
iberoamerican
regulatory
organizationsmeeting: "El
futuro del
comercio de lastelecomunica-
ciones"4
1UAE
8-11 March
TCDTraining course:
trade negotiations
skills
4
1Mauritius
8-11 February
AGD, LEGDAgriculture,
dispute
settlement0
2Chinese Taipei
1-4 March
RDConference on
antidumping0
3Poland
9-11 February
IPDConference:
enforcement for
customs officers0
2USA
9-10 February
TCD, IMRDMeeting with the
Economic
Development
Institute on jointseminar and
training;  ITD
WEB site4
3UAE
29-30 March
ERADSymposium on
effects of
globalization and
internationalworld trade
liberalization
agreements onsmall/medium
industries in
Arab countries
41Equatorial
Guinea
16-20 February
TCDParticipation in
the seminar on
the impact of
tradeliberalization on
the
manufacturing/export sector of
the OECS
(Follow-up toHLM)0
2Malaysia
30-31 March
TCD, TEDRegional
conference:
international
business roundtable on UR
Agreements;
implications fortech.-based
exporters0
1Switzerland
10-13 February
TCDTraining course
on dispute
settlement (5
LDCs)0
3USA
26-27 February
IPDConference:
meeting with
World Bank –
IADB seminar on'efficiency and
transparency in
public sectorprocurement'0
3UAE
27 April
TCDWTO and
developing
countries:
opportunities andchallenges
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 68AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
2Zimbabwe
13-15 MarchERADConference:
macro economicand Financial
Management
Institute forEastern and
Southern Africa0
3Singapore
31 MarchTSDSymposium:
professionalservices and the
GATS0
3France
16-17 FebruaryTCDConference on
WTO and themultilateral
trading system0
3USA
13-16 AprilSISDColloquium:
collection andcodification on
non-tariff
measures withALADI, SIECA
and UNCTAD0
2Lebanon
2-4 JulyTEXDRegional
workshop WTOAgreements on
textiles and
implications onthe trade of
developing
countries
0
3Zimbabwe
6-7 April
TCD, IMRDConference:
represent WTO
at the preparatorymeeting of
OAU/African
EconomicCommunity
Member States
for the 2
nd WTO
Ministerial
Conference0
3Hong Kong,
China
1-3 JuneIPDEnforcement of
Intellectual
Property Rightsfor Asian
countries0
3Switzerland
19-20 February
TCDColloquium:
brainstorming for
preparation ofArab countries
for the WTO
MinisterialConference0
3USA
14-17 April
ERADColloquium:
attend board
meeting of theJoint Vienna
Institute and also
meeting of thedesign committee
of the JVI0
1UAE
31 Oct.-2Nov.
TSDConference on
WTO and the
globalisation ofMiddle-East
enterprise
summit
42Chad
14-17 April
TCD, DDNational
workshop:
session on
notifications(Follow-up to
HLM)4
3India
15-16 July
IPDSymposium:
international
investment
arrangements andtheir implications
for developing
countries0
2Italy
26 February
TCD, EXTRDMeeting with UN
Staff College on
training and
technicalcooperation
activities0
3Barbados
7-8 May
DDConference
ACP/EU Council
for Ministers0
1Palestine
3-9 Nov.
EXTRDTraining course:
commercial
diplomacy for
Palestinianauthority officials
01Botswana
29 April-1 May
TSDGATS and
telecomm.4
1Thailand
20-24 July
LEGDAdvanced
training course
on dispute
settlement4
2Switzerland
26-27 February
TCD,IPD,
ERADFirst symposium
on investment for
Geneva-based
delegates0
3Brazil
25-29 May
IPDConference with
AIPPI (Int'l Ass.
for  the
Protection ofIntell. Property)0
3Lebanon
17-19 Nov.
TSDGATS and
maritime
transport, future
negotiations
42South Africa
3-7 MayIMRDConference
(ITU-WB):information
technologies for
development –WEB0
3Singapore
9-10 Nov.TSDConference:
bank competitionpolicy and
corporate
governance0
1Switzerland
9-10 MarchMACCDSymposium on
trade facilitation0
3USA
4-6 JuneDD, TCDIntegrated
framework forLDCs;  Inter-
agency meeting
03India
17-18 Nov.
LEGDWTO dispute
settlement
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 69COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
1Tunisia
5-6 May
TEDNational
symposium on
environment0
3India
29 Nov.-1 Dec.
DDGConference:
1998
India EconomicSummit4
1Switzerland
20 April-8 May
TCDTrade-policy
course for 24
English-speakingLDCs (follow-up
to HLM)0
3USA
22-26 June
TCDColloquium:
campus on
internationaltrade
(UTA/UNITAR)
4
1South Africa
19-20 June
TCDDispute
settlement
procedures and
practices0
3China
8-9 Dec.
TSDService Trade:
China and the
World0
3Belgium
12-15 May
TCDBriefing Session
for 71 ACP
Countries on
MinisterialMeeting0
3Bahamas
28 June-4 July
TSDConference on
Telecomm. and
Information
Technology (withCTU)
0
3Egypt
29-30 June
TEDTrade and
environment0
3India
10-11 Dec.
DDSpecial and
differential
treatment0
1Switzerland
21 May-3 July
TCD, AGD,MACCD,
ACCD8
th Special
Training Course:
accession toWTO for Eastern
and Central
European andCentral Asian
countries0
3Honduras
16-17 July
AGDRegional
Symposium for
Latin Americaand Caribbean
exporters of
sugar
01Ethiopia
17-20 August
TCDWTO and
Multilateral
Trade
Agreements(Follow-up to
HLM)0
3Poland
7-9 May
TCDWTO and the
multilateral
trading system
(organised byMaastricht
University)0
3Mexico
24-26 August
IPDColloquium:
TRIPs (Int'l
Association for
Advancement ofTeaching &
Research in
IntellectualProperty)
01Namibia
24-28 AugustTCD,
ConsultantTrade
negotiationssimulation0
3Spain
28-29 MayTSDConference:
reforms of thefinancial systems
in Latin America
(SELA)0
3Chile
28-29 Sept.TSDLiberalization of
internationaltrade
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 70AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
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COUNTRY AND
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DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
2Tunisia
20-22 OctoberTEXTDSymposium:
Agreement onTextiles and
Clothing4
2Switzerland
8-9 JuneIPDSecond
Symposium oninvestment for
Geneva-based
delegates0
3USA
28 SeptemberTCDConference:
Eighth annualMinisterial
Meeting of LDCs
at the UN(Follow-up to
HLM)
0
3Tunisia
21-22 October
IMRDSymposium:
partnership for
information and
communicationstechnologies in
Africa meeting0
3Austria
9-11 June
ERADSymposium:
Joint Vienna
Institute Board
Meeting0
3Mexico
29 Sept.-1 Oct.
TSDConference:
liberalization and
prudential
regulation fordeveloping
countries
0
3Botswana
25-27 October
DDConference:
transformation of
international
trade andinvestment
arrangements0
3Norway
11 June
TCDConference on
WTO and the
multilateral
trading system(Central office of
agriculture
cooperative)0
3USA
30 Sept.-2 Oct.
TSDConference:
global telecomm.
market
03Burkina Faso
31 Oct-2 Nov.
TCDConference:
second African-
Arab businessweek0
1Switzerland
26 June
TCDForum de Crans-
Montana (with
DDG)0
3Chile
19-22 October
RDConference:
trade promotion
organization
0
3South Africa
9-16 November
TCD,UNCTAD,
ITCConference:
'Meet in Africa':
Leather TradeFair0
3Russia
29 June –
1 JulyIPDIntellectual
Property for the
CIS countries0
3Barbados
9-10 Nov.
TSDConference:
GATS and
telecomm.
03Egypt
15-16 Nov.
TCD, DDWTO and the
Multilateral
Trade
Agreements,recent trends0
3Netherlands
13-16 July
TCDColloquium:
introduction to
the WTO and the
multilateraltrading system;
fellowship
programme ininternational law
(UN/UNITAR)0
3Argentina
10-13 Nov.
TEDConference:
convention on
climate change
4
2Switzerland
25 JulyIPDSecond
symposium oncompetition
policy for
Geneva-based
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 71AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
2Tunisia
26-27 Nov.
TCDAgriculture 0
3Switzerland
28-30 July
MACCDPreshipment
inspection
services for
Commonwealthdeveloping
countries0
3Venezuela
23-27 Nov.
TCDCongress of
international law;
consultation with
the MetropolitanUniversity on
regional trade
course
0
3Botswana
30 Nov-4 Dec.
TCD, AGDAgriculture and
SPS0
1Switzerland
14-15 Sept.
TEDTechnical
barriers to trade
workshop ofprocedures for
information
exchange forcommittee
members (26+11
countries)0
3Uruguay
2-4 December
TSDCooperative
business and
commerce:  thehuman face of
the economy
03Uganda
7 December
TCDTrade-related
consultative
group meeting-Integrated
Framework for
LDCs0
2Switzerland
14-18 Sept.
TCDJoint
(symposium)
meeting withSIECA on
software
development forthe Integrated
Data Base0
2USA
6-12 December
SISDData entry for the
IDB;  discussion
to create a jointtrade analysis
data base on
agriculturalproducts
01Egypt
7-10 DecemberLEGDDispute
settlement rulesand procedures0
2Switzerland
16 SeptemberIPDJoint symposium
on the process ofimplementation
of the TRIPs
Agreement(WIPO)
02Morocco
9-12 DecemberAGDWorkshop:
Agreement onAgriculture:
preparation for
the next tradenegotiations0
2Switzerland
5-9 OctoberTCDWTO and the
multilateraltrading system:
WTO segment of
the trainingcourse for
Chinese officials:
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
1 – Activities fully organized by WTO2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions
3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
Page 72AFRICA ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH/LATIN AMERICA AND
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
4
1Italy
5-23 OctoberTCD, MACCD,
SISD, TEXD,
AGD,TED,TSD,
LEGD, ERAD,
TPRDShort Trade
Policy Course forFrench-speaking
LDCs (Follow-up
to HLM)
0
3Austria
10-13 October
ERADSymposium:
Joint Vienna
Institute BoardMeeting
0
1Switzerland
6-9 October
TCD12th Special
Training Course
on the WTOdispute
settlement
procedures andpractices (4
LDCs)
0
1Switzerland
19-20 October
TCDInter-agency
working group
(Follow-up to
HLM)
0
3Turkey
2-4 November
TCDSymposium:
fourteenth
session ofStabbing
Committee for
economic andcommercial
cooperation
0
3France
23-24 Nov.TCDColloquium:
capacity atOECD
development for
trade (IntegratedFramework for
LDCs)
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year PlanWT/COMTD/W/62
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COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT COUNTRY AND
DATESUBJECT
0
3France
24 NovemberTCDWTO and the
multilateraltrading system
42France
24-27 Nov.TEDTBT seminar for
African French-speaking
countries
0
3Austria
2-4 DecemberERADTraining course:
trade andexchange rate
policies
4
2Switzerland
7-11 December
TCDTraining of
trainers:  Tunisia,
Côte d'Ivoire,
Benin, BurkinaFaso
0
3Austria
14-15 Dec.
ERADSymposium:
Joint  Vienna
Institute Board
Meeting
0 – Activities without a reference code in the Three-Year Plan1 – Activities fully organized by WTO
2 – Activities organized by WTO and other institutions3 – Activities where WTO was invited
4 – Activities with a reference code in the Three-Year Plan
_______________