RESTRICTED  
  
WT/BFA/W/492  
 
10 September 2019  
(19-5831) Page: 1/38 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020 -2021 BUDGET PRO POSAL  
BY THE  
DIRECTOR -GENERAL1 
 
 
 
  
                                                
1 Due to rounding of figures in various tables and summary charts, minor difference can result between 
subtotals and totals.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
1   INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ............................  5 
2   BUDGET PROPOSALS  2020 -2021  ................................ ................................ ................  6 
2.1   Miscellaneous Income  ................................ ................................ ...............................  10 
2.2   Assessed Contributions from Members  ................................ ................................ ........  10 
3   BUDGET PROPOSALS  BY SECTION  ................................ ................................ ............  15 
3.1   WTO SECRETARIAT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 15 
3.1.1    Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ .....................  15 
3.1.2    Part B - Other Resources  ................................ ................................ ........................  18 
3.1.3    Part C - Operating Funds & ITC  ................................ ................................ ...............  22 
3.2   APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT  ................................ ................................ .... 23 
3.2.1    Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ .....................  23 
3.2.2    Part B - Other Resources  ................................ ................................ ........................  23 
3.2.3    Part C - Operating Funds  ................................ ................................ ........................  24 
4   BUDGET PROPOSALS  BY THEMATIC BUDGETA RY AREAS  ................................ ..........  24 
4.1   Information Technology  ................................ ................................ .............................  24 
4.2   Technical Assistance  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 25 
4.3   Security  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  26 
4.4   Conferences  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  26 
4.5   Dispute Settlement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 27 
4.6   Document Reproduction  ................................ ................................ ............................  28 
4.7   Human Resources Training Program ................................ ................................ ............  29 
5   BUDGET BY OUTPUT  CHAPTER  ................................ ................................ ..................  30 
5.1   2020-2021 Budget Proposals by Output Chapter  ................................ ..........................  30 
5.2   Facilitating Negotiations  ................................ ................................ ............................  30 
5.3   Administering Agreed WTO Rules  ................................ ................................ ................  30 
5.4   Monitoring Trade Policies  ................................ ................................ ...........................  30 
5.5   Settling Disputes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 30 
5.6   Capacity Building  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 30 
5.7   Assisting Accessions ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 31 
5.8   Conducting Research  ................................ ................................ ................................  31 
5.9   Reaching Out  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  31 
6   KEY ORGANIZATION AL EVOLUTION SINCE 1 995 ................................ .....................  32 
6.1   Budgetary Evolution  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 32 
6.2   Evolution of Contributions  ................................ ................................ ..........................  32 
6.3   Staff Evolution  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  33 
6.4   Regular Posts per Division  ................................ ................................ .........................  34 
7   WORKLOAD INDICAT ORS ................................ ................................ .........................  35 
7.1   Translation and Documentation  ................................ ................................ ..................  35 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  7.2   Meetings  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  35 
7.3   Dispute Settlement Expenditure  ................................ ................................ .................  36 
8   PROJECTED BUDGET  PERFORMANCE 2019  ................................ ...............................  37 
8.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ ........................  38 
8.2   Part B - Other Resources  ................................ ................................ ...........................  38 
8.3   Part C - Operating Funds & ITC  ................................ ................................ ..................  38 
 
TABLES AND FIGURES  
 
TABLE 1 2020 -2021 BU DGET ESTIMATES  ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
TABLE 2 2020 -2021 PR OPOSED CONSOLIDATED WTO BUDGET  ................................ ...............  7 
TABLE 3 2020 -2021 PR OPOSED BUDGET FOR TH E WTO SE CRETARIAT  ................................ ..... 8 
TABLE 4 2020 -2021 PR OPOSED BUDGET FOR TH E APPELLATE BODY AND  ITS SECRETARIAT  ...... 9 
TABLE 5 2020 -2021 MI SCELLANEOUS INCOME B UDGET  ................................ .......................  10 
TABLE 6 SCALE OF CON TRIBUTIONS FOR 2020  ................................ ................................ ... 11 
TABLE 7 SECTION 1: S TAFF EXPENDITURE  ................................ ................................ .........  15 
TABLE 8 STAFF PENSIO N AND POST -EMPLOYMEN T BENEFITS  ................................ ...............  15 
TABLE 9 STAFF HEALTH  AND INVALIDITY INSU RANCE  ................................ ..........................  16 
TABLE 10 STAFF FAMIL Y AND INTERNATIONAL BENEFI TS ................................ .....................  16 
TABLE 11 OTHER STAFF  EXPENDITURE  ................................ ................................ ...............  17 
TABLE 12 S ECTION 2: TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE  ................................ ................................ . 17 
TABLE 13 SHORT -TERM STAFF ................................ ................................ ...........................  17 
TABLE 14 C ONSULTING  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 18 
TABLE 15 PANELLISTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
TABLE 16 SECTION 3: GENERAL SERVICES  ................................ ................................ .........  19 
TABLE 17 SECTION 4: TRAVEL AND HOSPITALI TY ................................ ................................  20 
TABLE 18 SECTION 5: IMPLEMENTING PARTNER S ................................ ................................  21 
TABLE 19 SECTION 6: CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ................................ ................................ ..... 21 
TABLE 20 SECTION 7: FINANCIAL EXPENDITUR E ................................ ................................ . 22 
TABLE 21 SECTI ON 8: CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITC AND SPECIAL R ESERVES  ...............................  22 
TABLE 22 PART A - STAFFING RESOURCES  ................................ ................................ .........  23 
TABLE 23 PART B - OTHER RESOURCES  ................................ ................................ ..............  23 
TABLE 24 CONTRIBUTIO NS TO SPECIAL RESERV ES ................................ .............................  24 
TABLE 25 INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY BUDGET  ................................ ................................ .. 24 
TABLE 26 TECHNICAL A SSISTANCE RELATED TR AINING COURSES BY EXPENDITURE LINE  ....... 25 
TABLE 27 SECURITY BU DGET  ................................ ................................ ............................  26 
TABLE 28 CONFERENCE EQUIPMENT  AND MAINTENANCE  ................................ .....................  26 
TABLE 29 DISPUTE SET TLEMENT BUDGET – PANELS ................................ ............................  27 
TABLE 30 DISPUTE SET TLEMENT BUDGET – APPEALS ................................ ...........................  28 
TABLE 31 DOCUMENT RE PRODUCTION AND DISTR IBUTION BUDGET  ................................ ..... 28 
TABLE 32 HUMAN RESOU RCES TRAINING BUDGET  ................................ ..............................  29 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  TABLE 33 BUDGET PROP OSALS 2020 -2021 BY O UTPUT CHAPTER  ................................ ..........  30 
FIGURE 1 EVOLUTION O F BUDGET 1995 – 2021 ................................ ................................ .. 32 
FIGURE 2 EVOLUTION O F CONT RIBUTIONS 1995 -2021 ................................ ........................  32 
TABLE 34 STAFF EVOLU TION 1995 -2021 ................................ ................................ ............  33 
TABLE 35 REGULAR POSTS PER DI VISION AUGUST 2019  ................................ ......................  34 
FIGURE 3 TRANSLATION  AND DOCUMENTATION: NUMBER OF WORDS IN O RIGINAL  
LANGUAGE FOR TRANSLA TION ................................ ................................ ..........................  35 
FIGURE 4 MEETINGS: N UMBER OF FORMAL, INF ORMAL AND PRIVATE ME ETINGS  ....................  35 
FIGURE 5 MEETINGS: D AYS OF F REELANCE INTERPRETER S ................................ ..................  36 
FIGURE 6 DISPUTE SET TLEMENT - EXPENDITUR E ................................ ................................  36 
TABLE 36 PROJECTED C ONSOLIDATED PERFORMA NCE AGAINST BUDGET 2 019 ......................  37 
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  
1.1.   The WTO budget is prepared every biennium, depicting th e budget for the two consecutive 
financial periods, representing each year of the biennium.  
1.2.  Through this document, the Director -General is presenting the budget of the WTO for the 2020 -
2021 biennium.  
1.3.  Based on expenditure trends relating to the previous tw o biennia, and incorporating projections 
for the next two years, the 2020 -2021 budget retains the zero nominal growth budget approach that 
has been in place since 2011.  However, the extent of services and support that Members will require 
and request from the WTO Secretariat is anticipated to increase.  
1.4.  In order to maintain a zero nominal growth budget while facing increasing demands for 
services, the secretariat is not able to operate all the posts that are within the structure. It is obliged 
to maintain a given rate of vacant posts. This has been complemented by other measures such as 
the implementation of a reconstituted structure for personnel, through the replacement of staff on 
high-graded posts by staff on lower grades. This effort which commenced in 2 013, has stabilized. 
The intended outcome of reshaping the grade profile from an inverted pyramid is being achieved. 
This has attained the corollary effect of the Secretariat producing more, at a lower comparable cost.  
1.5.  As in previous periods, the financia l situation will continue to be closely assessed and necessary 
measures taken to exercise prudent and diligent management and stewardship of the Secretariat.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  2  BUDGET PROPOSALS 202 0-2021  
2.1.  The Director -General hereby submits his budget -proposals for the income and expenditure of  
the World Trade  Organization (WTO) for the biennium 20 20-2021.  The budget proposal has been 
prepared in accordance with the Financial Regulations of the WTO (WT/L/156/Rev.3). The biennium 
consists of two consecutive financial peri ods. 
2.2.  As a continuation  from the 2011 budget, the 2020 -2021 proposal reflects a zero nominal 
growth budget.  Therefore, 2020 and 2021 represent the tenth  and the eleventh  consecutive years 
with a zero nominal growth budget.  
Table 1 2020-2021 Budget Estimates  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Secretariat  Budget  
2019  Budget  
2020  Budget  
2021  Inc/Dec  
2020  Inc/Dec  
2021  
WTO 178,961  178,961  178,961  0 0 
ITC 18,243  18,243  18,243  0 0 
Grand Total  197,204  197,204  197,204  0 0 
 
Income  Budget  
2019  Budget  
2020  Budget  
2021  Inc/Dec 
2020  Inc/Dec 
2021  
Contributions from WTO Members  195,500  195,500  195,500  0 0 
Miscellaneous Income  1,704  1,704  1,704  0 0 
Grand Total  197,204  197,204  197,204  0 0 
 
2.3.   The proposed  financ ing of  the budget amount of CHF 197,203,900 , for 2020 and 2021, 
respectively, is as follows:  
a. contributions from Members amounting to CHF 195,500,000; and  
b. miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900.  
 
2.4.  Members' contributions are assessed on the basis of annually updated trade statistics , in 
accordance with Financial  Regulation  12. Contributions from Members are considered due and 
payable in full on 1  January of the respective budget year.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  Table 2 2020-2021 Proposed Consolidated WT O Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff 
Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  88,530  88,530  88,520  0 -10 
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  22,110  22,910  23,230  800 320 
    iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,944  6,394  6,794  450 400 
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  13,021  11,371  10,971  -1,650  -400 
    v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  1,810  2,210  1,900  400 -310 
  1. Staff Expenditure Total   131,415  131,415  131,415  0 0 
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,033  9,850  9,850  817 0 
    ii) Consulting  6,641  5,818  5,818  -823 0 
    iii) Panellists  & Appellate 
Body Member Fees  1,606  1,606  1,606  0 0 
  2. Temporary Assistance Total   17,281  17,275  17,275  -6 0 
A Staffing Resources Total     148,696  148,690  148,690  -6 0 
B Other 
Resources  3. General 
Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 831 641 641 -190 0 
    ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  11,123  11,163  11,163  40 0 
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  2,066  2,066  -185 0 
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,458  1,458  -21 0 
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  88 48 48 -40 0 
  3. General Services Total   15,773  15,376  15,376  -396 0 
  4. Travel & 
Hospitality  i) Travel  7,234  7,393  7,393  159 0 
    ii) Hospitality  216 214 214 -2 0 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total   7,450  7,607  7,607  157 0 
  5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 213 213 0 0 
  5. Implementing Partners Total   213 213 213 0 0 
  6. Capital 
Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,430  1,455  1,455  25 0 
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 640 640 -280 0 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total   2,350  2,095  2,095  -255 0 
  7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 580 580 500 0 
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  1,200  0 0 
  7. Financial Expenditure Total   1,280  1,780  1,780  500 0 
B Other Resources Total     27,065  27,071  27,071  6 0 
C 
Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions 
to ITC & Special 
Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  18,243  0 0 
    ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
    iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 600 0 0 
    iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 600 600 600 0 0 
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special 
Reserves Total  21,443  21,443  21,443  0 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   21,443  21,443  21,443  0 0 
Grand Total     197,204  197,204  197,204  0 0 
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  Table 3 2020 -2021 Proposed Budget for the WTO Secretariat  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff 
Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  85,269  85,269  85,259  0 -10 
    ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment 
Benefits  21,380  22,180  22,500  800 320 
    iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,765  6,215  6,615  450 400 
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  12,661  11,011  10,611  -1,650  -400 
    v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  1,767  2,167  1,857  400 -310 
  1. Staff Expenditure Total   126,842  126,842  126,842  0 0 
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  8,978  9,795  9,795  817 0 
    ii) Consulting  6,616  5,793  5,793  -823 0 
    iii) Panellists  815 815 815 0 0 
  2. Temporary Assistance Total   16,409  16,403  16,403  -6 0 
A Staffing Resources Total     143,252  143,245  143,245  -6 0 
B Other 
Resources  3. General 
Services  i) Telecommunication 
& Post  822 631 631 -190 0 
    ii) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  11,105  11,145  11,145  40 0 
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,231  2,046  2,046  -185 0 
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,469  1,448  1,448  -21 0 
    v) Other / 
Miscellaneous  87 47 47 -40 0 
  3. General Services Total   15,713  15,317  15,317  -396 0 
  4. Travel & 
Hospitality  i) Travel  7,184  7,343  7,343  159 0 
    ii) Hospitality  215 213 213 -2 0 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total   7,398  7,556  7,556  157 0 
  5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing 
Partners  213 213 213 0 0 
  5. Implementing Partners Total   213 213 213 0 0 
  6. Capital 
Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  1,405  1,430  1,430  25 0 
    ii) Rental & Leasing 
of Equipment  920 640 640 -280 0 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total   2,325  2,070  2,070  -255 0 
  7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 580 580 500 0 
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  1,200  0 0 
  7. Financial Expenditure Total   1,280  1,780  1,780  500 0 
B Other Resources Total     26,929  26,935  26,935  6 0 
C 
Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions 
to ITC & Special 
Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  18,243  0 0 
    iii) Ministerial 
Conference Operating 
Fund 600 600 600 0 0 
    iv) Building 
Renovation Fund  600 600 600 0 0 
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special 
Reserves Total  19,443  19,443  19,443  0 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   19,443  19,443  19,443  0 0 
Grand Total     189,624  189,624  189,624  0 0 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  Table 4 2020 -2021  Proposed Budget for the Appellate Body and its Secretariat  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff    
    Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  3,261  3,261  3,261  0 0 
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  730 730 730 0 0 
    iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  179 179 179 0 0 
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  361 361 361 0 0 
    v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  43 43 43 0 0 
  1. Staff Expenditure Total  4,573  4,573  4,573  0 0 
  2. Temporary  
    Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  55 55 55 0 0 
    ii) Consulting  25 25 25 0 0 
    iii) Appellate Body 
Member Fees  791 791 791 0 0 
  2. Temporary Assistance Total  871 871 871 0 0 
A Staffing Resources Total    5,444  5,444  5,444  0 0 
B Other 
Resources  3. General  
    Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 10 10 10 0 0 
    ii) Contractual Services 
& Maintenance  18 18 18 0 0 
    iii) Energy & Supplies  20 20 20 0 0 
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  10 10 10 0 0 
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  2 2 2 0 0 
  3. General Services Total  59 59 59 0 0 
  4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  50 50 50 0 0 
    ii) Hospitality  1 1 1 0 0 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total  51 51 51 0 0 
  6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  25 25 25 0 0 
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  0 0 0 0 0 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total  25 25 25 0 0 
B Other Resources Total    136 136 136 0 0 
C Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions  
    to ITC &  
   Special Reserves  i) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special   
    Reserves Total  2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
Grand Total     7,580  7,580  7,580  0 0 
 
 
 
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  2.1  Miscellaneous Income  
Table 5 2020-2021 Miscellaneous Income  Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Item  2019  2020  2021  Inc/Dec  
2020  Inc/Dec 
2021  
Contributions of Observer Countries  600 600 600 0 0 
Sale of Publications & Royalties  250 270 250 20 -20 
Trust Fund - Allocation form Program 
Support Fund  180 190 190 10 0 
Refund of prior year 's expenditure  150 180 200 30 20 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space  125 125 125 0 0 
Other  399 339 339 -60 0 
Total  1,704  1,704  1,704  0 0 
 
2.5.  With respect to the biennium 2020 -2021, only minor changes to Miscellaneous Income are 
projected. The receipts under Sale of Publications are projected to slightly increase in 2020 due to 
the Ministerial Conference in June. They are accordingly adjusted do wnwards in 2021. The receipts 
under Trust Funds are also expected to be slightly higher than in 2019 due to several new Trust 
Funds. The allocation under Refund of Prior Year's Expenditure is revised upwards. The projected 
receipts under 'Other' are revise d downwards, as this mainly comprises of revenue for renting out 
space for the UBS branch. The branch is in the process of being relocated from the WTO premises.  
2.2  Assessed Contributions from Members  
2.6.  The proposed assessed contributions from Members amount t o CHF 195,500,000 for 2020. The 
following draft scale of contributions has been prepared based on a minimum contribution of 0.015% 
as per Financial Regulation  12. WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  Table 6 Scale of Contributions for 20 20 
(in Swiss Francs)  
Member  2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 2020  
Contribution  
CHF 2020  
Contribution  
% 
Afghanistan  46,920  0.024%  44,965  0.023%  
Albania  41,055  0.021%  41,055  0.021%  
Angola  428,145  0.219%  379,270  0.194%  
Antigua and Barbuda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Argentina  733,125  0.375%  719,440  0.368%  
Armenia  37,145  0.019%  39,100  0.020%  
Australia  2,594,285  1.327%  2,553,230  1.306%  
Austria  1,911,990  0.978%  1,917,855  0.981%  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  246,330  0.126%  238,510  0.122%  
Bangladesh  338,215  0.173%  365,585  0.187%  
Barbados  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Belgium  3,646,075  1.865%  3,663,670  1.874%  
Belize  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Benin  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  103,615  0.053%  101,660  0.052%  
Botswana  74,290  0.038%  72,335  0.037%  
Brazil  2,394,875  1.225%  2,287,350  1.170%  
Brunei Darussalam  72,335  0.037%  62,560  0.032%  
Bulgaria  310,845  0.159%  318,665  0.163%  
Burkina Faso  33,235  0.017%  33,235  0.017%  
Burundi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cabo Verde  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cambodia  105,570  0.054%  129,030  0.066%  
Cameroon  70,380  0.036%  68,425  0.035%  
Canada  4,922,690  2.518%  4,838,625  2.475%  
Central African Republic  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Chad 39,100  0.020%  39,100  0.020%  
Chile 731,170  0.374%  703,800  0.360%  
China  19,737,680  10.096%  20,142,365  10.303%  
Colombia  563,040  0.288%  531,760  0.272%  
Congo  78,200  0.040%  70,380  0.036%  
Costa Rica  152,490  0.078%  158,355  0.081%  
Côte d'Ivoire  109,480  0.056%  109,480  0.056%  
Croatia  220,915  0.113%  230,690  0.118%  
Cuba 136,850  0.070%  129,030  0.066%  
Cyprus  121,210  0.062%  123,165  0.063%  
Czech Republic  1,388,050  0.710%  1,405,645  0.719%  
Democratic Republic of the Congo  105,570  0.054%  113,390  0.058%  
Denmark  1,517,080  0.776%  1,515,125  0.775%  
Djibouti  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Dominica  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Dominican Republic  164,220  0.084%  168,130  0.086%  
Ecuador  228,735  0.117%  218,960  0.112%  
Egypt  496,570  0.254%  490,705  0.251%  
El Salvador  78,200  0.040%  80,155  0.041%  
Estonia  175,950  0.090%  175,950  0.090%  
Eswatini  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
European Union2 0  0.000%  0 0.000%  
                                                
2 The European Union is not subject to contributions. However, its current 28 members are assessed 
individually. The total share of members of the European Union represents 33.94%  of the total assessed 
contributions for 2020.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  Member  2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 2020  
Contribution  
CHF 2020  
Contribution  
% 
Fiji 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Finland  877,795  0.449%  862,155  0.441%  
France  7,440,730  3.806%  7,466,145  3.819%  
Gabon  60,605  0.031%  66,470  0.034%  
The Gambia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Georgia  70,380  0.036%  70,380  0.036%  
Germany  13,882,455  7.101%  13,976,295  7.149%  
Ghana  166,175  0.085%  168,130  0.086%  
Greece  608,005  0.311%  631,465  0.323%  
Grenada  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guatemala  146,625  0.075%  148,580  0.076%  
Guinea  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guinea -Bissau  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guyana  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Haiti 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Honduras  76,245  0.039%  76,245  0.039%  
Hong Kong, China  5,427,080  2.776%  5,548,290  2.838%  
Hungary  991,185  0.507%  1,008,780  0.516%  
Iceland  76,245  0.039%  80,155  0.041%  
India 4,445,670  2.274%  4,455,445  2.279%  
Indonesia  1,722,355  0.881%  1,673,480  0.856%  
Ireland  2,361,640  1.208%  2,619,700  1.340%  
Israel  842,605  0.431%  856,290  0.438%  
Italy 5,096,685  2.607%  5,075,180  2.596%  
Jamaica  52,785  0.027%  50,830  0.026%  
Japan  7,896,245  4.039%  7,673,375  3.925%  
Jordan  168,130  0.086%  168,130  0.086%  
Kazakhstan    570,860  0.292%  508,300  0.260%  
Kenya  127,075  0.065%  125,120  0.064%  
Korea, Republic of  5,777,025  2.955%  5,669,500  2.900%  
Kuwait, the State of  645,150  0.330%  594,320  0.304%  
Kyrgyz Republic  41,055  0.021%  37,145  0.019%  
Lao People's Democratic Republic  37,145  0.019%  46,920  0.024%  
Latvia  160,310  0.082%  160,310  0.082%  
Lesotho  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Liberia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Liechtenstein  64,515  0.033%  64,515  0.033%  
Lithuania  316,710  0.162%  322,575  0.165%  
Luxembourg  930,580  0.476%  999,005  0.511%  
Macao, China  256,105  0.131%  258,060  0.132%  
Madagascar  31,280  0.016%  33,235  0.017%  
Malawi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Malaysia  1,966,730  1.006%  1,923,720  0.984%  
Maldives  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Mali 31,280  0.016%  35,190  0.018%  
Malta  136,850  0.070%  148,580  0.076%  
Mauritania  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Mauritius  58,650  0.030%  56,695  0.029%  
Mexico  3,720,365  1.903%  3,802,475  1.945%  
Moldova, Republic of  37,145  0.019%  35,190  0.018%  
Mongolia  54,740  0.028%  54,740  0.028%  
Montenegro  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Morocco  353,855  0.181%  361,675  0.185%  
Mozambique  70,380  0.036%  66,470  0.034%  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Member  2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 2020  
Contribution  
CHF 2020  
Contribution  
% 
Myanmar  115,345  0.059%  127,075  0.065%  
Namibia  50,830  0.026%  48,875  0.025%  
Nepal  44,965  0.023%  50,830  0.026%  
Netherlands  5,745,745  2.939%  5,732,060  2.932%  
New Zealand  459,425  0.235%  465,290  0.238%  
Nicaragua  54,740  0.028%  56,695  0.029%  
Niger  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Nigeria  656,880  0.336%  586,500  0.300%  
North Macedonia  52,785  0.027%  56,695  0.029%  
Norway  1,411,510  0.722%  1,348,950  0.690%  
Oman  383,180  0.196%  365,585  0.187%  
Pakistan  346,035  0.177%  357,765  0.183%  
Panama  263,925  0.135%  252,195  0.129%  
Papua New Guinea  62,560  0.032%  62,560  0.032%  
Paraguay  111,435  0.057%  113,390  0.058%  
Peru 418,370  0.214%  416,415  0.213%  
Philippines  719,440  0.368%  768,315  0.393%  
Poland  2,142,680  1.096%  2,228,700  1.140%  
Portugal  772,225  0.395%  787,865  0.403%  
Qatar  793,730  0.406%  746,810  0.382%  
Romania  688,160  0.352%  725,305  0.371%  
Russian Federation  3,937,370  2.014%  3,657,805  1.871%  
Rwanda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Kitts and Nevis  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Lucia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Samoa  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  2,326,450  1.190%  2,162,230  1.106%  
Senegal  46,920  0.024%  48,875  0.025%  
Seychelles     29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sierra Leone  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Singapore  4,774,110  2.442%  4,744,785  2.427%  
Slovak Republic  768,315  0.393%  780,045  0.399%  
Slovenia  303,025  0.155%  310,845  0.159%  
Solomon Islands  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
South Africa  973,590  0.498%  936,445  0.479%  
Spain  3,663,670  1.874%  3,714,500  1.900%  
Sri Lanka  173,995  0.089%  181,815  0.093%  
Suriname  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sweden  2,068,390  1.058%  2,056,660  1.052%  
Switzerland  3,710,590  1.898%  3,687,130  1.886%  
Chinese Taipei  3,384,105  1.731%  3,286,355  1.681%  
Tajikistan  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tanzania  95,795  0.049%  93,840  0.048%  
Thailand  2,404,650  1.230%  2,404,650  1.230%  
Togo 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tonga  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Trinidad and Tobago  117,300  0.060%  107,525  0.055%  
Tunisia  199,410  0.102%  191,590  0.098%  
Turkey  2,011,695  1.029%  2,009,740  1.028%  
Uganda  54,740  0.028%  52,785  0.027%  
Ukraine  627,555  0.321%  561,085  0.287%  
United Arab Emirates  3,071,305  1.571%  3,102,585  1.587%  
United Kingdom  7,446,595  3.809%  7,399,675  3.785%  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Member  2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 2020  
Contribution  
CHF 2020  
Contribution  
% 
United States of America  22,660,405  11.591%  22,855,905  11.691%  
Uruguay  144,670  0.074%  138,805  0.071%  
Vanuatu  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  570,860  0.292%  568,905  0.291%  
Viet Nam  1,401,735  0.717%  1,583,550  0.810%  
Yemen  89,930  0.046%  80,155  0.041%  
Zambia  86,020  0.044%  86,020  0.044%  
Zimbabwe   54,740  0.028%  52,785  0.027%  
TOTAL  195,500,000  100.000%  195,500,000  100.000%  
 
 
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 15 - 
 
  3  BUDGET PROPOSALS BY SECTION  
3.1.  The Budget  is divided into three parts: Part A - Staffing Resources ; Part B - Other Resources ; 
and Part C - Operating Funds & the International Trade Centre ( ITC). which comprises of the WTO's 
contribution  to the  budget of the  ITC as w ell as funding of the  Ministerial Conference Operating Fund, 
Building Renovation Fund, and Appellate Body Operating Fund.  
3.1  WTO SECRETARIAT  
3.1.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  
3.2.  Part A of the budget comprises the expenditure for staff funded through the regular budget. 
This includes  salary, pension, health insurance, death and invalidity insurance, staff benefits and 
expenditure related to travel on recruitment or separation, remo val and installation. Expenditure for 
short-term staff, consultants and panellists  also falls into this part of the budget.  
3.1.1.1   Staff Expenditure  
Table 7 Section 1: Staff Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line 2019  2020  2021 Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
1. Staff  
    Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  85,269  85,269  85,259  0 -10 
  ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  21,380  22,180  22,500  800 320 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  5,765  6,215  6,615  450 400 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  12,661  11,011  10,611  -1,650  -400 
  v) Other Staff Expenditure  1,767  2,167  1,857  400 -310 
1. Staff Expenditure Total   126,842  126,842  126,842  0 0 
 
3.1.1.1.1   Staff Remuneration  
3.3.  Staff Remuneration  covers the expenditure for salaries of regular staff as well as overtime paid 
to fixed -term staff and outstanding leave  payments at separation from service.    
3.4.  Under Staff Remuneration no changes are projected for 2020 and a slight change is foreseen 
for 2021 . The change for 2021 relates to the reduction o f the allocation for overtime. Based on the 
established salary methodology (WT/GC/M/63) and the provision for the Perfor mance Appraisal 
System (WT/GC/M/80) amounting to 2% of the budgeted base salary, a minimum vacancy rate of 
6% of overall posts is required in order to stay within budget . Several years ago, the structure of 
the posts at the WTO Secretariat was an inverted pyramid. In view of this, a considered approach 
was put in place whereby higher graded staff were replaced by staff on lower grades.  Savings of up 
to CHF 500,000 per year have been achieved through this systematic replacement . The prospect of 
any further s avings is now diminished . 
3.1.1.1.2   Staff Pension and Post -Employment Benefits  
Table 8 Staff Pension and Post -Employment Benefits  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
ii) Staff Pension & Post - 
    Employment Benefits  Staff / Pension  18,625  18,625  18,625  0 0 
  Retiree Health Insurance  2,755  3,555  3,875  800 320 
Grand Total    21,380  22,180  22,500  800 320 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 16 - 
 
  3.5.  Staff Pension  and Post -Employment Benefits relates to the WTO's pension contribution for 
regular staff as well as to the health insurance contributions for retired staff. The WTO pension 
contributions amount to 23.7% of the pensionable remuneration. Of this, staff members contribute 
7.9% and Members contribute 15.8%.  
3.6.  With respect to the premiums for retirees, it is projected that the WTO health insurance 
premiums will increase by 15% in 2020 and by another 7% in 2021. This results in an augmentation 
of CHF 800,000 in 2020 and an additional CHF 320,000 in 2021. The alloc ation for 2020 is also 
adjusted to reflect the expenditure projected for 2019. The evolution of the health insurance 
premiums for retirees is driven by the actual increase of the premium and the increase in the number 
of retirees.  
3.1.1.1.3   Staff Health and Invalidi ty Insurance  
Table 9 Staff Health and Invalidity Insurance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
iii) Staff Health &  
     Invalidity Insurance  Staff / Health Insurance  5,280  5,730  6,130  450 400 
  Death and Invalidity 
Insurance  485 485 485 0 0 
Grand Total    5,765  6,215  6,615  450 400 
 
3.7.  Staff Health and Invalidity Insurance relates to the health insurance contributions for 
fixed-term staff and their dependents ; death and invalidity insurance premium s; and insurance 
premiums for service -incurred accident s. 
3.8.  Due to the above -mentioned projected increase of the health insurance premiums by 15% in 
2020 and 7% in 2021, the projected additional budget alloca tion amounts to CHF 450,000 for 2020 
and another CHF 400,000 for 2021. The amount for 2020 includes the expenditure level  projected 
for 2019.  
3.1.1.1.4   Staff Family and International Benefits  
Table 10 Staff Family and International Benefits  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
iv) Staff Family &  
     International Benefits  Staff / Child Allowance  4,536  3,336  3,186  -1,200  -150 
  Staff / Spouse Allowance  2,041  1,591  1,541  -450 -50 
  Staff / Secondary 
Dependence Allowance  390 390 340 0 -50 
  Staff / Education Grant  3,758  3,958  3,958  200 0 
  Staff / Home Leave  1,638  1,438  1,288  -200 -150 
  Staff / Rental Subsidy  297 297 297 0 0 
Grand Total    12,661  11,011  10,611  -1,650  -400 
 
3.9.  Staff Family and International Benefits comprises  child allowance, spouse allowance  and 
secondary dependence allowance rental subsidy , home leave and education grant  for eligible staff 
members . 
3.10.   The budget for dependency allowances for 2020 and 2021 is in line with the relevant staff 
regulation. The allocation for Education Grant is has been adjusted to take the evolution of the staff 
profile into account. This is fund ed by a reduction under Home Leave. The allocation of Home Leave 
is further adjusted in 2021 based on trends for the second year of the biennium.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 17 - 
 
  3.1.1.2   Other Staff Expenditure  
Table 11 Other Staff Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
v) Other Staff  
    Expenditure  Staff / Travel and Removal  365 465 465 100 0 
  Staff / Installation Grant & 
Medical Examinations  362 362 262 0 -100 
  Staff / Separation Grant  540 690 640 150 -50 
  Staff / Negotiated Termination 
Indemnity  300 300 140 0 -160 
  Staff / US Taxes  200 350 350 150 0 
Grand Total    1,767  2,167  1,857  400 -310 
 
3.11.   Other Staff Expenditure includes the following elements for eligible staff: installation grant ; 
negotiated termination indemnities ; separation grants ; expenditure for travel and removal at 
appointment and termination ; and the expenditure linked to unreimbursed US taxes for staff liable 
to US taxes.  
3.12.   For 2020, the allocations under Travel and Removal and Separation Grant are revised 
upwards, as a higher number of retirements is expected. The allocation for US Taxes is also revised 
based on recent expenditure.  
3.13.   For 2021, the allocations for In stallation Grant, Separation Grant and Negotiated Termination 
Indemnity are reduced, as lower expenditure is projected under these items.  
3.1.1.3   Temporary  Assistance  
Table 12 Section 2: Temporary Assistance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  8,978  9,795  9,795  817 0 
  ii) Consulting  6,616  5,793  5,793  -823 0 
  iii) Panellists  & Appellate Body 
Members Fees  815 815 815 0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total  16,409  16,403  16,403  -6 0 
 
3.1.1.3.1   Short -Term  Staff  
Table 13 Short -term Staff  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc 
/Dec 
2021  
i) Short -Term Staff  Short -Term Staff / Salary  2,198  2,191  2,191  -6 0 
  Short -Term Staff / Pension  725 725 725 0 0 
  Short -Term Staff / Health Insurance  200 200 200 0 0 
  Translators / Daily and Monthly  2,000  2,434  2,434  434 0 
  Translators / Special Service 
Contract  1,640  2,029  2,029  389 0 
  Interpreters  1,755  1,755  1,755  0 0 
  Interns  461 461 461 0 0 
Grand Total   8,978  9,795  9,795  817 0 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 18 - 
 
  3.14.   Under Short -Term Staff, the gross salary of temporary staff as well as related pension and 
health contributions, untaken leave at termination and overtime are accounted for. Furthermore, 
translators, interpreters and interns are under th e same category.  
3.15.   For the biennium 2020 -2021, the main impact on temporary assistance represents  the re -
organization of the management of translations . The overall budget for translations includes 
translators paid on a daily/monthly contract, translators paid under special service contracts and 
external translators (accounted under Consulting). The overall budget for translation remains at the 
same leve l, but an allocation of CHF 823,000 under Consulting is moved to short -term contracts for 
translators.  This budget move reflects the trend of previous years in order to give preference to 
translators who can work at the premises of the WTO relative to exte rnal consultants situated outside 
the WTO.  
3.1.1.4   Consulting  
Table 14 Consulting  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
ii) Consulting  Consulting Firms & 
Employment Agencies  2,563  2,628  2,628  65 0 
  Special Service Agreement  1,074  1,009  1,009  -65 0 
  Translators / External 
Translator Contract  2,979  2,156  2,156  -823 0 
Grand Total    6,616  5,793  5,793  -823 0 
 
3.16.   Consulting includes temporary assistance provided by companies such as employment 
agencies and consulting firms, special service agreements with individuals and external translator 
contractors paid by the word translated.  
3.17.   The allocation to  Consulting Firms & Employment Agencies mainly includes the budget for  IT 
consultants, the allocation for the Human Resources Training Program and Technical Assistance 
Related Activities. The reduction under External Translator Contracts relates to the above -mentioned 
shift under the overall translation budget.  The increase under Consulting Firms relates to a shift of 
CHF 65,000 from Special Service Agreements for Technical Assistance related training courses.  
3.18.   The appropriation under Special Service Agreement mainly includes individual consultants for 
Technical related traini ng courses, the Human Resources Training courses and medical consultants.  
3.1.1.5   Panellists  
Table 15 Panellists  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
iii) Panellists  Panellist  Fees 815 815 815 0 0 
Grand Total    815 815 815 0 0 
 
3.19.   The budget for Panellist  Fees includes  special service agreements with panellists  and related 
experts.  It remains at the same level as in 2019.  
3.1.2   Part B - Other Resources  
3.20.   Part B of the budget relates to expenditure for general services, travel and hospitality, 
activities jointly funded by the WTO and third parties, as well as capital and financial expenditure.  
  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 19 - 
 
  3.1.2.1   General  Services  
Table 16 Section 3: General Services  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
3. General 
Services  i) Telecommunication 
& Post  Telecommunication  324 324 324 0 0 
    Post & Freight  498 307 307 -190 0 
  ii) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  Contractual 
Services  7,146  7,496  7,496  350 0 
    Equipment 
Maintenance  2,312  2,012  2,012  -300 0 
    Building 
Maintenance  1,428  1,428  1,428  0 0 
    Insurance  194 194 194 0 0 
    Rental of Premises  25 15 15 -10 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies  Electricity  595 570 570 -25 0 
    Water  54 54 54 0 0 
    Gas & Fuel  461 461 461 0 0 
    Supplies  1,121  961 961 -160 0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication  Books  40 5 5 -35 0 
    Subscriptions  350 385 385 35 0 
    Printing  140 140 140 0 0 
    Publications  639 618 618 -21 0 
    Media & Public 
Relations  300 300 300 0 0 
  v) Other / 
Miscellaneous  Membership and 
Registration Fees  35 15 15 -20 0 
    Advertising  40 20 20 -20 0 
    Other / 
Miscellaneous  12 12 12 0 0 
3. General Services Total     15,713  15,317  15,317  -396 0 
 
 
3.1.2.2   Telecommunication  and Post  
3.21.   Telecommunication and Post includes expenditure relating to fixed and mobile phones  and 
postal and freight services . Due to the savings realized under post and freight over previous years, 
the allocation to the 2020 budget has been reduced by CHF 190,000.  
3.1.2.3   Contractual Services and Maintenance  
3.22.   Contractual Services refers to outsourced service contracts, related to buildings, plant and 
equipment. the cleaning contract (CHF  0.9 million), the contract for the outsourced security provider 
(CHF 3.6  million), the c ontribution to the International Computing Centre (CHF  1.9 million) and the 
IT Service Desk (CHF  1.1 million). The proposed increase includes an increase of CHF 200,000 for 
the IT Service Desk and an increase of CHF 150,000 for the International Computing Centre.  
3.23.   Equipment maintenance refers to all maintenance and repair expenditure that is not related 
to the building such as IT equipment, security equipment, conference equipment and documents 
reproduction equipment. Part of the allocation for the maintenan ce of the conference equipment is 
moved to the Section Capital Expenditure in order to fund the replacement of outdated audio -visual 
conference equipment.  
3.24.   Building maintenance relates to the contracts for the maintenance and servicing of 
installations (mai ntenance of lifts, cooling units, fire detection etc.), various repair work such as 
painting, flooring, plumbing, the maintenance and servicing of the heating system and the electrical 
installations, and the maintenance of the green spaces within the WTO s ecurity perimeter.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 20 - 
 
  3.25.   Insurance includes all building, vehicle, IT equipment, inventory and third -party insurance 
expenditure.  
3.26.   The line rental of premises , relates to the rental of offices, conference rooms and storage 
facilities.  Due to savings realized unde r archiving, the allocation is reduced by CHF 10,000.  
3.1.2.4   Energy and Supplies  
3.27.   This line includes electricity, gas , fuel, water expenditure and supplies for documents 
reproduction, IT and office supplies.  The allocation under electricity is reduced by CHF  25,000. In 
addition, the allocation under supplies, mainly relating to IT supplies, is reduced by CHF 160,000.  
3.1.2.5   Documentation  and Publications  
3.28.   Documentation and Publications relates to the purchase of books, subscriptions to magazines 
and newsfeed, the outsourced printing arrangements for publications, the cost of sales for 
publications and expenditure linked to the rental of photography and filming services.  This budget 
line only includes a shift of CHF 35,000 from books to subscriptions, as considerabl y fewer books 
are purchased than previously and services are consulted online. In the area of publications, the 
budget for technical assistance activities is reduced by CHF 2 1,000 to reflect the shift from books to 
the distribution of material in electroni c format.  
3.1.2.6   Other/ Miscellaneous  
3.29.   Other/Miscellaneous includes  expenditure for advertising for recruitment, membership and 
registration fees for staff training events and other expenditure of a general nature . The allocation 
for Membership fees is reduced by CHF 2 0,000. 
3.1.2.7   Travel and Hospitality  
Table 17 Section 4: Travel and Hospitality  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  Air & Rail Transportation  4,728  4,828  4,828  100 0 
    Other Travel Related 
Expenditure / Out of Pocket  2,236  2,295  2,295  59 0 
    Accommodation / Hotel / 
Meeting Facilities  0 0 0 0 0 
    Insurance / Participants  220 220 220 0 0 
  ii) Hospitality  Hospitality & Meeting 
Refreshments  215 213 213 -2 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total   7,398  7,556  7,556  157 0 
Grand Total      7,398  7,556  7,556  157 0 
 
3.30.   Travel includes the cost of transportation, per diem and travel insurance for official missions, 
technical missions, trade -related technical assistance, as well as travel related to the 
Human  Resources Training Program, travel for panellists , recruitment and external auditors.   
3.31.   The allocation under Air & Rail Transportation is increased by CHF  100,000 in order to 
augment the mission budgets of some divisions as well as to provide funds for the payment of visas. 
The allocation under Other Travel Related Expenditure is increased by CHF 59,000 and represents a 
shift inside the budget of the technical assistance related training courses.  
3.32.   Insurance/Participants relates to the travel insurance for WTO staff on mission .  
3.33.   Hospitality covers the divisional hospitality budget as well as hospitality related to technical 
assistance training courses and the Human Resources Training Program. The all ocation reflects a 
slight adjustment in the budget for technical assistance.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 21 - 
 
  3.1.2.8   Implementing  Partners  
Table 18 Section 5: Implementing Partners  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019 2020  2021  Inc/ 
Decr 
2020 Inc/ 
Decr 
2021 
5. Implementing  
    Partners  i) Implementing  
   Partners  Implementing 
Partners  213 213 213 0 0 
5. Implementing Partners Total    213 213 213 0 0 
 
3.34.   Implementing Partners covers activities or events partly or jointly funded by the WTO and 
executed by a third -party organization . Examples are the  WTO's contribution to  the running costs of 
the International Labour  Organization  Administrative Tribunal, the  International Service for 
Remunerations and Pensions of the Coordinated Organizations and the UN Joint Purchasing Unit , the 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the publishing of the ISO/WTO Directory of 
Standardizing Bodies Accepting the WTO Code of Good Practice, certain professional networks, the 
WTO Essay award and the contribution to the WTO Staff Assistance Fund.  
3.1.2.9   Capital  Expenditure  
Table 19 Section 6: Capital Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
6. Capital  
   Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  Office Furniture and 
Equipment  60 60 60 0 0 
    Computing Hardware  820 620 620 -200 0 
    Computing Software  300 300 300 0 0 
    Audio Visual & 
Telecommunication 
Equipment  50 250 250 200 0 
    Security Equipment  155 180 180 25 0 
    Reproduction Equipment  0 0 0 0 0 
    Vehicles  20 20 20 0 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing  of 
Equipment  Rental and Leasing of 
Equipment  920 640 640 -280 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total   2,325  2,070  2,070  -255 0 
 
3.35.   Capital Expenditure comprises the purchase of audio -visual and telecommunication 
equipment, computing hardware and software, office furniture and other equipment, security 
equipment, vehicles and reproduction equipment.  
3.36.   The allocation for Computing Hardware is reduced by CHF 200,000 and used to fund the 
increase in the budget for the International Computing Centre within the IT budget. The allocation 
under Audio Visual and T elecommunication Equipment is increased in order to provide for the 
necessary replacement of outdated audio -visual  conference equipment.  
3.37.   The allocation for Security Equipment is slightly increased to provide for the replacement of 
necessary equipment throu ghout the biennium.  
3.38.   The item Rental and Leasing of Equipment primarily includes the rental of reproduction 
equipment, security equipment for fire protection, photocopiers and other  equipment. The allocation 
under Rental and Leasing of Equipment is reduced by CHF 280,000 as considerable savings have 
been achieved through a new call for tender and the still ongoing re -organization of this area.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  3.1.2.10   Financial Expenditure  
Table 20 Section 7: Financial Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
7. Financial  
    Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  Bank charges  80 580 580 500 0 
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  Building Loan  
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  1,200  0 0 
7. Financial Expenditure Total    1,280  1,780  1,780  500 0 
 
3.39.   Financial Expenditure includes  bank fees and charges as well as the reimbursement of the 
building loan.  
3.40.   With respect to bank charges, the negative interest introduced by the banks in 2015 is 
projected to be charged for at least the next four to five years.  Due to these market conditions, the 
negotiated thresholds with banks are small, and the interest charge is estimated at around 
CHF 600,000 per year of the biennium. Therefore, the budgetary allocation is adjusted by 
CHF 500,000.  
3.41.   The allocation for the Bui lding Loan Reimbursement remains unchanged. The original interest -
free loan from the Swiss Government was CHF 60 million and is payable over 50 years.  
3.1.3   Part C - Operating Funds & ITC  
3.42.   Part C of the WTO Secretariat budget is related to the contributions to th e International Trade 
Centre , the Ministerial Conference Operating Fund and the Building Renovation F und. 
Table 21 Section 8: Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Line Account  
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
i) Contribution to ITC  Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  18,243  0 0 
iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  Ministerial Conference  
Operating Fund  600 600 600 0 0 
iv) Building Renovation Fund  Building Renovation  
Fund 600 600 600 0 0 
Grand Total   19,443  19,443  19,443  0 0 
 
3.43.   The allocation to  the budget of the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO is in accordance 
with a decision taken by the contracting parties on 22  November  1967 (SR.24/14) and Resolution 
2297 (XXII) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 12  December  1967, effective 
1 January  1968, to the effect that the ITC would be opera ted jointly by UNCTAD and GATT on a 
continuing basis. The WTO has since assumed the responsibilities of the GATT in this respect 
(WT/GC/M/3, item 6). Details of the ITC budget proposal for 2020-2021 are prepared by the ITC 
and considered separately by the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration.  
3.44.   As of the biennium 2020-2021 the ITC is operating under an annual budget, therefore the 
allocations for 2021 might require adjustment during the Mid -term Review.  
3.45.   The Ministerial Conference Operating Fund (MO F) was established in 1999 (WT/BFA/44) to 
even out the budget allocation for  costs associated with a Ministerial Conference. The yearly 
allocation of CHF 600,000 has remained unchanged  since 2005 . WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.46.   The Building Renovation Fund (BRF) was established at the e nd of 2015 in order to provide 
for the renovation costs for building s and infrastructure over the medium - and long - term. The 
necessary annual allocation estimated by the FIPOI (Fondation  des Immeubles pour les 
Organisations Internationales) amounts to CHF 2.5 million. The annual budget  for the biennium 
2020-2021 remains at CHF 600,000 . 
3.2  APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT  
3.2.1   Part A - Staffing  Resources  
3.47.   No changes are projected for the 2020 and 2021 budget for the Appellate Body and its 
Secretariat . The detailed allocation for Part A, B and C are shown in Tables 22, 23 and 24 below.  
Table 22 Part A - Staffing Resources  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  3,261  3,261  3,261  0 0 
  ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  730 730 730 0 0 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  179 179 179 0 0 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  361 361 361 0 0 
  v) Other Staff Expenditure  43 43 43 0 0 
1. Staff Expenditure  
    Total    4,573  4,573  4,573  0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  55 55 55 0 0 
  ii) Consulting  25 25 25 0 0 
  iii) Appellate Body Members 
Fees 791 791 791 0 0 
2. Temporary   
    Assistance Total    871 871 871 0 0 
Grand Total   5,444  5,444  5,444  0 0 
 
3.2.2   Part B - Other Resources  
Table 23 Part B - Other Resources  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line 2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  10 10 10 0 0 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  18 18 18 0 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies  20 20 20 0 0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication  10 10 10 0 0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous  2 2 2 0 0 
3. General Services Total  59 59 59 0 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  50 50 50 0 0 
  ii) Hospitality  1 1 1 0 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total  51 51 51 0 0 
6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed Assets  25 25 25 0 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  0 0 0 0 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total  25 25 25 0 0 
Grand Total   136 136 136 0 0 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  3.2.3   Part C - Operating Funds  
Table 24 Contributions to Special Reserves  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2019 2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
C Operating  
   Funds  8. Special  
    Reserves  i) Appellate Body    
   Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
C Operating Funds Total    2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
 
4  BUDGET  PROPOSALS BY THEMAT IC BUDGETARY AREAS  
4.1.  This part provides an additional view on direct costs on some main budgetary areas  and 
excludes  staff costs for regular staff linked to these areas.  
4.1  Information  Technology  
Table 25 Information Technology Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/
Decr
2020  Inc/
Decr
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  i) Short -Term 
Staff Short -Term Staff / 
Salary  40 40 40 0 0 
    Interns  0 0 0 0 0 
  ii) Consulting  Consulting Firms & 
Employment 
Agencies  1,763  1,763  1,763  0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total    1,803  1,803  1,803  0 0 
3. General  
    Services  i) Telecommunica -
tion & Post  Telecommunication  324 324 324 0 0 
  ii) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  Contractual Services  2,570  2,920  2,920  350 0 
    Equipment 
Maintenance  1,625  1,625  1,625  0 0 
  iii) Energy & 
Supplies  Supplies  270 120 120 -150 0 
3. General Services Total    4,789  4,989  4,989  200 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  Air & Rail 
Transportation  15 15 15 0 0 
  ii) Hospitality  Hospitality & Meeting 
Refreshments  1 1 1 0 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total    16 16 16 0 0 
6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  Computing Hardware  830 630 630 -200 0 
    Computing Software  300 300 300 0 0 
    Audio Visual & 
Telecommunication 
Equipment  30 30 30 0 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing 
of Equipment  Rental and Leasing of 
Equipment  132 132 132 0 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total    1,292  1,092  1,092  -200 0 
Grand Total      7,900  7,900  7,900  0 0 
 
4.2.  The IT budget remains stable between the 201 8-2019 biennium and the 20 20-2021 biennium. 
The shift of CHF 350 ,000 from hardware and supplies to contractual service reflects the choice to 
use external companies to deliver services considered as utility services while the Secretariat's staff 
focusses on topics requiring specialized WTO knowledge . It also reflects an in crease for the use of 
services for cybersecurity . WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 25 - 
 
  4.3.  75% of the Information Technology budget (CHF 5.9 million per year) relate to costs for 
keeping the existing services running, where the biggest items are the cost for hosting a large 
number of s ervices  at the International Computing Centre  and outsourcing  the service desk 
(CHF 2.9 million), licensed software and custom developed software  and hardware  maintenance 
(CHF 1.6 million), hardware and software acquisitions (CHF  0.93 million) as well as 
telecommunic ation (CHF 0.3  million ). 
4.4.  This leaves 25% of the budget (CHF 2.1 million per year) to focus on projects. Over the 
biennium 20 20-2021, the IT Steering Committee will prioritize among the multiple projects aimed 
at optimizing the functioning of the WTO. One o f the priorities will be to reduce the exposure for 
cybersecurity risks. Another priority will be transitioning services to the Cloud which will incur one -
off transition costs before benefitting the operational costs . 
4.2  Technical Assistance  
Table 26 Technical Assistance Related Training Courses by Expenditure Line  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account  
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  i) Short -Term 
Staff Short -Term Staff / 
Salary  6 0 0 -6 0 
  ii) Consulting  Consulting Firms & 
Employment 
Agencies  0 65 65 65 0 
    Special Service 
Agreement  305 240 240 -65 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total    311 305 305 -6 0 
3. General  
    Services  i) Telecommunica
tion & Post  Post & Freight  67 47 47 -20 0 
  ii) Energy & 
Supplies  Supplies  20 10 10 -10 0 
  iii) Documentation 
& Publication  Publications  31 10 10 -21 0 
3. General Services Total    118 67 67 -51 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  Air & Rail 
Transportation  1,854  1,854  1,854  0 0 
    Other Travel 
Related 
Expenditure / Out 
of Pocket  2,216  2,275  2,275  59 0 
  ii) Hospitality  Hospitality & 
Meeting 
Refreshments  50 48 48 -2 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total    4,119  4,177  4,177  57 0 
5. Implementing  
    Partners  i) Implementing 
Partners  Implementing 
Partners  0 0 0 0 0 
5. Implementing Partners Total    0 0 0 0 0 
Grand Total      4,548  4,548  4,548  0 0 
 
4.5.  The Regular Budget dedicated to TA stood at CHF  4.5 million per year during the last two 
biennia. The TA Plan has been prepared under the assumption that this part of the Regular Budget 
will remain stable. As was the case for the previous TA Plan, the Secretariat will continue with the 
practice of redirecting savings registered on any of t he activities during the year to finance other TA 
programmes included in the TA Plan  and identified as priorities by Members and Observers . 
4.6.  To preserve the minimum level of flexibility required to make the best possible use of the 
approved budget, the Regu lar Budget for TA will continue to be grouped in four  (4) main envelopes : 
a. Geneva -based activities for generalists : These will include the ATPC, the Introductory Trade 
Policy Course for LDCs, Geneva Week  for non -residents, specific activities for Geneva -based 
delegates and any other training activity with a general scope held in Geneva. The TA 
Plan intends to allocate CHF 1.8 million to these activities per year . WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 26 - 
 
  b. Geneva -based thematic activities : These will include, among others, the current activities in 
the field of dispute settlement, the thematic advanced courses held in Geneva and thematic 
activities for LDCs. Some Geneva -based symposia or workshops organized by WTO 
Committees in relation to aspects of their work may also be financed as part of this enve lope. 
It is proposed to allocate CHF 1.8 million to these activities per year . 
c. National activities : The TA Plan proposes to set the budget for this envelope at 
CHF 0.7 million . 
d. Miscellaneous : This will include the funding of consultants performing the advi sory role under 
Article 27.2 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding and of external consultants on the 
implementation of RBM and eLearning  courses. Some o utreach activities for 
non- governmental audiences will also be funded under this envelope. Limited f unds will be 
set aside to purchase WTO publications to be donated to universities and distributed at 
outreach events. Altogether, it is proposed to set aside CHF 0.2 million for these various 
purposes . 
4.3  Security  
Table 27 Security Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account  
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
3. General  
    Services  i) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  Building 
Maintenance  225 225 225 0 0 
    Contractual 
Services  3,603  3,603  3,603  0 0 
    Equipment 
Maintenance  250 250 250 0 0 
  ii) Energy & 
Supplies  Supplies  25 25 25 0 0 
3. General Services Total    4,103  4,103  4,103  0 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  Insurance / 
Participants  220 220 220 0 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total    220 220 220 0 0 
6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  Security 
Equipment  155 180 180 25 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total    155 180 180 25 0 
Grand Total     4,478  4,503  4,503  25 0 
 
4.7.  The additional allocation of CHF  25,000 is intended to fund the cost of enhancement to badges 
and additional security features on some doors.  
4.4  Conferences  
Table 28 Conference equipment and maintenance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/
Dec 
2020  Inc/
Dec 
2021  
3. General  
    Services  i) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  Equipment 
Maintenance  352 52 52 -300 0 
   Rental of Premises  0 0 0 0 0 
  ii) Energy & 
Supplies  Supplies  17 17 17 0 0 
3. General Services Total     369 69 69 -300 0 
6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  Audio Visual & 
Telecommunication 
Equipment  20 220 220 200 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total     20 220 220 200 0 
Grand Total      389 289 289 -100 0 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 27 - 
 
  4.8.     In the area of conferences,  a budget was allocated during the biennium 2018 -2019 for a 
partial upgrade/replacement of conference rooms equipment.   Due to budget limitations the amount 
allocated was only enough to cover the replacement/upgrade of the screens, projectors, interface 
and programming, as well as re -cabling of the S Rooms . 
4.9.  The project is being carried out in stages and staggered over three years due to budget 
constraints.   As some of the equipment was upgraded, there are issues with compatibility with the 
remaining outdated equipment and this has to be covered under the 2020/2021 budget and with 
this gradual upgrade it is hoped that at the end of 2021, t he rooms will be entirely equipped with up 
to date equipment.  
4.5  Dispute Settlement  
Table 29 Dispute Settlement Budget – Panels  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/
Dec 
2020  Inc/
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  iii) Panellists   Panellist  Fees 790 790 790 0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total     790 790 790 0 0 
3. General  
    Services  iv) Telecommunication  
& Post  Post & Freight  10 10 10 0 0 
3. General Services Total     10 10 10 0 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  Travel  Air & Rail 
Transportation  730 730 730 0 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total     730 730 730 0 0 
Grand Total      1,530  1,530  1,530  0 0 
 
4.10.   As foreshadowed in last year's mid -term budget review, the workload of the Legal Affairs and 
Rules Divisions has intensified in 2019. The large number of complaints filed by WTO Members in 
2018 led to the composition of 31 new panels3 and two arbitrators , pursuant to Article 22.6 of the 
DSU, between September 2018 and mid -August 2019. Therefore, a s of mid -August  2019, there were 
36 ongoing panel and arbitration proceedings, compared to 20 such proceedings at the time of the 
previous budgetary proposal, namely in mid -August 2017. Where the new disputes have concerned 
identical or similar  measures, the Secretariat has sought to reduce resulting costs, for instance by 
allocating the same personnel to assist in these proceedings.  
4.11.   Despite these efforts, the increased number of proceedings has had an impact on  
expenditures for panellists  and on the availability of staff. The ratio of non -governmental officials 
serving as panellists  has increased since 20184. Another consideration is that  the Steel and 
Aluminium disputes , as well as the Additional Duties disputes , will call for approximately 
50 additional days of panel meetings in September and October 2019. As regards staff allocation, 
as of mid -August 2019, four composed panels remained unstaffed.  
4.12.   Among the ongoing disputes, a large proportion of panels is not expected to conclude their 
work b efore the end of 2020, including the disputes mentioned in the previous paragraph. Moreover, 
as of mid -August 2019 nine panels were in the composition process and could reasonably be 
expected to commence working in late 2019 or early 2020. These cases will  affect the workload of 
the Legal Affairs and Rules Divisions during the next 18 months. Furthermore , since the beginning 
of 2019, Members have requested consultations in twelve new cases. While this figure is lower than 
that in the corresponding period in  2018, it remains above the number of cases initiated within a 
similar time -period in 2017, 2016 and 20155. 
                                                
3 This figure includes complianc e panels under Article 21.5 of the DSU.  
4 In 2019, the ratio of non -governmental to governmental officials serving as panellists increased to 
approximately 72% to 28%, from a ratio of 50% to 50% in 2018.  
5 In each of these years WTO Members initiated respe ctively 10, 8 and 9 new disputes. These numbers 
do not include requests for consultations in compliance proceedings under Article 21.5 of the DSU.  
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 28 - 
 
  4.13.   In light of the number of ongoing and new proceedings alone, the level of dispute settlement 
activity will remain high in 2020, even if the most rec ent slowing of consultation requests continues. 
Indeed, taking into account the number of ongoing disputes at their early stage and the number of 
complaints filed by WTO Members by mid -August 2019, there is no indication that the level of dispute 
settlemen t activity will diminish in the 2020 -2021 period.  
Table 30 Dispute Settlement Budget – Appeals  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  Appellate Body 
Members Fees  Appellate Body 
Member Fees  791 791 791 0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total     791 791 791 0 0 
3. General    
    Services  Telecommunication 
& Post  Post & Freight  10 10 10 0 0 
    Telecommunica -
tion 0 0 0 0 0 
3. General Services Total     10 10 10 0 0 
8. Contributions  
    to ITC & Special  
    Reserves  Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total   2,000  2,000  2,000  0 0 
Grand Total      2,801  2,801  2,801  0 0 
 
4.14.   The continuing high level of the dispute settlement activity has also been reflected in the 
workload of the Appellate Body Secretariat.  Currently thirteen appeals are pending before the 
Appellate Body . These include the two appeals filed by Honduras and the Dominican Republic in 
Australia – Plain Packaging of Tobacco, which is the largest case in dispute settlement history (The 
panel reco rd includes more than 1,300 exhibits). Five appeals can currently be staffed . 
4.15.   The waiting period between the filing of an appeal and the time when it c ould be staffed was 
more than half a year and the period between the filing of an appeal and the hearing has risen to 
around nine months . As at September 2019, five appeals ha ve been filed.  
4.16.   In light of the activity indicated in paragraphs 4.10 and 4.11 above, a  significant number of 
panel reports is anticipated to be  finalize d in the coming year . These too ca n be appealed. Therefore, 
in addition to the thirteen appeals that are already pending, the expectation  is that the appeal 
workload will remain high  in 2020 -2021.  
4.6  Document Reproduction  
Table 31 Document Reproduction and Distribution  Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account 
Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/ 
Dec 
2020  Inc/ 
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  i) Short -Term 
Staff Short -Term Staff / 
Salary  200 200 200 0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total    200 200 200 0 0 
3. General      
    Services  i) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance  Equipment 
Maintenance  60 60 60 0 0 
  ii) Energy & Supplies  Supplies  524 524 524 0 0 
3. General Services Total    584 584 584 0 0 
6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets  Reproduction 
Equipment  0 0 0 0 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing 
of Equipment  Rental and Leasing 
of Equipment  740 460 460 -280 0 
6. Capital Expenditure Total    740 460 460 -280 0 
Grand Total      1,524  1,244  1,244  -280 0 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 29 - 
 
  4.17.   Since the beginning of 2019, the area of Document Reproduction is under review. A new 
tender for the replacement of the document reproduction machines is expected to generate 
approximately CHF 280,000 of savings during the upcoming biennium.  
4.7  Human Resources Training Program  
Table 32 Human Resources Training Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Section  Line Account Description  2019  2020  2021  Inc/
Dec 
2020  Inc/
Dec 
2021  
2. Temporary  
    Assistance  ii) Consulting  Consulting Firms & 
Employment Agencies  825 825 825 0 0 
    Special Service 
Agreement  250 250 250 0 0 
2. Temporary Assistance Total    1,075  1,075  1,075  0 0 
3. General  
    Services  v) Other / 
Miscellaneous  Membership and 
Registration Fees  0 0 0 0 0 
3. General Services Total     0 0 0 0 0 
4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  Air & Rail 
Transportation  220 220 220 0 0 
  ii) Hospitality  Hospitality & Meeting 
Refreshments  76 76 76 0 0 
4. Travel & Hospitality Total     296 296 296 0 0 
Grand Total      1,371  1,371  1,371  0 0 
 
4.18.   The Human Resources Learning Service continues to promote on -the-job learning initiatives 
with a view to ensuring that Secretariat staff have the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver the 
WTO's priorities. Tailored corporate initiatives such as a 2018 e -learning program , based on the 
organization's policy: "The Right to Work in an Environment Free from Discrimination, Harassment 
and Abuse of Authority", are aimed at standardizing behaviour  and performance expectations of 
staff across the Secretariat.  
4.19.   In the coming biennium, on -going emphasis will be placed on clearly articulating corporate 
expectations of staff. Initiatives will include a blended learning program on "Ethics" and a revision 
of the Secretariat's Competency Framework. The latter involves a review of the core skills to be 
demonstrated by all staff as well as the management skills necessary to drive staff performance. 
The revised Competency Framework will, in the final analysis, underpin the Secretariat's HR 
processes such as recruitment, reward and recognition, staff training, leadership development, staff 
deployment, talent review and succession planning.    
4.20.   Furthermore, a soon -to-be-released revised policy on Performance Management will trigger 
extensive training and coaching of management  and staff in 2020 and beyond. In addition to 
coaching, other methods of on -the job learning such as action learning/peer coaching, mentoring, 
on-line training and learning networks will continue to be promoted to ensure that learning is 
sustained and that  it ultimately enhances day -to-day staff performance.  
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  5  BUDGET BY OUTPUT CHA PTER  
5.1  2020-2021 Budget Proposals by Output Chapter  
5.1.  Members may recall that the budget 2020 -2021 represents  the third biennium budget 
presented by Output Charter.  
5.2.  The expenditure for the 8 main Output Chapters is projected  as follows:  
Table 33 Budget Proposals 20 20-2021 by Output Chapter  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Output Chapter  Budget 2020  % of total  Budget 2021  % of total  
1 Facilitating Negotiations  10,000  5% 9,500  5% 
2 Administering Agreed WTO Rules  45,000  23% 44,500  23% 
3 Monitoring Trade Policies  28,000  14% 28,000  14% 
4 Settling Disputes  39,000  20% 39,000  20% 
5 Capacity building  42,000  21% 42,000  21% 
6 Assisting Accessions  5,000  3% 5,000  3% 
7 Conducting Research  15,000  8% 15,500  8% 
8 Reaching out  13,204  7% 13,704  7% 
Grand Total  197,204  100%  197,204  100%  
 
5.2  Facilitating Negotiations  
5.3.  This output chapter includes all committees and negotiating groups related to Negotiations 
such as the Trade Negotiations Committee and other negotiating bodies. The projected expenditure 
amounts to CHF 10 million for 20 20 and to CHF  9.5 million for 20 21. As a Ministerial Conference is 
scheduled for 2020, the expenditure  for 2020  is projected to be CHF 0.5 million higher than for 20 21. 
5.3  Administering  Agreed WTO Rules  
5.4.  This output chapter includes the Ministerial Conference, all committees related to the Gener al 
Council and its Bodies, committees related to the Council for Trade in Goods and its Bodies, 
Committees related to the Council for Trade in Services and its bodies, and the Council for 
Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property. The expenditure is e stimated at CHF 4 5 million for 
2020 and at CHF 44.5 million for 20 21. As under Output Facilitating Negotiations, the expenditure 
for 20 20 is projected to be higher than for 20 21, as 20 20 is a Ministerial Conference year, in which 
the expenditure on that it em is traditionally higher.  
5.4  Monitoring  Trade Policies  
5.5.  This output chapter mainly comprises of expenditure related to the WTO Trade Policy Review 
Body, Trade Policy Reviews and Trade Policy Monitoring , as well as Notifications on WTO Agreements . 
The expenditure is projected to be  CHF 28  million for 20 20 and 2021, respectively.  
5.5  Settling  Disputes  
5.6.  This output chapter includes the Dispute Settlement Body, as well as pre -dispute activities, 
panels, appeals and arbitrations. The expenditure is estimat ed at CHF  39 million for each year of the 
biennium.  
5.6  Capacity  Building  
5.7.  This output chapter comprises all activity related to capacity building courses and training, the 
Aid for Trade work program,  trade and gender activities, the development and monitoring of the TA 
Plan. In addition,  the contribution to the International Trade Centre is included under this chapter . 
The expenditure is estimated at CHF  42 million for each year of the biennium.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 31 - 
 
  5.7  Assisting  Accessions  
5.8.  This output chapter includes all activities r elated to accessions . The expenditure is estimated 
at CHF 5  million for each year of the biennium.  
5.8  Conducting  Research  
5.9.  This output chapter relates to the WTO's publications such as the World Trade Report , the WTO 
Annual Report  and other  kinds of research reports and papers produced, trade statistics and 
monitoring, as well as the support of WTO publications. The projected expenditure is CHF 15 million 
for 20 20 and to CHF  15.5 million for 20 21. 
5.9  Reaching  Out 
5.10.   This output chapter includes al l outreach activities of the WTO, such as general press relations, 
general outreach to Members and the private sector, key outreach events such as the Public Forum 
and the Open Day and work done with other international organizations. The expenditure is projected 
to be CHF 13.2 million for 20 20 and CHF  13.7 million for 20 21. 
 WT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  6  KEY ORGANIZATIONAL E VOLUTION SINCE 1995  
6.1  Budgetary Evolution  
Figure 1 Evolution of Budget 1995 – 2021  
 
 
 
6.2  Evolution of Contributions  
Figure 2 Evolution of Contributions 1995 -2021  
(In million CHF)  
 
 
105
116
116
116
122
128
134
143
155
162
169
175
182
185
189
194
196
196
197
197
197
197
197
197
197
197
197
050100150200
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021in Million CHF
104.4
113.3
114.2
114.4
121.1
126.6
132.9
142.1
153.8
160.6
167.4
173.7
180.5
177.9
183.7
189.4
194.3
194.3
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
195.5
050100150200250
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021in Million  CHFWT/BFA/W/492  
 
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  6.3   Staff Evolution  
Table 34 Staff Evolution 1995 -2021 
Year Regular Posts  Total  % change  
WTO  AB 
1995 445 0 445   
1996 513 0 513 15.3%  
1997 507 6 513 0.0%  
1998 507 6 513 0.0%  
1999 524 9 533 3.9%  
2000 530 9 539 1.1%  
2001 539 13 552 2.4%  
2002 547 13 560 1.4%  
2003 577 13 590 5.4%  
2004 594 14 608 3.1%  
2005 594 15 609 0.1%  
2006 621 15 636 4.4%  
2007 623 15 638 0.3%  
2008 625 15 640 0.3%  
2009 625 15 640 0.0%  
2010 627 15 642 0.3%  
2011 631 15 646 0.6%  
2012 632 17 649 0.5%  
2013 631 15 646 -0.5%  
2014 628 18 646 0.0%  
2015 628 18 646 0.0%  
2016 621 25 646 0.0%  
2017 620 26 646 0.0%  
2018 620 26 646 0.0%  
2019 620 26 646 0.0%  
2020 621 25 646 0.0%  
2021 621 25 646 0.0%  
   WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 34 - 
 
  6.4  Regular Posts per Division  
Table 35 Regular Posts6 per Division August 2019  
(In work -years, as at 31  August  2019)  
Secretariat  Division  Grades  
1 - 10 Grades  
 11 - 12 Senior 
Management  Grand 
Total  
WTO Senior Management incl. Office of 
the Director -General  17 1 5 23 
  Accessions Division  7 1 0 8 
  Administration and General 
Services Division  61 1 0 62 
  Agriculture and Commodities 
Division  18 1 0 19 
  Council and TNC Division  12 1 0 13 
  Development Division  20 1 0 21 
  Economic Research and Statistics 
Division  38 1 0 39 
  Human Resources Division  26 1 0 27 
  Legal Affairs Division  35 2 0 37 
  Market Access Division  19 1 0 20 
  Rules Division  32 1 0 33 
  Trade and Environment Division  13 1 0 14 
  Trade Policies Review Division  50 2 0 52 
  Information and External Relations 
Division  30 1 0 31 
  Languages, Documentation and 
Information Management Division  117 1 0 118 
  Information Technology Solutions 
Division  40 1 0 41 
  Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation  30 1 0 31 
  Office of Internal Oversight  2 0 0 2 
  Intellectual Property, Government 
Procurement and Competition 
Division  15 1 0 16 
  Trade in Services and Investment 
Division  15 1 0 16 
Sub-Total WTO    595 21 5 621 
Appellate Body  Appellate Body Secretariat  24 1 0 25 
Grand Total    619 22 5 646 
 
 
 
                                                
6 Posts rounded to nearest full number . WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 35 - 
 
  7  WORKLOAD INDICATORS  
7.1.  The following graphs indicate the evolution of workload in several key areas of the WTO 
activities financed under the regular budget.  
7.1  Translation and Documentation  
Figure 3 Translation and Documentation: Number of Words in Original Language for 
Translation  
(January - August)  
 
7.2  Meetings  
Figure 4 Meetings: Number of Formal, Informal and Private Meetings  
(January - August)  
 
 - 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 12,500 15,000 17,500 20,000 22,500 25,000 27,500 30,000 32,500 35,000
Number of words
(in thousands)
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,5005,0005,5006,0006,5007,000
Number of meetingsWT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Figure 5 Meetings: Days of Freelance Interpreters  
(January - August)  
 
7.3  Dispute Settlement Expenditure  
Figure 6 Dispute Settlement - Expenditure  
(January - December)  
 
* Estimate based on actual expenditure as at 31  August  2019.  
 - 250 500 750 1,000 1,250 1,500 1,750 2,000 2,250 2,500
Number of days of
freelance interpreters
02505007501,0001,2501,5001,7502,0002,2502,500
Travel Expenditure and Panellist Fees
 Short term Staff Dispute SettlementWT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 37 - 
 
  8  PROJECTED BUDGET PER FORMANCE 2019  
Table 36 Projected Consolidated Performance against Budget 201 9 
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line Budget  Projected 
Expenditure 
to 
31/12/2019  Projected 
Balance  % Exp 
to 
Budget  
A Staffing  
  Resources  1. Staff  
    Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  88,530  84,663  3,866  95.6%  
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  22,110  20,833  1,277  94.2%  
    iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,944  5,937  8 99.9%  
    iv) Staff Family & 
International 
Benefits  13,021  11,058  1,963  84.9%  
    v) Other  Staff 
Expenditure  1,810  2,375  -565 131.2%  
  2. Temporary  
    Assistance  vi) Short -Term Staff  9,033  14,991  -5,958  166.0%  
    vii) Consulting  6,641  5,979  662 90.0%  
    viii) Panellists  & Appellate 
Body Member Fees  1,606  1,426  180 88.8%  
A Staffing Resources Total    148,696  147,263  1,433  99.0%  
B Other  
   Resources  3. General  
    Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 831 694 137 83.5%  
    ii) Contractual Services 
& Maintenance  11,123  11,743  -620 105.6%  
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  1,884  367 83.7%  
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,460  19 98.7%  
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  88 56 32 63.9%  
  4. Travel &  
    Hospitality  i) Travel  7,234  7,432  -198 102.7%  
    ii) Hospitality  216 185 31 85.6%  
  5. Implementing  
    Partners  i) Implementing 
Partners  213 320 -107 150.4%  
  6. Capital  
    Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,430  2,084  -654 145.8%  
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 538 381 58.5%  
  7. Financial  
    Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 679 -599 848.7%  
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  0 100.0%  
B Other Resources Total    27,065  28,276  -1,211  104.5%  
C Operating  
   Funds and  
   ITC 8. Contributions  
    to ITC & 
Special Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  0 100.0%  
    ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  0 100.0%  
    iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 0 100.0%  
    iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 600 600 0 100.0%  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   21,443  21,443  0 100.0%  
Grand Total     197,204  196,982  222 99.9%  
 
8.1.  At the end of 2019, the overall expenditure rate for the consolidated budget of the WTO is 
estimated at 99.9%.  The projection is based on the available information as at the end of 
August  2019.  WT/BFA/W/492  
 
- 38 - 
 
  8.1  Part A - Staffing Resources  
8.2.  Under  Section  Staff Remuneration, the projected savings are mainly due to the high number 
of vacant posts during the first half of 2019. As from August 2019, recruitments are accelerating. 
Since the beginning of the year until end of August, a total of 44 posts have be en filled.  
8.3.  The projected savings under Staff Pension and Post -Employment Benefits relate to the staff 
pension contributions which  is due to the same elements as mentioned under salaries. This saving 
is partially offset by an expected overspending of approx imately , CHF  280,000 under the insurance 
premiums for the WTO retirees.  
8.4.  Under Other Staff Expenditure, the projected over -expenditure consists of an estimated deficit 
under Travel & Removal  due to the number of retirements/separations in 2019, a deficit un der 
Separation Grant due to the same reasons and a deficit under US Taxes.  
8.5.  The overall saving under Section Staff Expenditure is nearly offset by an over -expenditure 
under Temporary Assistance.  This is mainly due to the fact that a number of short -term st aff has 
been hired to replace staff who have separated or are on leave without pay.  
8.2  Part B - Other Resources  
8.6.  Under Telecommunication and Post, a saving is expected under postal expenditure, which is 
partly offset by an overspending on telephone communicat ions. 
8.7.  Under Contractual Services and Maintenance, the overspending is mainly due to the increased 
expenditure linked to the IT Service Desk as well as the increase for the contribution to the 
International Computing Centre.  An overspending under Building maintenance is also expected due 
to several necessary building maintenance works.  
8.8.  Under Energy and Supplies, a saving is anticipated under electricity , as well as under IT and 
office supplies.  
8.9.  Expenditure under Documentation  and Publication, which also includes the account for media 
and public relations, is projected to be on track.  
8.10.   Under Travel and Hospitality, the travel budget which includes all expenditure for official 
missions, technical missions, trade -related technical  assistance as well as travel related to the 
Human Resources Training Program, recruitment, external auditors and dispute settlement travel, 
is expected to be slightly overspent . This is mainly due to the very tight divisional budgets, as well 
as the full spending under all other areas of the travel budget.  
8.11.   Under Implementing Partners, the projected overspending is mainly due to the overspending 
on the WTO Essay Award and an estimated provision for cases at the ILO Administrative Tribunal . 
The overspending  on the WTO Essay Award is due to the fact that in 2019, there were two winners 
compared to usually only one.  
8.12.   The budget  for Procurement and Fixed Assets is estimated to be overspent due to the 
necessary replacement of outdated office furniture for a part of the WTO building, as well as the 
continuation of the replacement of the audio -visual equipment , which  started in 2018. This 
overspending is partly offset by a saving under Rental and Leasing of Equipment.  
8.13.   Financial Expenditure includes bank charges  and the reimbursement of the loan for the new 
administrative building over 50 years. Due to the negative interest charged by the WTO 's main 
banks, an over -expenditure of approximately CHF 600,000  is expected.  
8.3  Part C - Operating  Funds & ITC  
8.14.   This item compr ises of the contribution to the International Trade Centre (ITC), which will be 
fully expensed at the end of the year. It also includes the annual replenishment of the  
Appellate  Body Operating  Fund (ABOF), the Ministerial Operating Fund (MOF) and the 
Building Renovation Fund (BRF).  
 
__________