RESTRICTED  
  
WT/BFA/217  
 
12 December  2023 
(23-8523) Page: 1/16 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration    
 
REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD ON 22 NOVEMBER AND 12 DECEMBER  2023 
The Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) met on 22 November and continued 
on 12 December  2023. Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bettina Waldmann, German Ambassador to 
the WTO , welcomed Members to the meetings.  
1  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1.1.  The agenda for th e meeting was released on 13 November, with the reference 
WTO/AIR/BFA/ 64/Rev.1 , together with an annotated agenda bearing the reference  
JOB/BFA/94/Rev.1 . 
1.2.  The agenda as set out in document WTO/AIR/BFA/ 64/Rev.1  was adopted.  
2  ORAL REPORT FROM THE CHAIR ON ONGOING WORK  
2.1.  On 22 November, t he Chair reported on the informal consultations she had held to discuss the 
2024-2025 WTO budget proposal . Following the informal meeting of the CBFA held on 2  November, 
conversations had continued in various configurations . Moreover,  a small group meeting had been 
held on 20 November  to help make progress, and to d iscuss a possible landing zone identified by 
EU member States . 
3  STREAMLINED WTO SECRETARIAT BUDGET PROPOSAL 2024 -2025 (INCLUDING THE 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE WTOPP MANAGEMENT BOARD AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 
A WORKING GROUP) - WT/BFA/W/654  (& WT/BFA/W/644 ) 
3.1.  On 22 November, t he Chair introduced the topic by recalling that the Secretariat had circulated 
a streamlined budget document, bearing the reference WT/BFA/W/654 , with the key components 
reflected. The document includes the baseline for zero nominal growth and adds the budgetary 
implications arising out of specific, additional elements, including inflation, mandatory expenses, and 
new and pressing needs . The document also, at Member request, adds in pension reform and the 
proposed ITC budget increase.  
3.2.  The Chair emphasized that it was time now to take a decision with regard to the WTO budget 
2024-2025 proposal and the recommendation by the Pension Plan Ma nagement Board. She referred 
in this regard to  document JOB/BFA/95 , containing elements for a budget outcome compromise 
outlined by EU member States and supported by a wider group of countries.  
3.3.  Members continued deliberations in informal mode.  
3.4.  In her summary of the informal  discussion, the Chair noted that several Members had 
expressed the view  that the EU compromise is something they can work with. Others still had some 
questions and concerns  with the approach, and needed more time to consult with their capit als. In 
view of the discussions that had taken place during the meeting, the Chair suggested that an informal  
meeting  of the CBFA  be held on Friday, 24 November , to help identify a landing zone . This would 
allow a decision to be taken at a formal CBFA meeting to be held no later than 28 November. The 
Chair further noted that Members need the time to review the report of the Committee to ensure 
the necessary documentation is submitted to the General Co uncil within the defined deadlines.  
3.5.  The meeting resumed on 12 December. The Chair stated that f ollowing constructive and 
solutions -oriented discussions over the p revious  weeks, there is widespread consensus among WT/BFA/217  
 
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  almost all Members to endorse the budget compromise reflected in the document 
WT/BFA/W/659/Corr.1 , including with respect to a 3.6% increase in the operational budget for 2024 
(with no additional increase for 2025 ), the pension contribution  increase recommended by the 
Management Board combined with the establishment of a Working Group to analyze and recommend 
deeper reform, and the increase in the WTO contribution to the ITC budget. The Chair further stated 
that t here is also broad consensus  to endorse a Secretariat proposal regarding the use of the 
2021 surplus, including returning CHF 4 million to Members. She noted  that Members seem to agree 
that the proposed increase of an additional 0.9 percent for 2025 (the second year of the biennium) 
can be put aside for now, and can be addressed next year, should the Director -General submit a 
revision to the 2025 budget in the context of a mid -term review.  
3.6.  The Chair opened the floor for comments.  
3.7.  Six Members and one Member on behalf of a group of 27 Members took the floor to expres s 
their support for the budget compromise.  
3.8.  A Member acknowledged the constraints faced by the Secretariat and reiterated its support for 
the Zero Nominal Growth budget.  The Member sa id its capital is still considering the proposal and 
therefore needs more time to provide its official position. With regard to pension, the Member called 
for comprehensive reform and underlined the importance of safeguard ing against reappearance of 
any ne w significant financial liability and ensuring long-term fiscal stability and resilience . 
3.9.  A Member agreed with the proposed increase to the WTO regular budget, including the budget 
of the International Trade Centre. However, the Member expressed opposition  to the pension 
contribution increase and called for deep structural reform.  
3.10.  A Member said it supports the 3.6% regular budget increase but needs more time to consult 
with the capital on the pension contribution increase.  
3.11.  The Chair observed that there is w idespread consensus among most Members with regard to 
the following elements of the budget compromise reflected in document WT/BFA/W/659/Corr.1 : (i) a 
3.6% increase in the operational budget for 2024 and 2025; (ii) the Secretariat proposal regarding 
the use of the 2021 surplus, including returning CHF 4 million to Members; and (iii) the WTO's 
contribution to the ITC budget.  
3.12.  The Chair further noted that Members are also largely in agreement that the proposed increase 
of an additional 0.9 perc ent for 2025 (the second year of the biennium) can be put aside for now, 
and discussed in the context of a possible mid -term review in 2024. Moreover, there is strong support 
by Members to endorse the recommendation by the Pension Management Board regardin g the 
funding gap and to establish a Working Group to examine the question of longer -term pension 
reform. There is also broad agreement that action must be taken to address the funding gap in the 
near term, not in the much longer period of time that would be required to consider deeper structural 
changes to the Plan. However, she noted that it  seems that a couple of Members are not ready to 
endorse the recommendation by the Management Board at this time - which she said was 
unfortunate.  
3.13.  Accordingly, r egarding pension reform, the Chair proposed that the Committee defer this 
matter for now and ta ke it up in early 2024.   
3.14.  Regarding the WTO 2024 -2025 budget and disposition of the 2021 surplus, the Chair  propose d 
that the Committee endorse the following recommendations : 
  WT/BFA/217  
 
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  With respect to the 2024 budget:  
 
The Committee submits to the General Council for consideration and approval the following draft 
resolution on the expenditure of the World Trade Organization for 2024 and the ways and means to 
meet such expenditure.  
The General Council,  
 
HAVING CONSIDERED,  
The Estimates of expenditure of the Secretar iat of the World Trade Organization for 2024 amounting 
to a total of CHF  204,928,900 as set forth in the Tables 1, 2 and 3 annexed to this Resolution . 
 
RESOLVE S that, 
 
1. The financing of the amount of CHF  204,928,900 with regard to the Secretariat of the WTO 
referred to above shall be as follows:  
 
a) by contributions from Members, on the basis of a minimum contribution of 
0.015  per cent, in the amount of CHF  203,100,000 (Table 2);  and 
 
b) by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF  1,828,900 (Table 3).  
 
2. The contributions of the Members shall be assessed in accordance with the attached scale of 
contributions.   Contributions from Members in respect of the 2024 budget are considered as due and 
payable in full as at 1 January 2024.  
 
With respect to the 2025 budge t:  
 
The Committee, bearing in mind the guidelines on biennial budgeting ( WT/BFA/W/105/Rev.1 ) 
approved by the General Council ( WT/GC/M/82 ), including the reference to revisions to the second 
year of the biennium, recommends to the General Council  for consideration and approval the 
following draft resolution on the expenditure of the World Trade Organization for 2025 and the ways 
and means to meet such expenditure.  
The General Council,  
 
HAVING CONSIDERED,  
 
The Estimates of expenditure of the Secret ariat of the World Trade Organization for 2025 amounting 
to a total of CHF  204,928,900 as set forth in the Tables 1 and 3  annexed to t his Resolution.  
 
RESOLVE S that, 
 
1. The financing of the amount of CHF  204,928,900 with regard to the Secretariat of the WTO 
referred to above shall be as follows:  
 
a) by contributions from Members, on the basis of a minimum contribution of 
0.015  per cent, in the amount of CHF  203,100,000 ; and 
 
b) by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF  1,828,900 (Table 3).  
 
2. The contributions of the Members shall be assessed in 2025 based on the up -dated trade statistics 
in 2025 as foreseen in Regulation 12 of the revised Financial Regulations of the WTO, document 
WT/L/156/Rev.4 .  Contributions from Members in respect of the 2025 budget are considered as due 
and payable in full as at 1 January 2025.  
 
  WT/BFA/217  
 
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  With respect to the disposition of the 2021 surplus:  
 
The Committee recommends to the General Council that the WTO budgetary surplus as at 
31 December 202 1, amoun ting to CHF  6 million,  be utilized as follows:  
 
a) CHF 2 million for certain non -recurring expenses (CHF 1.5 million in 2024 and 
0.5 million in 2025); and  
 
b) CHF 4 million to be applied against Members' contributions for 202 4. 
 
With respect to the Internationa l Trade Centre:  
 
The Committee recommends to the General Council that the budget for 2024 -2025 of the 
International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO  be approved in the amount of CHF 37,936,500 , with 
miscellaneous income being estimated at CHF 200,000,  
 
a) the amount to be provided by the WTO to the International Trade Centre, 
UNCTAD/WTO  budget for 2024 and 2025, shall be CHF 18,968,250 per year.  
 
With respect to the technical assistance plan:  
 
Pursuant to paragraph 40[1] of the Ministerial Declaration adopt ed at the Fourth Session of the WTO 
Ministerial Conference, the Committee recommends to the General Council that:  
 
Secure and predictable financing be provided for the implementation of the 2024 -2025 Biennial 
Technical Assistance and Training Plan, as app roved by the Committee on Trade and Development , 
 
a) The target level of extra budgetary resources intended to fund the TA Plan 
include s CHF 13,992,000 for 2024 and CHF 13,992,000 for 2025 to come from 
the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF) ; and  
 
b) CHF 2,554,000 for 2024 and CHF 2,554,000 for 2025 from other Trust Funds;  
 
Governments be urged to make financial contributions in a manner which would preserve the global 
nature of the programme and facilitate the management and reporting with a view to greater 
transparency (i.e. , making un -earmarked contributions) and pledge multi -year contributions to 
create more predictability in terms of financing.  
 
3.15.  The Chair noted that one Member is not able, at this stage, to join all others in endorsing the 
compromise budget proposal for approval by the General Council. She said she would  communicate 
these recommendations to the General Council for appropriate action.  
3.16.  The Chair added that the Secretariat will produce an updated scale of contributions for 
Members, which  will not include the 4.4 million CHF to fund pension reform through inc reased 
Member contributions . In her personal capacity, the Chair noted that it is unfortunate that Members  
are not addressing the pension gap now while simultaneously analyzing deeper reform . The Chair 
added  that staff and retirees deserve a stable pension , so Members  must return to this matter 
quickly.  
3.17.  The Committee , except one Member,  endorsed the recommendation s. 
3.18.  The Chair thanked the Members for their constructive spirit and thanked the Secretariat for 
its responsiveness to Member questions. DDG Ellard also expressed appreciation to the Members, 
the Secretariat team, and the Chair for their hard work and useful engagement.  
4  ITC 2024 -2025 BUDGET PROPOSAL – JOB/BFA/84  & JOB/BFA/84/CORR.1  
4.1.  The Committee , except one Member,  also endorse d the recommendation to be made to the 
General Council regarding the 2024 -2025 ITC budget proposal . That recommendation is reproduced 
in parag raph 3.14. above.  WT/BFA/217  
 
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  5  WTO BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORT – 3RD QUARTER 2023 – WT/BFA/W/655  
5.1.  An official of the Secretariat introduced the budget and finance report for the third quarter . She 
said the level of contributions  received as at the end of September 2023 was lower compared to  
September 2022 and most previous years. She explained  that this was  partly due to contribution 
payments being  deferred  by some of the top contributors  and partial payment by some other 
Members. She noted that  a low contribution rate has a negative effect on the financial and budgetary 
planning, as the Secretariat cannot be sure it can expend its full budget.  With respect to the receipt 
of contributions from Members, she noted that 78% of the assessment of CHF 195.5 million ha s 
been received at the end of the third quarter, the same percentage receipt as in 2022 . However, the 
receipts of contributions for prior years in 202 3 have dropped by 79% compared to 2022 
(CHF 5.7 million in 2023 versus CHF 24.8 million  in 2022 ). On the Observer side, 56% of the 
assessed CHF 733,000 have been received , as opposed to  55% in 2022. She added  that 96 Members 
and 10 Observers have no outsta nding balance  (in 2022: 107 Members and 11 Observers ). 
5.2.  The official of the Secretariat  said that 15  Members  are under administrative measures, of 
which 4 Members under Category I, 4 Members under Cat egory  II, and 7 Members under 
Category  III. She noted that a payment has been received from a Member at the end of September,  
so it has moved from Cat egory  III to Category  II. On the Observer side, one Observer falls under 
category I, two Observers are under category II , and three Observers are unde r Category III  and 
therefore inactive.  
5.3.  With respect to budgetary expenditure , which reached 76% as of the end of September , she 
first said that under "Staffing Resources", there is an underspending under salaries, which is due to 
the recruitment pause and the examination of newly vacant posts in order to determine if they are 
needed with a view to maintaining a balanced level of budget. She added that there is an over -
expenditure under the categories of short-term staff, interpreters, interns, separation gr ant removal, 
travel and removal, consultants, and annual leave. She noted that, c ompared to the previous year, 
there has been a significant decline in short -term staff expenditure. Under Part B, under "General 
Services ", the commitments for several annual contracts are included, such as the outsourced 
security contracts, the cleaning contracts, the ICC, and other commitments for heating and water 
and electricity. Under "Travel and Hospitality ", the expenditure rate amounts to 84%. This is due to 
the renewal  of travel activity after the pandemic, the  increase in  cost of  airfare and hotels, and 
commitments for technical assistance -related courses. To limit the increase under this travel 
expenditure, Directors have been instructed to limit unnecessary travel an d save costs where 
possible.  
5.4.  The relatively high expenditure under "Capital Expenditure" is related to expenditure and 
commitments for computing software and equipment. Under "Security ", several urgent projects 
linked to emergency management and access control will be conducted in the last quarter. In 
addition, a  cut unde r IT expenditure for hardware has been implemented under this Section.  
5.5.  The Section for "Financial Expenditure" includes the annual reimbursement of the 50 -year 
interest -free loan for the new premises, amounting to CHF 1.2 million, which has been paid in Ma y. 
This Section also includes bank charges and negative interest . 
5.6.  Part C of the budget relates to the contribution to the International Trade Centre for the first 
semester (CHF 1.2 million) and allocations to the Ministerial Conference Operating Fund 
(CHF 0.6 million) and the Building Renovation Fund (CHF 0.6 million) for the full year.  
5.7.  A Member reiterated a difficult situation in which it found itself across all international 
organizations, which should be factored into the discussions about a budget incre ase. The Member 
stressed the importance of having more granular information about the actual lines that fall under 
the general headings of staff expenditure and temporary assistance  and the actual expenditure on 
panelists and consultants. The Member also a sked for a better presentation of where short -term 
staff and unfilled fixed -term spots are within the Secretariat.  The Member noted that re -allocating 
resources from capital expenditure allocated for concrete projects to other budget lines is 
problematic.  He emphasized the need for better tracking of capital expenditure and more 
transparency. In addition, the Member observed that 84% expenditure rate on travel suggests that 
travel has not been limited to essential needs only.  WT/BFA/217  
 
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  5.8.  A Member noted that the expend iture for the three quarters this year is CHF 150 million, as 
opposed to CHF 152 million last year. For the Member, this suggests that that the budget is 
adequately provided for, including increased salaries, energy cost s, and increased travel expenses . 
In this regard, he noted that the narrative that WTO is finding it difficult to "keep lights on " is not 
translated on the paper. He added that t he expenditure trend for  the three quarters would also be  
a very useful basis for discussing the budget request fo r the biennium. Certain lines like temporary 
assistance need detailed elaboration for better discussion going forward. The Member said it 
expected  prudent financial management for remaining period of th e year. 
5.9.  The official  of the Secretariat explained that  "Temporary Assistance" includes a broad category 
of expenditures: short-terms, translators, interpreters, interns, consultants, another category of 
translators, and pane llist fees. She noted that,  under Interpreters , the costs are going up due to an 
increase in the number of meetings, which drives a part of over -expenditure under this category.  
She noted that the expenditure on consultants is balanced, and pane llist fees are relatively low this 
year, but new cases  might come next year , which would increase the expenditure on this category . 
5.10.  With respect to capital expenditure, she explained that there was a lot of uncertainty in the 
beginning of the year in the aftermath of the pandemic, and some expenditure has been pu shed 
towards the second half of the year. With respect to travel, she noted that some travel, including 
technical assistance -related travel, has been cancelled, and that the Secretariat exercises a 
considerable discipline to arrive at a balanced outcome at  the end of the year.  
5.11.  She further noted that in 2022 there was a narrow surplus of only CHF 70,000. She further 
noted that the expenses on short -terms have been reduced by 23% compared to 2022. She added 
that the reduced level of contributions limits the Secretariat's ability to spend, so funds must be 
managed very carefully to avoid deficit.  
5.12.  The Member whose views are reflected in para. 5.7. above said it would be good to examine 
whether the increase in the interpretation cost is related to an increa se in the number of  meetings 
or whether it is related  to the Interprefy issue , in which case Members may consider whether 
Interprefy should be used only for some meetings . He also reiterated the request for the actual 
expenditure , noting that it appears th at certain  categor ies, like consultants and panel lists, is 
considerably oversubscribed . 
5.13.  DDG Ellard took the floor to clarify that document WT/BFA/W/652 , circulated  at the request 
of India, shows that  the number of  regular  meetings per month has increased by 75% compared to 
the data described in document WT/BFA/W/462  circulated in 2018.  
5.14.  The Committee took note of the report and the comments m ade. 
6  QUARTER 3 2023 EXTRA BUDGETARY FUNDS REPORT – WT/BFA/W/656  
6.1.  The Chair introduced the item by drawing Members' attention to the status of the LDC  
Ministerial Conference Trust Fund. She encouraged Members who might be in a position to do so to 
contribute to this Trust Fund as soon as possible. She noted that even small contributions will be 
appreciated as at this point every little bit can help if t he Fund is to be in a position to facilitate 
participation of LDCs at MC13.  
6.2.  An official  of the Secretariat said he would highlight the situation with other funds before circling 
back to the situation of the LDC MC13 fund. He started by observing that contr ibutions are at an 
all-time historic low for the Global Trust Fund , putting the Secretariat's  ability to begin full 
implementation of the newly approved Biennial TA Plan at risk. While it is not uncommon for more 
contributions to arrive in the 4th quarter of the year, there is very little activity so far that gives 
reassurance that the situation will be improving soon. He expressed gratitude for the contributions 
and pledges that had come in recently but noted that these contributions will not be sufficient  to 
fund the TA plan targets approved by Members.  
6.3.  The official  of the Secretariat  next summarized the situation of the STDF. He noted that while 
it is also reported as urgently needing additional contributions to maintain planned levels of 
activities, the overall pattern of contributions shows that contributions and expenditures are closer 
to an equilibrium situation. Therefore, while operations of the STDF will clearly depend on a steady WT/BFA/217  
 
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  stream of new contributions , the trends are less alarming than for th e GTF. He added  that the other 
trust funds are in a generally stable and sustainable position in terms of funding relative to their 
activity levels.  
6.4.  Finally, the official  of the Secretariat turned to the LDC MC13 Fund and said he really had to 
raise the re d flag for this fund. The Secretariat is quickly approaching the stage where it needs to 
make concrete financial commitments. The invitation letters to LDCs are scheduled to go out by 
early December , and at this point , the current balance of the Fund is no t sufficient for the Secretariat 
to ensure  that eligible LDCs will be supported at the level historically provided by this funding 
mechanism.  He reiterated the message of the Chair that even small contributions are welcome and 
confirmed that large contrib utions would also be welcome. Without additional support , the situation 
is quickly becoming very difficult as the Secretariat does  not have an ability to commit money that  
is not in the bank. Already there are hotel downpayments due , and the booking of fli ghts needs to 
start in early December.  
6.5.  A Member  took the floor to draw attention to the fact that his government had just recently 
made a substantial contribution to the new Fisheries Trust Fund, which was its first contribution to 
a trust fund in more tha n 10 years. As this just happened in the 4th quarter , it was not yet reflected 
in the trust fund reporting. However, this contribution represents the importance of the fishing 
industry in the Member's  economy and culture. For this reason, the Member said it felt  responsibility 
with respect to the Agreement o n Fisheries Subsidies and considered it  crucial that the fish it imports  
do not come from illegal fisheries and from overused stocks . These concerns , along with its 
EU presidency , made it important for the Member  to show its commitment to this mechanism. The 
Member  concluded by noting that its contribution of 2 million Euros means that it is currently the 
major donor to this fund.  
6.6.  A Member took the floor and commented that his government had made contributions to both 
the GTF and STDF since the end of the 3rd quarter. He expressed disappointment with the lack of 
expenditure from the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility fund (TFAF) , suggesting that mechanism 
has not lived up to its potential and wondering if those resources should be reallocated. In his view , 
the GTF could conduct technical assistance on the same issues. The Member also raised questions 
about earmarking , noting that niche funds seem to be reducing support for the multilateral approach 
of the GTF as several Members no longer support the GTF bu t direct their contributions into 
earmarked funds. He expressed concern that there may be regular budget staff working substantially 
in support of earmarked funds and the potential for a misalignment between earmarked 
contributions and expected expenditure s. 
6.7.  A Member expressed the view that it is important for LDC participation at MC13 to be supported 
in the same way as in the past and said that it is planning a contribution to the fund. She encouraged 
other Members to contribute as well.  
6.8.  The official of the Secretariat took the floor again to extend appreciation to all of those who 
have made contributions. He acknowledged and thanked Members who have made contributions in 
the 4th quarter as it is important these Members get the recognition they deserve.  
6.9.  DDG Ellard  thanked Members for the contributions to the WTO trust funds and in particular the 
Fish Fund, recalling that technical assistance and capacity building is an important focus and function 
of the Organization . She also thanked  the Members who announc ed support for the LDC fund , 
emphasizing the importance of providing  funds as the Secretariat cannot use the regular budget for 
this purpose. She said MC13 is just a few months away , and the Secretariat would be forced to make 
hard choices if there are not  sufficient funds to cover disbursements that need to be made in the 
coming weeks. She reiterated the importance of having an inclusive MC13.  
6.10.  The committee took note of the report and the comments made.  
7  DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CBFA TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL – WT/BFA/W/657  
7.1.  On 22 November, t he Chair introduced the agenda item by stating that it relates to the activities 
of the CBFA for the entire year of 2023. She said the r eport contains a brief factual description of 
the activities of the CBFA to be submitted for the General Council's notation. She added that  Annex  1 
to the Annual Report contains a list of all of CBFA documents issued in 2023, hence providing further WT/BFA/217  
 
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  information regarding the important w ork carried out by the Committee this year. The Chair further 
mentioned that this annex is a new innovation introduced last year at the suggestion of a Member, 
and an example of reform by doing . As a separate matter , the Chair noted t hat the draft annual 
report would be updated once Members ha d acted on the WTO 2024 -2025 budget proposal . The 
Chair added  that the report will also be circulated to delegations for a final review before it is 
submitted for the General Council.  
7.2.  On 12 December, the Chair noted th at the Annual Report would be updated by the Secretariat 
to reflect the discussions that took place on that day  and circulated to Members for information . 
7.3.  The Committee took note of the  Chair's  statement . 
8  STATUS REPORT ON THE WTO SECRETARIAT TRANSFORMATION EXERCISE – 
WT/BFA/W/658  
8.1.  The Chair recall ed that Deputy Director -General Ellard has provided helpful information and 
updates to Members regarding the Secretariat transformation exercise, including at the CBFA 
meeting held on 17 October . 
8.2.  DDG Ellard delivered the statement contained in  JOB/BFA/ 96, as follows:  
8.3.  I am pleased to provide you with an update on the ongoing progress of the Secretariat's 
transformation exercise.  
8.4.  As usual, I will provide my speaking notes  to you in writing after this meeting. The 
transformation work will remain on the agenda for discussion at our meetings, and I will provide 
additional updates if needed.  
8.5.  Our transformation initiatives continue to progress well. We received a good response to the 
call under our new Recognition and Rewards Programme for nominations to be made for 2023 
Director -General's Awards for Innovation and for Teamwork, and for the Excellence in Management 
Award. These nominations are now under review. At the beginning of the month, we launched the 
2023 Good Colleague Award, where staff can vote to recognize their peers.  
8.6.  Phase 2 of our Pilot Internal Mobility initiative is underway, in accordance with our existing 
policy. Compared to Phase 1, a greater number of entry-level staff members have expressed interest 
in a temporary secondment to another Division. The timing and duration of secondments will be 
carefully discussed to ensure a positive impact on the Secretariat and staff members. Moving 
forward, we plan to  learn from this pilot initiative and continue to improve mobility across the 
Secretariat.  
8.7.  Work is advanced on a revised promotions policy. Good progress continues on a new 
recruitment policy, and key elements of the new policy will be tested with staff so on. The Human 
Resources Division is also working to complete the development of a new competency framework, 
and to launch a new 360° review process for Directors in early 2024.  
8.8.  On risk management, the selection process for the new Chief Risk and Compliance Officer has 
concluded. The candidate selected by the Director -General, Ms Natasha Fields, has accepted the 
offer and is due to join in early January 2025. Ms Fields is a Trinidad & Tobago and UK national, and 
she is currently Risk Manager headin g the implementation and embedding of Enterprise Risk 
Management at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK. She holds MBA degrees from 
Cranfield School of Management and from the University of Virginia Darden Business School.  
8.9.  We continue to make consis tent progress on digital transformation. Three recent examples are 
the new eDelegate application, the launch of the Import Licensing On -Line notification tool, and the 
kick-off and planning of the work to relaunch the online Questions and Answers for Trade  Policy 
Reviews - all of which have been requested by Members.  
8.10.  On 26 October, the WTO Secretariat conducted an Information Session for Delegation 
Coordinators to introduce the newly developed eDelegate Platform. This is a first step towards 
introducing a c onvenient, user -friendly and flexible "one -stop-shop" to manage access to the WT/BFA/217  
 
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  different WTO systems, including who can be designated as focal points or receive emails. On 6 
November, the platform was made available to Delegation Coordinators for a testing phase, giving 
them an opportunity to provide comments and feedback, and on 20 November, eDelegate was made 
available to all Geneva and capital -based delegates.  
8.11.  On 31 October, during a meeting of the Committee on Import Licensing Procedures, the new 
portal enabling Members to draft and submit notifications online was launched.  
8.12.  Finally, also this month, the Secretariat approved the planning to relaunch the digital 
Questions & Answers tool for Trade Policy Reviews. This follows extensive discussion at the 7th 
Appraisal of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism in July 2023, where Members identified the need to 
revamp the online system and expressed their desire to move to uniform use of the system. The 
Secretariat will update and improve this tool in the next 2 mont hs and have a planned release 
between February and April 2024. The tool is designed to eliminate the exchange of multiple email 
messages and documents between Members and the Secretariat, and to improve how Members 
engage with each other during TPRs.  
8.13.  The d evelopment of the Secretariat's Strategy through 2030 is advancing steadily. The initial 
outputs of the Director -led Thematic Working Groups will be presented to the Transformation 
Steering Committee next week. In the coming weeks, these Groups will focus on refining their drafts 
to take account of senior management feedback, testing key elements with staff, and ensuring 
overall consistency. Opportunities for Member input will also be identified.  
8.14.  The work is being led by the Director for Vision and Strategy , supported by the Transformation 
Office. We expect to deliver the strategy for the Secretariat in 2024.  
8.15.  As I have previously explained, the output of this work will form the basis for the development 
of specific time -bound action plans along with tools fo r measuring and reporting on progress, such 
as specific targets and performance indicators. Implementation of the strategy will also require 
mechanisms to ensure coordination as well as the alignment of Secretariat planning and operations 
with the overall strategy.  
8.16.  Thank you for your continuing interest in and support for our transformation work.  
8.17.  No questions were asked.  
8.18.  The Committee took note of the update . 
 
_______________  
 
 
  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 10 - 
 
  ANNEX  
Table 1 Budget 2024 -2025  
Part Section  Line 2023  
(ZNG)  2024 
Inc/Dec  2024  2025 
Inc/Dec  2025  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff 
Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  88,520  3,250  91,770    91,770  
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  23,480  0 23,480    23,480  
    iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  6,894  500 7,394    7,394  
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  10,871  250 11,121    11,121  
    v) Other Staff Expenditure  1,800  400 2,200    2,200  
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,850  -280 9,571    9,571  
    ii) Consulting  6,724  1,730  8,454    8,454  
    iii) Panellists  1,000    1,000    1,000  
A Staffing Resources Total  149,140  5,850  154,990    154,990  
B Other 
Resources  3. General 
Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  541   541   541 
    ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  11,613  1,000  12,613    12,613  
    iii) Energy & Supplies  1,966  550 2,516    2,516  
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,458  100 1,558    1,558  
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  48   48   48 
  4. Travel & 
Hospitality  i) Travel  7,393  0 7,393    7,393  
    ii) Hospitality  214   214   214 
  5. 
Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213   213   213 
  6. Capital 
Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  2,555    2,555    2,555  
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  540   540   540 
  7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest Charges  880 -500 380   380 
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200    1,200    1,200  
B Other Resources Total  28,621  1,150  29,771    29,771  
C 
Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions 
to ITC & Special 
Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  725 18,968    18,968  
    iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600   600   600 
    iv) Building Renovation Fund  600   600   600 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total  19,443  725 20,168    20,168  
Grand Total    197,204  7,725  204,929  0 204,929  
  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Table 2  Scale of Contributions for 2024  
Member  2023 
Contribution  
CHF 2023  
Contribution  
% 2024 
Contribution  
CHF 2024  
Contribution  
% Credit 
Surplus 
2021 for 
2024  
CHF 2024 Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Afghanistan  37,145  0.019%  36,558  0.018%  -720 35,838  
Albania  44,965  0.023%  46,713  0.023%  -920 45,793  
Angola  240,465  0.123%  233,565  0.115%  -4,600  228,965  
Antigua and 
Barbuda  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Argentina  637,330  0.326%  635,703  0.313%  -12,520  623,183  
Armenia  44,965  0.023%  46,713  0.023%  -920 45,793  
Australia  2,531,725  1.295%  2,626,083  1.293%  -51,720  2,574,363  
Austria  1,943,270  0.994%  2,018,814  0.994%  -39,760  1,979,054  
Bahrain, Kingdom 
of 224,825  0.115%  213,255  0.105%  -4,200  209,055  
Bangladesh  420,325  0.215%  450,882  0.222%  -8,880  442,002  
Barbados  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Belgium  3,626,525  1.855%  3,781,722  1.862%  -74,480  3,707,242  
Belize  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Benin  33,235  0.017%  34,527  0.017%  -680 33,847  
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State 
of 87,975  0.045%  87,333  0.043%  -1,720  85,613  
Botswana  60,605  0.031%  60,930  0.030%  -1,200  59,730  
Brazil  2,111,400  1.080%  2,240,193  1.103%  -44,120  2,196,073  
Brunei Darussalam  52,785  0.027%  60,930  0.030%  -1,200  59,730  
Bulgaria  340,170  0.174%  363,549  0.179%  -7,160  356,389  
Burkina Faso  39,100  0.020%  42,651  0.021%  -840 41,811  
Burundi  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Cabo Verde  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Cambodia  168,130  0.086%  184,821  0.091%  -3,640  181,181  
Cameroon  62,560  0.032%  64,992  0.032%  -1,280  63,712  
Canada  4,658,765  2.383%  4,774,881  2.351%  -94,040  4,680,841  
Central African 
Republic  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Chad 31,280  0.016%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Chile 662,745  0.339%  706,788  0.348%  -13,920  692,868  
China  21,031,890  10.758%  22,704,549  11.179%  -447,160  22,257,389  
Colombia  459,425  0.235%  469,161  0.231%  -9,240  459,921  
Congo  64,515  0.033%  50,775  0.025%  -1,000  49,775  
Costa Rica  172,040  0.088%  174,666  0.086%  -3,440  171,226  
Côte d'Ivoire  109,480  0.056%  115,767  0.057%  -2,280  113,487  
Croatia  244,375  0.125%  257,937  0.127%  -5,080  252,857  
Cuba 101,660  0.052%  93,426  0.046%  -1,840  91,586  
Cyprus  154,445  0.079%  168,573  0.083%  -3,320  165,253  
Czech Republic  1,460,385  0.747%  1,519,188  0.748%  -29,920  1,489,268  
Democratic 
Republic of the 
Congo  125,120  0.064%  138,108  0.068%  -2,720  135,388  
Denmark  1,554,225  0.795%  1,632,924  0.804%  -32,160  1,600,764  
Djibouti  33,235  0.017%  36,558  0.018%  -720 35,838  
Dominica  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Dominican 
Republic  173,995  0.089%  178,728  0.088%  -3,520  175,208  
Ecuador  199,410  0.102%  211,224  0.104%  -4,160  207,064  
Egypt  502,435  0.257%  534,153  0.263%  -10,520  523,633  
El Salvador  80,155  0.041%  83,271  0.041%  -1,640  81,631  
Estonia  181,815  0.093%  194,976  0.096%  -3,840  191,136  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Member  2023 
Contribution  
CHF 2023  
Contribution  
% 2024 
Contribution  
CHF 2024  
Contribution  
% Credit 
Surplus 
2021 for 
2024  
CHF 2024 Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Eswatini  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
European Union1 0 0.000%  0 0.000%  0 0 
Fiji 29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Finland  854,335  0.437%  891,609  0.439%  -17,560  874,049  
France  7,387,945  3.779%  7,463,925  3.675%  -147,000  7,316,925  
Gabon  46,920  0.024%  46,713  0.023%  -920 45,793  
The Gambia  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Georgia  74,290  0.038%  77,178  0.038%  -1,520  75,658  
Germany  14,058,405  7.191%  14,529,774  7.154%  -286,160  14,243,614  
Ghana  189,635  0.097%  194,976  0.096%  -3,840  191,136  
Greece  629,510  0.322%  674,292  0.332%  -13,280  661,012  
Grenada  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Guatemala  142,715  0.073%  150,294  0.074%  -2,960  147,334  
Guinea  43,010  0.022%  48,744  0.024%  -960 47,784  
Guinea -Bissau  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Guyana  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Haiti 29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Honduras  76,245  0.039%  81,240  0.040%  -1,600  79,640  
Hong Kong, China  5,501,370  2.814%  5,629,932  2.772%  -110,880  5,519,052  
Hungary  1,057,655  0.541%  1,102,833  0.543%  -21,720  1,081,113  
Iceland  86,020  0.044%  85,302  0.042%  -1,680  83,622  
India 4,576,655  2.341%  4,864,245  2.395%  -95,800  4,768,445  
Indonesia  1,626,560  0.832%  1,708,071  0.841%  -33,640  1,674,431  
Ireland  3,669,535  1.877%  4,023,411  1.981%  -79,240  3,944,171  
Israel  907,120  0.464%  958,632  0.472%  -18,880  939,752  
Italy 4,940,285  2.527%  5,087,655  2.505%  -100,200  4,987,455  
Jamaica  50,830  0.026%  50,775  0.025%  -1,000  49,775  
Japan  7,411,405  3.791%  7,490,328  3.688%  -147,520  7,342,808  
Jordan  152,490  0.078%  150,294  0.074%  -2,960  147,334  
Kazakhstan  432,055  0.221%  463,068  0.228%  -9,120  453,948  
Kenya  123,165  0.063%  125,922  0.062%  -2,480  123,442  
Korea, Republic of  5,350,835  2.737%  5,534,475  2.725%  -109,000  5,425,475  
Kuwait, the State 
of 512,210  0.262%  519,936  0.256%  -10,240  509,696  
Kyrgyz Republic  33,235  0.017%  34,527  0.017%  -680 33,847  
Lao People's 
Democratic 
Republic  56,695  0.029%  56,868  0.028%  -1,120  55,748  
Latvia  170,085  0.087%  182,790  0.090%  -3,600  179,190  
Lesotho  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Liberia  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Liechtenstein  66,470  0.034%  69,054  0.034%  -1,360  67,694  
Lithuania  318,665  0.163%  349,332  0.172%  -6,880  342,452  
Luxembourg  1,059,610  0.542%  1,129,236  0.556%  -22,240  1,106,996  
Macao, China  230,690  0.118%  225,441  0.111%  -4,440  221,001  
Madagascar  33,235  0.017%  34,527  0.017%  -680 33,847  
Malawi  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Malaysia  1,837,700  0.940%  1,886,799  0.929%  -37,160  1,849,639  
Maldives  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Mali 41,055  0.021%  42,651  0.021%  -840 41,811  
 
1 The European Union is not subject to contributions. However, its 27 members are assessed 
individually. The total share of members of the European Union represents 31.05% of the  total assessed 
contributions for 202 4. WT/BFA/217  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Member  2023 
Contribution  
CHF 2023  
Contribution  
% 2024 
Contribution  
CHF 2024  
Contribution  
% Credit 
Surplus 
2021 for 
2024  
CHF 2024 Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Malta  158,355  0.081%  176,697  0.087%  -3,480  173,217  
Mauritania  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Mauritius  50,830  0.026%  46,713  0.023%  -920 45,793  
Mexico  3,935,415  2.013%  4,155,426  2.046%  -81,840  4,073,586  
Moldova, Republic 
of 39,100  0.020%  42,651  0.021%  -840 41,811  
Mongolia  64,515  0.033%  69,054  0.034%  -1,360  67,694  
Montenegro  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Morocco  381,225  0.195%  398,076  0.196%  -7,840  390,236  
Mozambique  60,605  0.031%  62,961  0.031%  -1,240  61,721  
Myanmar  136,850  0.070%  134,046  0.066%  -2,640  131,406  
Namibia  43,010  0.022%  42,651  0.021%  -840 41,811  
Nepal  62,560  0.032%  67,023  0.033%  -1,320  65,703  
Netherlands  5,778,980  2.956%  6,005,667  2.957%  -118,280  5,887,387  
New Zealand  465,290  0.238%  473,223  0.233%  -9,320  463,903  
Nicaragua  52,785  0.027%  52,806  0.026%  -1,040  51,766  
Niger  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Nigeria  523,940  0.268%  540,246  0.266%  -10,640  529,606  
North Macedonia  66,470  0.034%  71,085  0.035%  -1,400  69,685  
Norway  1,178,865  0.603%  1,230,786  0.606%  -24,240  1,206,546  
Oman  304,980  0.156%  324,960  0.160%  -6,400  318,560  
Pakistan  373,405  0.191%  394,014  0.194%  -7,760  386,254  
Panama  220,915  0.113%  217,317  0.107%  -4,280  213,037  
Papua New Guinea  60,605  0.031%  69,054  0.034%  -1,360  67,694  
Paraguay  109,480  0.056%  117,798  0.058%  -2,320  115,478  
Peru 422,280  0.216%  444,789  0.219%  -8,760  436,029  
Philippines  871,930  0.446%  885,516  0.436%  -17,440  868,076  
Poland  2,537,590  1.298%  2,648,424  1.304%  -52,160  2,596,264  
Portugal  817,190  0.418%  844,896  0.416%  -16,640  828,256  
Qatar  633,420  0.324%  645,858  0.318%  -12,720  633,138  
Romania  834,785  0.427%  891,609  0.439%  -17,560  874,049  
Russian 
Federation  3,210,110  1.642%  3,422,235  1.685%  -67,400  3,354,835  
Rwanda  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Saint Kitts and 
Nevis  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Saint Lucia  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Samoa  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  1,839,655  0.941%  1,890,861  0.931%  -37,240  1,853,621  
Senegal  48,875  0.025%  48,744  0.024%  -960 47,784  
Seychelles  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Sierra Leone  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Singapore  4,885,545  2.499%  5,177,019  2.549%  -101,960  5,075,059  
Slovak Republic  795,685  0.407%  820,524  0.404%  -16,160  804,364  
Slovenia  342,125  0.175%  363,549  0.179%  -7,160  356,389  
Solomon Islands  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
South Africa  856,290  0.438%  883,485  0.435%  -17,400  866,085  
Spain  3,753,600  1.920%  3,832,497  1.887%  -75,480  3,757,017  
Sri Lanka  179,860  0.092%  176,697  0.087%  -3,480  173,217  
Suriname  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Sweden  2,023,425  1.035%  2,095,992  1.032%  -41,280  2,054,712  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Member  2023 
Contribution  
CHF 2023  
Contribution  
% 2024 
Contribution  
CHF 2024  
Contribution  
% Credit 
Surplus 
2021 for 
2024  
CHF 2024 Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Switzerland  3,763,375  1.925%  3,907,644  1.924%  -76,960  3,830,684  
Chinese Taipei  3,014,610  1.542%  3,178,515  1.565%  -62,600  3,115,915  
Tajikistan  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Tanzania  80,155  0.041%  79,209  0.039%  -1,560  77,649  
Thailand  2,387,055  1.221%  2,412,828  1.188%  -47,520  2,365,308  
Togo 29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Tonga  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Trinidad and 
Tobago  78,200  0.040%  77,178  0.038%  -1,520  75,658  
Tunisia  172,040  0.088%  174,666  0.086%  -3,440  171,226  
Türkiye  1,978,460  1.012%  2,071,620  1.020%  -40,800  2,030,820  
Uganda  60,605  0.031%  62,961  0.031%  -1,240  61,721  
Ukraine  523,940  0.268%  568,680  0.280%  -11,200  557,480  
United Arab 
Emirates  2,963,780  1.516%  2,961,198  1.458%  -58,320  2,902,878  
United Kingdom  7,274,555  3.721%  7,419,243  3.653%  -146,120  7,273,123  
United States of 
America  22,808,985  11.667%  23,206,206  11.426%  -457,040  22,749,166  
Uruguay  125,120  0.064%  127,953  0.063%  -2,520  125,433  
Vanuatu  29,325  0.015%  30,465  0.015%  -600 29,865  
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  404,685  0.207%  296,526  0.146%  -5,840  290,686  
Viet Nam  2,107,490  1.078%  2,323,464  1.144%  -45,760  2,277,704  
Yemen  62,560  0.032%  38,589  0.019%  -760 37,829  
Zambia  72,335  0.037%  75,147  0.037%  -1,480  73,667  
Zimbabwe  46,920  0.024%  46,713  0.023%  -920 45,793  
TOTAL  195,500,000  100%  203,100,000  100%  -4,000,000  199,100,000  
 
  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Table 3 Miscellaneous Income 2024 -2025  
Item  Projected Misc. Income 
2024  Projected Misc. Income 
2025  
Contributions of Observer Countries  620,000  620,000  
Sale of Publications & Royalties  250,000  250,000  
Trust Fund - Participation to direct costs  190,000  190,000  
Refund of prior year's expenditure  200,000  200,000  
Rental of meeting rooms & office space  100,000  100,000  
Other  468,900  468,900  
Total  1,828,900  1,828,900  
 
  WT/BFA/217  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Table 4 Disposition of the 2021 Surplus  
Item  kCHF  
Credit to Members against 2024 contributions  4,000  
Non-recurring expenditures to be funded from the surplus in 2024  
Consultants on HR competency framework, skills gap analysis, benchmarking, job -families  
Security Equipment  
Software (Reform by Doing)  500  
700  
300  
Non-recurring expenditures to be funded from the surplus in 2025  
IT Consultants (Reform by Doing)  500  
Total  6,000  
 
__________