RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
 
6 September 2021  
(21-6613) Page: 1/51 
Committee on Trade and Development  Original: English  
 
  
BIENNIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN 2022 - 2023  
 
Table of Contents  
ACRONYMS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  3 
1   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
2   INTRODUC TION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
3   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TA PLAN 2020 -21 ................................ .............................  6 
3.1   Key achievements of the TA Plan 2020 -21 ................................ ................................ ..... 6 
3.2   Lessons learnt from implementing the TA Plan 2020 -21 ................................ ..................  9 
3.2.1    Managing for Results  ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
3.2.2    The Progressive Learning Strategy  ................................ ................................ .............  9 
3.2.3    Course Content and Pedagogical methods  ................................ ................................ . 10 
3.2.4    Prioritizing Inclusion  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
4   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES  ................................ ...................  11 
4.1   Identified priorities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 12 
4.2   Target audiences  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 13 
4.3   Preferences and constraints to accessing TA  ................................ ................................  13 
5   STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN 2022 -23 ...........................  16 
5.1   Managing for Results ................................ ................................ ................................ . 16 
5.2   Progressive Learning Strategy  ................................ ................................ ....................  17 
5.3   Course Content and the use of Appropriate Pedagogical Methods  ................................ .... 19 
5.4   Use of partnerships  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 21 
5.5   Prioritizing Inclusion  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 21 
6   EXPECTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE KEY RESULTS  ................................ ...................  22 
6.1   Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully realising 
Members' rights and obligations  ................................ ................................ .........................  23 
6.1.1    Output 1.1: Government officials have enhanced knowledge about WTO Agreements, 
trade policy formulation and conduct of trade negotiations  ................................ ....................  25 
6.1.2    Output 1.2: Effective partnerships established  ................................ ...........................  29 
6.1.3    Output 1.3: Members' needs and priorities identified periodically  ................................ . 29 
6.1.4    Output 1.4: WTO data and databases accessed by Members  ................................ ....... 29 
6.2   Key Result 2: Acceding governments/territories are participating  
in accession negotiations  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 30 
6.2.1   Output 2.1: Acceding governments/territories participants' knowledge on WTO  
substantive and procedural matters enhanced  ................................ ................................ ..... 31 WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  6.2.2    Output 2.2: Accessions Internship Programme participants' knowledge enhanced  ..........  31 
6.2.3    Output 2.3: Interested Members' expe rtise on GPA rules and accession negotiations 
enhanced (IPD)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  32 
6.3   Key Result 3: Academic institutions and students are analysing  WTO issues  
and reaching out to policy makers  ................................ ................................ ......................  32 
6.3.1    Output 3.1: Research on trade policy and WTO -related matters generated  
by the WCP  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  34 
6.3.2    Output 3.2: Courses with WTO content developed by WCP Chairs  ................................  34 
6.3.3    Output 3.3: WTO Chairs research disseminated to policy makers  
and other stakeholders  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 34 
6.3.4    Output 3.4: Students trained on WTO work and issues  ................................ ...............  35 
6.4   Key Result 4: Non -governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware of and 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues  ................................ ................................ .........  35 
6.4.1    Output 4.1: Understanding of WTO work and issues by non -governmental  
stakeholders improved  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 36 
6.4.2    Output 4.2: Improved access to WTO issues through online training  
material for self -study  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 36 
6.4.3   Output 4.3: Information on WTO trade -related technical assistance provided  ................  36 
6.4.4    Output 4.4: Young Professionals are expo sed to WTO issues and work  .........................  37 
7   FUNDING  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  37 
7.1   Regular Budget for TA  ................................ ................................ ...............................  38 
7.2   Extra -budgetary funds for TA  ................................ ................................ .....................  39 
ANNEX 1. WTO TRTA LOGFRAME 2022 -23 ................................ ................................ ..... 40 
ANNEX 2: ACTIVITY MATRIX  ................................ ................................ .........................  48 
 
 
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  WT/COMTD/W/260  
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ACRONYMS  
 
AIP Accession s Internship Programme  
ATPC Advanced Trade Policy Course  
GPA Government Procurement Agreement  
GTF Global Trust Fund  
GVC Global Value Chain  
ITTC Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation  
LDCs Least developed countries  
FIMIP  French & Irish Mission Internship Programme  
MSMEs  Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  
MTS Multilateral Trading System  
NTP Netherlands Trainee Programme  
PLS Progressive Learning Strategy  
RBM Results -Based Management  
RCI Regional Coordinator Internship  
RTPC Regional Trade Policy Course  
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
TA Technical Assistance  
TA Plan  Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan  
TAME  Technical Assistance Monitoring & Evaluation Unit  
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade  
ToT Training of Trainers  
TPR Trade Policy Review  
TRIPS  Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  
TRTA Trade -Related Technical Assistance  
WCP WTO Chairs Programme  
WTO World Trade Organization  
YPP Young Professionals Programme  
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  1  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
1. Trade -related Technical Assistance (TRTA) is a core function of the W orld Trade Organization 
(WTO) . Its main purpose is to enhance the human and institutional capacities of beneficiaries , so 
that they may fully benefit from the rules -based Multilateral Trading System (MTS), meet their 
obligations and enforce their rights as Members, and deal with emerging trade -related chal lenges  
and opportunities . 
2. This Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan (TA Plan) defines the strategy and 
priorities that will be followed by the Secretariat in this domain over 2022 -23. The TA Plan is a policy 
framework that identifies priorities,  anticipates results, as well as mechanisms for implementation 
and sources of funding for the activities. The TA Plan is designed to deliver technical assistance (TA) 
taking into account the provisions of paragraph s 38 to 41 of the Doha Ministerial Declara tion1 and 
other relevant decisions adopted by Members . 
3. The TA Plan 2022 -23 aims to give continuity to and build on the work carried out under 
previous TA Plans while adapting the TA offer to the evolving needs of the MTS and of 
TA beneficiaries . The overa ll design of this Plan is mainly guided by the WTO's managing for results 
and progressive learning strategies and is structured around the following four Key Results:  
• Key Result 1 – Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully 
realising Members' rights and obligations;  
• Key Result 2 – Acceding governments /territories  are participating in accession 
negotiations;  
• Key Result 3 – Academic institutions and students are analysing WTO issues and 
reaching out to policy makers; and  
• Key Re sult 4 – Non-governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware of and 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues.  
4. The TA Plan explains how the above four Key Results will be pursued over the 2022 -23 
biennium, taking into consideration Members' needs and the  outcome of the most recent Ministerial 
Conferences. The TA Plan has provided for sufficient flexibility to accommodate any specific 
outcomes from the 12th Ministerial Conference  to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in November and 
December  2021. In keeping with the Results -Based Management (RBM) approach , and to ensure 
continuous improvement in the availability of comprehensive data, the Secretariat will continue 
working towards a fuller implementation of its monitoring and evaluation framework and tools where 
applicable.  The TA Plan identifies the performance indicators and targets that will be used to measure 
the attainment of the Key Results.  
5. During the 2022 -23 biennium, the Secretariat will continue promot ing TA activities that focus 
on the imple mentation of WTO Agreements  and addressing the specific needs identified by TA 
beneficiaries , implementing its internal RBM tools, and consolidate the Progressive Learning Strategy 
(PLS) where applicable. The Secretariat will also continue developing and i ncorporating more 
effective pedagogical methods, maintain its use of value -adding partnerships, and commit to 
promoting fully inclusive activities that respond to the needs of the weakest and most vulnerable 
beneficiaries . Notably, the Secretariat will con tinue strengthening its pedagogical methods and its 
Training of Trainers (ToT) efforts, with the aim of improving knowledge transfer and retention, 
including through the use of new methods of training and technologies with increased interactivity 
and a mor e efficient use of resources.  
6. The execution of the previous biennial TA Plan has been severely affected since March 2020 
by the COVID -19 pandemic.2 On the supply side, travel restrictions, prohibitions or restrictions on 
meetings, lockdowns and other simi lar measures, have affected the Secretariat's ability to organize 
face-to-face TA activities, whether in Geneva or abroad. On the demand side, similar constraints, as 
well as limitations on access to computer equipment and reliable internet connection, esp ecially for 
 
1 Doha Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, paras. 38 -41. 
2 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , pp. 13, 17 -18, and 21.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  government officials forced to work from home, have affected the capacity of beneficiaries to request 
and to benefit from TA activities. These circumstances have negatively affected, not only face -to-
face, but also e Learning, TA activities.3 The factors described have had an unequal impact on access 
to TRTA across beneficiaries. Access to adequate computer equipment or to reliable internet 
connection can be a challenge for government officials in many regions . Often, beneficiaries with a 
high n eed for TA also face comparatively higher challenges in this respect.  
7. At the time of preparation of this biennial TA Plan, there is still considerable uncertainty over 
how the COVID -19 pandemic, and the related factors affecting the request and delivery of  TA 
activities, will evolve over the years 2022 and 2023. The TA Plan will provide indicators, baselines, 
and targets to be used to measure the attainment of the Key Results assuming that the current 
conditions that negatively affect TA activities will be to a significant extent overcome at the beginning 
of the period 2022 -23 or soon thereafter . While there are specific assumptions related to the current 
pandemic associated with several of the outcomes outlined in the logframe that may have an impact 
on the  indicators, a general assumption of a progressive and gradual relaxation of restrictive 
measures is central to all the activities envisaged Based on current trends, the scenario described is 
one with a high degree of likelihood, but it is far from certain . However, if the current conditions 
that negatively affect TA  activities continue or worsen  during all or most of the period 2022 -23, this 
will have an impact on the indicators included in the logframe and the possibility of meeting the 
indicated targets.  The extent to which results may be affected will depend on the circumstances that 
may arise and the measures that may be taken, at the global, regional or country level. G iven the 
multiple alternative scenarios that could arise in such event , and the diff iculty of presenting an 
alternative  logframe  that would capture all of these scenarios, a single detailed logframe is being 
presented with this caveat.  
8. The TA Plan has been developed in the context of a WTO Regular Budget that has been static 
in nominal te rms since 2009, and of generously provided though declining voluntary extra -budgetary 
resources. Taking this into account, the TA Plan assumes that TA resources will be stable during this 
biennium, thereby allowing approximately the same level of TA activi ty as in previous years. Towards 
this aim, the Secretariat will continue its efforts to improve the efficiency of the TA programme while 
enhancing its quality and benefits to recipients. These efforts will be guided by the lessons learnt, 
as well as by the  priorities identified by beneficiaries for this biennium.  
9. In parallel, the Secretariat will continue to engage with Members on other issues that might 
require action. These include examining the TA needs linked to new trade issues and assessing 
trainees' learning and their use of the skills gained through TA.  
10. Under the guidance of Members, the Secretariat will continue to carry out those actions that 
still require attention as outlined in the Secretariat's response to the TRTA External Evaluation 
conducted  in 2016. The Secretariat will take into account the outcome of its structural review, as 
appropriate, to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of TRTA.  
2  INTRODUCTION  
11. WTO's TRTA activities aim to help beneficiaries build their human and institution al capacities 
so that they can participate more effectively in the MTS. In this regard, Ministers declared at the 
WTO's 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha , Qatar,  in November 2001, that: 
The delivery of WTO technical assistance shall be designed to assist developing and 
least-developed  countries and low -income countries in transition to adjust to WTO rules 
and disciplines , implement obligations  and exercise the rights of membership, including 
drawing on the benefits of an open, rules -based multilater al trading system.4 
12. The importance of TA was subsequently re -affirmed by Ministers at the 10th WTO Ministerial 
Conference held in Nairobi , Kenya,  in December 2015, when they stated that:  
We also reiterate the importance of targeted and sustainable financi al, technical, and 
capacity building assistance programmes to support the developing country Members, 
 
3 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 38.  
4 Doha Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, para. 38. WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  in particular LDCs, to implement their agreements, to adjust to the reform process, and 
to benefit from opportunities presented.5 
13. In the preparation of t his TA Plan 2022 -23, the Secretariat worked with beneficiaries to identify 
needs and to ensure the relevance of the TRTA activities offered. Starting points for the preparation 
of the TA Plan were the information gathered through a questionnaire submitted by TA beneficiaries 
and consultations with Members and Observers. This information is complemented by the lessons 
drawn from the implementation of previous TA Plans.  
14. The TA Plan 2022 -23 maintains the overall strategy and approach adopted by previous 
TA Plans and continues to give priority to activities supporting Members' efforts to implement WTO 
Agreements, addressing their TRTA priorities and promoting better TA results. Furthermore, the 
activities included in the TA Plan 2022 -23 have been designed to ach ieve similar overall results as 
those of the most recent biennial TA Plans. The results expected for 2022 -23 are elaborated in 
section 6 and in the detailed logframe included in Annex 1. The Annex is an integral part of the 
TA Plan. 
15. The TA Plan has been de veloped against a background of increased economic uncertainty, 
compounded by the effects of the COVID -19 global pandemic. The majority of TA beneficiaries 
continue to face challenges as those that necessitated the development of the WTO TA programme 
over the years. Furthermore, a number of TA beneficiaries are seeking increased information about 
ongoing discussions on emerging trade issues such as e -commerce, investment facilitation, Micro, 
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Global Value Chains (GVCs), etc. 
16. The TA Plan 2022 -23 is designed to deliver TA taking into account the provisions of paragraph s 
38 to 41 of the Doha Declaration and other relevant decisions adopted by Members .6 As in previous 
TA Plans, the TA activities to be delivered will depend o n Members' identified needs particularly at 
the national level, with regional activities reflecting overall needs expressed in the various regions. 
The main TA activities and programmes associated with this TA Plan are listed in Annex 2.  
17. The rest of this document comprises the following sections: a summary of the main lessons 
learnt from the implementation of past TA activities ; the TA needs and priorities identified by 
Members ; the strategies and actions to respond to Members' and Observers' needs an d priorities ; 
the overall results expected from the delivery of this TA Plan ; and the funding requirements 
necessary to implement it.  
3  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TA PLAN 2020 -21 
3.1  Key achievements of the TA Plan 2020 -21 
18. The lessons learned from the implementation of previous TA Plans have helped guide the 
preparation of this TA Plan 2022 -23. 
19. The WTO TA Annual Report for 20 20 (2020 TA Annual Report) analysed in detail the TRTA 
provided by the WTO during the first year of implementation of the TA Plan 20 20-21.7 The year 2020 
started positively with 26  face-to-face TA activities taking place by mid -March. Unfortunately, due 
to COVID -19-related limitations such as travel restrictions, prohibitions or restrictions on meetings, 
lockdowns and other similar measures , all face-to-face TA activities subsequently came to an abrupt 
stop. For most of the second quarter of 2020, e Learning activities were by and large the only TA 
available. The Secretariat developed new TA activities in virtual format and reconverted activities 
originally designed for face -to-face delivery. The transition was progressive and partial, but to a 
large extent successful in addressing requests for TA. In any event, despite a 22% increase in the 
offer of e Learning activities and the rolling out of remote  TA activities in the second half of the year, 
the number of TA activities in 2020 decreased by 22% compared to 2019.8 
 
5 Nairobi Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(15)/DEC, para. 17.  
6 Doha Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, paras. 38 -41. 
7 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259.  
8 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 13 . The increased offer of 
virtual TA activities and eLearning courses did not completely compensate the lack of face -to-face activities. As 
noted below, however, the number of TA participants remained broadly constant. See para. 23 below.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  20. The COVID -19 pandemic also affected demand for TA activities. Understandably, the attention 
of beneficiaries was initially concentrated on public health concerns and the related effects of the 
pandemic, rather than on trade -related capacity building. There was a significant drop in requests 
for national TA activities, which are traditionally one of the most frequent forms of T A. The work of 
committees was temporarily suspended and resumed slowly. Trade Policy Reviews and their follow -
ups also slowed down. It should also be noted that, for many beneficiaries, the different modes of 
TA delivery (face -to-face, virtual and online) cannot completely substitute each other. Accordingly, 
the Secretariat's efforts to develop an alternative offer of virtual TA activities met limited demand.  
21. The cancellation of several face -to-face activities for generalists during 2020 resulted in a 
bigge r proportion of specialized training. Most advanced activities proved hard to convert to virtual 
delivery, resulting in a significant drop in the number and proportion of advanced TA activities and 
in the size of their audience. Conversely, intermediate ac tivities became dominant and constituted 
three quarters of the year's total number of TA activities. A portion of activities did not fit into the 
Progressive Learning Strategy and could not be assigned a specific level.  
22. Online courses in the Secretariat's eLearning programme remained available uninterrupted 
through the year 2020. Overall, the number of participants in these activities remained stable. 
Proportionally, e Learning drew 43% of total participants in 2020. One challenge was encouraging 
participant s to attend and complete the courses. The number of participants who completed 
eLearning courses declined by 7% in the year. In addition to the general difficulties stemming from 
the pandemic that affected participation in all TA activities, another fact m ay explain this decline, 
namely that, with no face -to-face activities, beneficiaries had less incentives to attend and complete 
eLearning courses which constitute prerequisites for these activities. To address these challenges, 
new types of courses were de signed to respond to evolving needs, such as a demand for shorter 
courses, mobile learning, and multimedia -rich training material. This resulted in an expansion of the 
eLearning catalogue by 22% at the end of 2020.  
23. By the second half of 2020, the Secretari at was able to partially replace suspended face -to-
face TA activities with virtual activities. This development helped stabilise the number of TA 
participants for the year, as some virtual activities were able to accommodate larger audiences.  
24. The year 2020  also witnessed a significant underreporting of TA activities. It is estimated that 
approximately one half of all virtual activities went unreported, as many of these activities did not 
require specific financial resources. Consequently, the TA data collec ted was incomplete and 
inconsistent, making results indicators, many of which were initially defined for face -to-face 
activities, less relevant and several of the targets assigned to TA unrealistic. The logical framework 
in the TA Plan defines the indicato rs and targets that are used to measure performance. Due to the 
particular circumstances during most of 2020, the standard logframe became an inadequate metric 
for measuring TA performance in that year.9 
25. The Secretariat attempted to maintain strong partic ipation of least-developed  countries 
(LDCs) as a priority. It also remained committed to promoting gender parity in its activities. The 
delivery of TA activities in the different WTO working languages was an additional tool to promote 
inclusion.  
26. As indicat ed above, overall demand for TA dropped significantly in 2020. The lower number 
of TA activities for the year, notably those at a national level, had a particularly severe effect on LDC 
participation. The number of LDCs benefitting from TA in 2020 was 14% below target. For many 
LDCs, the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic on the ability to participate in TA activities seem to 
have been compounded by connectivity challenges when trying to attend virtual events. On a 
positive note, the prevalence of virtual act ivities, many of which were global in reach, meant that 
approximately 80% of TA activities in 2020 were open to the participation of LDCs. TA activities in 
topics such as accessions, LDC graduation, technology transfer, and the impact of COVID -19, 
generate d significant LDC participation. LDCs also increased their share of participation in e Learning 
activities to 30%, which was in line with historic rates over the past decade and an 11% increase 
over 2019.10 
 
9 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 18 . 
10 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , pp. 56 -57. WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  27. Due to the underreporting of TA activities, it was  challenging to closely monitor female 
participation in TA activities. It does seem, however, that the consequences of the pandemic 
disproportionally affected the participation of women in TA activities. For those activities where 
information was available , women comprised 45% of participants, which remains close to the 47% 
average in 2017 -19. In some regions, however, such as Asia Pacific and CEECAC, where women 
representation was already low, it fell further. Women participation also fell by 10% in e Learning 
activities, where it had previously remained stable. The number of women who signed up for courses 
but did not complete them increased by 17% compared to 2019. Among women who successfully 
completed courses, grades were 2% lower than for their male cou nterparts. That said, women more 
frequently completed courses with distinction than men.11 
28. The Secretariat continued to offer courses in the three WTO working languages. English 
remained the predominant language in TA activities in 2020, followed by French  and Spanish. 
Considering both face -to-face and virtual courses, 50% of participants were trained in English, 13% 
in French, and 8% in Spanish. The remaining 29%, double the proportion in 2019, attended 
multilingual activities with interpretation. Language  preferences for e Learning activities followed a 
broadly similar pattern as in 2019. The audience for English -language courses increased from 64% 
to 69%, while that of Spanish courses decreased from 20% to 19% and that of French courses from 
16% to 12%. Th e Secretariat continued working on making all e Learning courses available in the 
three WTO working languages. However, in part due to the launch of 15 new e Learning courses, 
initially in English only, only 65% of the e Learning catalogue in 2020 was availab le in the three 
working languages.  
29. Key Result 1, which promotes the implement ation of WTO Agreements and the full realis ation 
of Members' rights and obligations , continues to represent the bulk of TA activities, with some 86% 
of TA activities reported duri ng 2020. Key Result 2, which supports the accession  of new Members, 
was in second place with 12% of TA activities reported during 2020. Key Results 3 and 4, in favour 
of academia and other stakeholders , represented a smaller share than in previous years.  
30. Overall, WTO TA reached 65% of its agreed targets (53% fully and 12% partially). Given the 
constraints imposed by the pandemic and the inadequacy of the metrics chosen in pre -COVID -19 
times, these results represent a notable performance.  Remarkable results were observed in several 
areas. For example, the number of outstanding notifications - for Agriculture, Technical Barriers to 
Trade  (TBT), or Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  (TRIPS ), among others - 
continued to fall in 2020. The improvement may be partly attributed to the transition initiated by 
the WTO more than a decade ago towards electronic notification tools and databases. During the 
pandemic, most communications, including notifications, were electronic or online. Overall, d igital 
tools saw their use increase in 2020.  
31. Developing and LDC Members continued to actively contribute to the work of the MTS. They 
maintained their submissions of working documents to WTO bodies. Accession processes to the WTO 
and the Government Procure ment Agreement also proved resilient to the pandemic. Work continued 
at about the same pace as in previous years. Observers also adjusted well to the new modes of TA 
delivery.  
32. The various internship programmes were not affected by the pandemic. For the mos t part, 
they proceeded almost as initially planned. Many of the interns were already present in Geneva by 
the time travel restrictions began. While the interns worked from home for most of the year, they 
still achieved their objectives of learning by doing . Their supervisors evaluated their performance as 
fully satisfactor y. 
33. The year 2020 was a year of consolidation for the WTO Chairs Programme. Two years after 
the last grant was paid to the Phase II Chairs, the outcomes of the programme look set to remain 
sustainable. The Chairs remained influential in their regions and impacted trade policy. They also 
continued to update the curriculum of their courses and reported an unprecedented level of research 
output. In December  2020, an application process for Phas e III was launched.  
34. Outreach activities for non -traditional audiences – such as journalists, legislators, private 
sector or civil society - were severely affected by the pandemic. Unable to hold in -person events, 
the Secretariat turned to other communicati on channels to communicate with these communities. 
 
11 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , pp. 56 -57. WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  Activity increased through social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram), the 
WTO website, and the News Bulletin on TA. The Training Material Request (TMR) facility disseminated 
WTO tea ching materials well beyond the traditional circles of beneficiaries. After halving in 2019, 
the TMR bounced back in 2020. The numbers of persons accessing TMR returned to their pre -2019 
levels, especially for academia and the private sector . 
3.2  Lessons learn t from implementing the TA Plan 2020 -21 
35. Several relevant lessons can be drawn from the implementation of the TA activities in 2020 -21 
and in earlier years, which will shape the implementation of this TA Plan. The lessons drawn relate 
to the implementation of the Secretariat's RBM approach, the PLS, the pedagogical methods, and 
prioritizing inclusion.  
3.2.1   Managing for Results  
36. The progress made over the last years, as described in previous performance reports in 
accordance with the Secretariat's TA monitoring and evaluation, provides the basis for the TA Plan 
to continue the overall approach established in the last biennium . Appropriate changes will be made 
to reflect n ew TA demands to meet evolving circumstances surrounding the WTO work programme . 
Adjustments will also be made to provide the necessary flexib ility to take into account factors such 
as the manner in which current COVID -19-related restrictions are lifted at  a national or regional 
level. Consequently, this TA Plan is structured according to the same overall philosophy and broad 
operational modalities as the previous TA Plan s. 
37. At the same time, minor adjustments have been made to the indicators, targets and 
assumptions for some Key Results and Outputs, as a result of lessons learned in the 20 20-21 period. 
These changes will allow the Secretariat to collect relevant data, taking account of the limited 
capacity of many beneficiaries to provide reliable informatio n on the results of TA at the national 
level.  Some minor adjustments have also been made to the logframe (Annex 1) to address identified 
shortcomings . 
38. With the objective of facilitating data collection for the purpose of RBM (such as information 
of benefic iaries' needs, level of TA demand, and partnerships), enhancements were made to the TA 
Management System (TAMS) during the 2020 -21 biennium. These changes included improving and 
creating new functionalities for online national TA requests, BTOR's recommend ations module, and 
eDashboards.  
39. The combination of the availability of real -time TA data visualization and an annual TA 
reporting that includes qualitative evidence of impact through storytelling assist s the Secretariat in 
a more strategic communication of  TA results and foster s transparency and accountability. It also 
capture s elements of sustainability of TA results that cannot be captured otherwise through the 
indicators included in the TA plan ( such as the WTO Chairs Programme  and long-term internships) . 
3.2.2   The Progressive Learning Strategy  
40. The Secretariat' s TA offer continued being guided by the PLS. During the year 2020 most 
registered TA activities were part of the PLS. Only 13% of registered TA activities could not be 
ascribed a specific lev el and did not fit into the PLS.12 This proportion was consistent with previous 
years  and indicates a good absorption of PLS in the Secretariat's TA  activities.  
41. Efforts to introduce progressivity in the training courses were mostly concentrated on regional , 
global and online courses. Applying the PLS approach in national activities is often challeng ing due 
to the limited control that the Secretariat has in determining participation . 
 
12 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 4 1. WT/COMTD/W/260  
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  3.2.3   Course Content and Pedagogical method s 
42. Despite the constraints imposed by t he COVID -19 pandemic, the Secretariat continued 
adjust ing its course offer and curricula13, improving its pedagogical approach, and carefully 
identifying the needs of beneficiaries with a view to achieving the desired learning outcomes.  
43. With respect to means of deliver ing TA activities, the year 2020 imposed a steep learning 
curve for trainers and participants, as well as for the organizers of these activities. Virtual TA delivery 
was initially launched in mid-2020 as a bridge for the Secretariat to continu e addressing 
beneficiaries' TA needs to the extent possible while face -to-face activities were impossible . It has 
resulted in a better understanding, for both the Secretariat and beneficiaries, of the opportunities 
that remote TA delivery may offer . 
44. At the  same time, the experience of 2020 has also allowed a better understanding of the 
limitations of remote TA delivery, when compared to face -to-face training. Beneficiaries were often 
reluctant to replace face -to-face activities with equivalent virtual events. To maximize the impact of 
virtual activities , as compared to face -to-face events, some conditions proved necessary, including 
the participants being able to dedicate sufficient time to the activit y, balancing work, family and 
other personal constraints . As noted in the feedback provided by participants, devoting exclusive 
attention to a training activity has become more of a challenge in the remote environm ent. Access 
to strong and reliable internet connection and adequate computing equipment  also proved to be 
essential. Finally, with current technology and other current arrangements, it was challenging to 
convert all TA activities traditionally offered in a  face-to-face modality for remote delivery 
maintaining equivalent results. This proved to be the case especially for advanced activities, both 
generalist and specialized, which require a high degree of interaction between participants, trainers 
and other r esource persons, as well as among participants themselves. The adjustment to a virtual 
medium requires that a TA activity must be entirely redesigned. As a general rule, the conversion of 
a face -to-face training activity requires a significant additional a mount of preparation and an 
adjustment in the level of ambition. Due to the limitations of the medium, this normally results in 
shorter real time sessions and less intensive group work. In order to cover similar ground, some 
virtual activities have been de signed for a longer duration than their equivalent face -to-face 
format.14 The intensive interaction of participants with trainers, and among participants, for the 
duration of the training, which is a highly significant aspect of face -to-face activities, is  severely 
diminished in the virtual format.  
45. Over the past years, in response to a recommendation made by  a 2016 external evaluation , 
the Secretariat has organized a number of Training of Trainers (ToT) course s which have been 
followed by many Secretariat s taff involved in the delivery of TA. The 2020 forced conversion of 
face-to-face activities to remote delivery led the Secretariat to organize a number of ToT courses 
dealing with virtual delivery of trainings to bring its trainers up to speed with this for m of teaching. 
The Secretariat will continue to consolidate, enrich and enforce the ToT offer for its staff involved in 
the delivery of WTO TA . 
46. Technological tools that allow remote delivery of TA and increase interactivity are evolving 
rapidly and becomin g more easily accessible.  Recent years witnessed an expansion in the uptake of 
techniques and technologies in WTO TA that aim to sustain participant's attention and enhance the 
learning experience. WTO Trainers increasingly embraced interactive training te chniques and 
 
13 Notable examples are the preparation and delivery of a training activity in October 2020 on health, 
trade, and intellectual property to address the COVID -19 pandemic, as well as the second edition of the 
trilateral study "Promoting Access to Medical T echnologies and Innovation: Intersections Between Public 
Health, Intellectual Property and Trade, both in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the World 
Intellectual Property Organization. See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT /COMTD/W/259 , 
pp. 43-44 and 49.  
14 As a case in point, the Regional Trade Policy Course, an intermediate level activity for generalists was 
reconverted into an online format. Two editions were delivered in 2020, the first for the Caribbean region and 
the se cond for the Arab and Middle Eastern region. Due to the limitations of the format, the eight -week face -
to-face version turned into a 14 -week long online course, to cover an equivalent amount of material with 
limited objectives. Despite the reduced level of  ambition, most participants noted that the level of work 
required by the course was highly burdensome especially because they could not dedicate exclusive attention 
to the training.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 11 - 
  incorporated digital innovations in face -to-face activities, resulting in traditional lecturing taking up 
less than half of training time at the start of the 2020 -21 biennium.15 
47. The greater mastery by and familiarity of Secretariat's trainers with interactive teaching 
methods and tools acquired in 2020 as a result of the shift to remote TA delivery marked a turning 
point in TA implementation in this regard and will likely continue in the future . 
3.2.4   Prioritizing Inclusion  
48. Despite the development of  new products which generated significant LDC participation (in 
topics such as accessions, LDC graduation, technology transfer, and the impact of COVID -19), 
overall demand for TA dropped significantly in 2020 with a particularly severe effect on LDC 
partic ipation. For many LDCs, the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic on the ability to participate in 
TA activities were compounded by connectivity challenges when trying to attend virtual events.16 
LDCs were also affected by administrative measures taken with res pect to Members and Observers 
in arrears on their contributions to the WTO. By late 2020 , eight beneficiaries, including five Members 
and three Observers, could not access TA from the WTO due to administrative measures. Of these, 
three were LDCs. This situ ation poses a challenge to the Secretariat in addressing the needs of a 
number of beneficiaries, especially LDCs.  
49. As noted in the 2020 TA Annual Report, with nearly half of all TA activities delivered virtually 
not having been recorded in the TA Management  System ( TAMS ), it was challenging to monitor 
participation in 2020. The consequences of the pandemic, however, appear to have disproportionally 
affected the participation of women in TA activities. For those TA activities for which data is available, 
women comprised 45% of participants. While the figure does not fully reflect the situation in 2020, 
it was close to the 47% average  reached  in 2017 -19.17 
50. As in previous periods, there were variations across regions, with increases in some region s, 
decreases in others, and stability in a few regions.  In some regions, such as Asia Pacific and CEECAC, 
where women representation was already low, it fell further. Women participation also fell in e -
learning activities. Having said that, our experience in 2020 suggests that, when women are able to 
fully participate in TA activities, their level of engagement leads to excellent learning outcomes.18 
51. In terms of language diversity, of the three WTO working languages, English remained the 
predominant languag e in TA activities followed by French and Spanish. Providing interpretation in 
remotely delivered TA activities was challenging and limited by the availability of interpreters but 
was relatively easier than for face -to-face activities, where interpretation  is additionally constrained 
by the facilities of the venue.19 Language preferences for e Learning activities in 2020 followed similar 
patterns as in the previous year. The audience for English language courses increased from 64% to 
69% of participants, whi le participants in French language courses went from 20% to 19% and those 
in Spanish language courses from 16% to 12%. The launch of 15 new courses, initially available 
only in English, reduced to 65% the e Learning catalogue offer available in the three wo rking 
languages.20 
4  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES  
52. As part of the preparations for the TA Plan, and consistent with past practice, the Secretariat 
interacted with beneficiary Members and Observers to identify their TA priorities and seek their 
comments on various aspects related to the provision of TA. In this regard, an online questionnaire 
was circulated to beneficiaries' permanent missions to the WTO, inviting feedback on a number of 
issues: their TA needs and priorities; the TA challenges they face in accessing TA, including with 
respect to the various forms of training delivery (such as online, remote, or face -to-face); and their 
views on the involvement of various stakeholders in training activities. The responses received were 
analysed and used as the basis for the preparation of the TA Plan.  
 
15 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 45.  
16 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , pp. 56.  
17 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 58.  
18 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , pp. 56 -58. 
19 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 61.  
20 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 61.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 12 - 
  4.1  Identif ied priorities  
53. In total, the Secretariat received responses from 73 beneficiaries. The information gathered 
can be considered as broadly representative of beneficiaries' views concerning their TA priorities and 
desired outputs from TA activities for this bi ennium. As shown in Chart 1, the responses on TA needs 
and priorities were broadly similar to those provided in the preparation of the previous TA Plan with 
respect to traditional WTO subjects such as TBT, Trade in Services, Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (SPS), Trade Facilitation, Agriculture, Market Access related issues, Subsidies/Trade 
Remedies, etc., and with a noticeable demand for emerging issues such as e -commerce, investment 
facilitation, and fisheries subsidies.21 
54. About half of the respondent s indicated that they had conducted a TA needs assessment, 
either comprehensive or specific (e.g., related to specific topics such as trade facilitation). Several 
mentioned that other tools were used in order to identify their priorities, notably internal 
consultations with relevant stakeholders, national plans and strategies, and the results of recent 
trade policy reviews (TPRs).  
55. Beneficiaries were also asked whether they considered that WTO TRTA should broaden the 
range of issues covered to include other topics under discussion in the WTO. Almost all respondents 
answered affirmatively and indicated as the main subjects those covered  by Joint Statement 
Initiatives (either in general terms or by indicating specific subjects). Among these, e -commerce 
and investment facilitation were the most frequently mentioned topics, followed by MSMEs and 
domestic regulation in trade in services. TRI Ps-related topics , trade and health related issues, 
fisheries subsidies, trade and environment, and trade and gender issues are other topics mentioned 
by several respondents. Other topics identified by respondents include trade and development, trade 
facilitation issues, trade financing, the WTO reform, the role of the WTO in the economic recovery 
from the COVID -19 pandemic and competition policy. A few respondents considered that the current 
TA programmes fulfil their needs, and some suggested that existin g activities, such as e Learning 
courses, should be reinforced.  
Chart 1 - Beneficiaries priorities for 2022 -23 
 
 
 
 
21 As was done in previous TA plans, and in order to facilitate comparison, these broad categories 
attempt to group very diverse and often heterogeneous issues identified by beneficiaries by relating them to 
existing covered agreements, TA/training topics or specific issues under discussion in the WTO.  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 13 - 
  * Market access related issues includes among others customs valuation, import licensing, rules of origin, tariff 
liberalization, non -tariff m easures.  
** The category " TRIPs and transfer of technology " includes a wide range of trade and development aspects of 
intellectual property, among others , intersections with innovation, digital transformation, value addition to local 
products, public healt h, climate change, and technology transfer programs for LDCs . 
*** Development Issues includes among others EIF Support, S&DT, supply -side constrains.  
**** OTHER includes among others Reference centers, international competitiveness, WTO reform.  
 
56. Beneficiaries  were invited to identify and describe any capacity constraints that hinder the m 
from taking full advantage of the rules -based multilateral trading system, including dealing with 
emerging WTO issues . The responses were very diverse, and in gen eral the most frequently 
mentioned issues were  related to human resources constraints and limitations in knowledge on WTO 
matters. With regard to human resources, the main constraints relate to the low number of officials 
familiar with WTO issues , the weak institutional capacity caused by inadequate staffing , and the high 
turnover of staff , including mobility of trained officials from department to department or their exit 
from the public service, resulting in loss of resources and poor institutional memory . This was noted 
in several regions, and in particular among respondents from Latin America and the Asia -Pacific 
regions. The limited knowledge on WTO issues, which was noted for both the public and private 
sector, includes issues such as lack of expertise  and limited training. Among the total number of 
respondents from all regions, this was the most frequently mentioned constraint. Other constraints 
indicated by respondents relate to limited financial and material resources, limited or non -existent 
institu tional coordination at the national level  between the agency responsible for international trade 
and the various departments whose work is connected with any of the WTO Agreements , as well as 
limited trade information or data. Some respondents also mention ed other constraints, including 
internet connectivity problems, the non -existence of resident missions in Geneva (or the small size 
of such missions), language constraints, and few university courses and professionals dealing with 
WTO topics in their count ries. 
4.2  Target audiences  
57. Most respondents indicated that,  apart from government officials, other stakeholders should 
participate in TA activities to enhance knowledge of the rights and obligations contained in the WTO 
Agreements. In the opinion of several respondents, this would support domestic policy making and 
the implementation of Member's rights and obligations under the WTO Agreemen ts. As part of these 
other stakeholders, in addition to legislators, academia, researchers, civil society , and media , more 
than 80 % of the respondents identified the private sector, which includes producers, exporters, 
traders, and chambers of commerce and  industry. About 40 % of the respondents mentioned 
academia (universities, researchers, students) and non -governmental and civil society 
organisations, including trade unions. The media and journalists were also mentioned, while 
parliamentarians were identi fied mostly in French -speaking Africa and in Latin America.  A few 
respondents did not indicate other stakeholders they would like to participate in TA activities.  In this 
regard, the range of views on the importance beneficiaries attach to involving other stakeholders as 
a means of enhancing capacity on WTO -related issues will be reflected when designing activities 
targeting non -governmental stakeholders. Although the areas identified as useful for other 
stakeholders to be informed of were quite varied acro ss the regions, they broadly include general 
sensitization on the role and functioning of the WTO and its Agreements, ongoing discussions on 
institutional reform of the WTO, emerging issues such as e -commerce, MSMEs, and investment 
facilitation, as well as  the interplay between trade and development generally. Activities targeting 
other stakeholders will reflect the specific needs of each region.  
4.3  Preferences and constraints to accessing TA  
58. The Secretariat received a wide range of responses regarding preferences or constraints with 
respect to specific forms of delivering training, such as online (as in e Learning activities); face -to-
face; remote (as in virtual activities, including webinars); or "blended" activities that involve a 
combination  of face -to-face and online or remote components . While some respondents established 
a ranking of preferences, some of the preferences indicated are difficult to reconcile with each other. 
Most respondents preferred to indicate reasons why they considered one or the other form of delivery 
as suitable or less suitable in different circumstances, as well as their advantages and/or 
disadvantages.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 14 - 
  59. Despite the heterogeneous responses, some trends can be identified with regard to the 
different means of delivery, namely:  
• eLearning: Most respondents consider e Learning to be a good and appropriate 
tool for delivering TA and training because of, among other reasons, its low cost, 
its uninterrupted availability, its flexibility, and the fact that it can be used by a 
large number of participants. Some qualifications were also expressed. This 
modality may be adequate for basi c/introductory levels, should cover more topics 
and should include more videos. On the other hand, most respondents indicated 
that in e Learning there is limited interaction and that they may face connectivity 
or equipment issues. For most respondents, eLearning is not considered suitable 
for advanced levels of training or TA. 
• Face-to-face: A significant number of respondents indicated face -to-face as their 
preferred (or second best) means of TA and training delivery. Among the reasons 
or benefits identified : high interaction, training/TA is more focused and easier to 
follow. Several respondents indicated that face -to-face is the best option for 
intermediate/advanced level and specialized activities, and for regional or 
Geneva -based activities. Main constrain ts/disadvantages mentioned for face -to-
face activities were current COVID -related restrictions, higher costs, limited 
number of participants allowed for each activity, and the considerable time 
required to participate (including travel). A few respondents also mentioned local 
budgetary limitations and constraints for national TA activities and logistics 
issues.  
• Remote or virtual: With respect to remote or virtual activities, such as webinars, 
the Secretariat received contrasting responses . For some responde nts, this was 
their preferred mode of delivery, for others it is an acceptable solution, and for 
others still it is one of the least appropriate options (last or second to last 
preference). A few respondents even ruled out remote or virtual as an appropria te 
means of providing TA. Among the reasons most often cited by those who 
consider it a good, or acceptable, alternative , are the fact that virtual activities 
allow for more participants than face -to-face activities, are relatively low cost, 
and allow for more interaction than e Learning. A few respondents indicated that 
virtual activities can be a good option when there are restrictions for face -to-face 
activities, as is currently the case. When referring to the restrictions or constraints 
attached to t his means of delivery, connectivity and technical issues were the 
most often cited. A significant number of respondents from various regions 
mentioned time differences across different regions and a relatively low 
interaction when compared to face -to-face activities. A significant number of 
respondents also indicated that virtual activities are less focused and more prone 
to distractions on the part of the participants. Low effectiveness was also 
mentioned as a limitation.  
• Blended format: A blended format o f delivery, combining face -to-face with online 
or remote components, was cited as a suitable option by most respondents, 
although the ranking of preferences ranged from first to last place. Respondents 
who indicated a strong preference for a blended approa ch emphasised that this 
modality can be more interactive and allow for more participants than others 
(such as completely virtual or face -to-face). Some of the constraints identified for 
other modalities (such as connectivity issues, costs, distractions, ti me differences, 
logistical issues, limited interaction, etc.) were mentioned also for blended 
activities. Some specific constraints were also identified for blended activities, 
such as the difficulty of ensuring continuity of participants under different 
modalities. A few respondents also pointed out that it is a modality that is unclear 
or still insufficiently tested.  
60. Beneficiaries were also requested to provide any other information that they considered 
relevant in making WTO TA and training activities be tter targeted and more useful for them. Among 
the respondents who answered the question, the most frequently mentioned items referred to the 
implementation of more national and regional activities (with a more tailored and focussed 
approach); more face -to-face activities; an increase in the ir number of participants (in particular WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 15 - 
  more opportunities for LDCs);  as well as  the enhancement and expansion of e Learning courses 
(including more courses in languages other than English). Other points mentioned by some  
respondents included the addition of new topics in TA and training courses  and workshops; taking 
into account work experience when selecting participants for TA activities, instead of following the 
PLS approach; and more advanced courses for specialists.  
61. The Secretariat invited all WTO Members and Observers for informal consultations on the 
TA Plan 2022 -23, which were held on 21 July  2021. At the meeting, the Secretariat briefed attendees 
on the respon ses to the TA  Questionnaire s, presented the proposed st rategic approach for the 
biennial TA Plan, and update d them on the status of preparation of the Plan . The Secretariat also 
presented the eDashboard developed to provide Members and Observers with real time access to 
TA data.  
62. On the basis of the information  obtained from the questionnaires, the additional information 
obtained from the informal consultations on the TA Plan 2022 -23 held with Members and Observers 
on 21 July , and the lessons learnt from the implementation of previous TA Plans, the Secretariat will 
adopt the strategy indicated in the following paragraphs in implementing activities under the TA 
Plan. 
63. In order to better tailor activities for each specific beneficiary, rather than offer generic 
products, as is done at the regional or gl obal level, the Secretariat will give priority to national 
activities. This is the best way in which each Member's or Observer's specific interests can be 
accommodated in the design of TA activities.  
64. In this regard, the national TA online request form will  continue to be used as the main tool 
for requesting TA to be provided to Members and Observers. Many beneficiaries have not made full 
use of national activities from the Secretariat. This is due to several challenges, including those 
specifically affectin g LDCs and some low -income developing countries.  
65. With respect to regional activities, the Secretariat will ensure that these activities are 
organized around subjects on which there is a collective interest among most beneficiaries in the 
specific region. I n this regard, the programme content in regional thematic activities will reflect the 
specific needs of each region.  
66. Some beneficiaries feel that the Secretariat should broaden its scope of assistance to include 
trade policy advice. However, the Secretaria t is limited only to what it can do within its mandate and 
within the common understanding among Members on the role of the Secretariat. The Secretariat is 
willing to engage Members on this point for further guidance. In the meantime, for those activities 
delivered jointly with partners the role of providing trade policy will continue to be assumed by those 
institutions whose mandate permits them to provide such role.  
67. With regard to requests on emerging issues, the Secretariat, while acknowledging that such  
issues may not be agreed to by all Members and as such remain sensitive, will respond positively on 
the basis that WTO TA is demand driven. The Secretariat will, therefore, provide TA in those cases 
where such TA is specifically requested. The Secretariat  will particularly make use of partnerships in 
the delivery of such TA requests.  
68. Based on previous discussions and guidance from Members, Observers and from the 
consultations undertaken during the preparation of previous TA Plans, the Secretariat will main tain 
the agreed communication channel with Members and Observers, which is their permanent missions 
to the WTO. To complement these efforts, the planned regional and global TA activities will continue 
to be published on the dedicated TA link to the WTO web site 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/teccop_e/tct_e.htm ). 
69. A number of responses from acceding beneficiaries emphasised the need for the Secretariat 
to provide spe cific activities to assist in their accessions process. The Secretariat already conducts 
accession -related TA activities developed in consultation with the Accessions Division; almost all 
national activities in acceding beneficiaries are in furtherance of their accession to the WTO. 
Furthermore, recently  acceded  WTO Members also benefit from a number of post -accession 
activities, again implemented jointly with the Accessions Division. The Secretariat will continue with 
this approach in the 2022 -23 biennium.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 16 - 
  5  STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN 2022 -23 
70. TA is a core element of the development dimension of the multilateral trading system.22 The 
delivery of WTO TRTA is designed to assist developing countries, and especially the least-developed 
among th em, to adjust to WTO rules and disciplines, to implement their obligations and exercise 
their rights of membership, including drawing on the benefits of an open, rules -based MTS. Priority 
is accorded to LDCs, as well as to Members and Observers without rep resentation in Geneva.  
71. The TA Plan focuses on the needs of beneficiaries and reflects the priorities and mandates 
adopted by Members. Increased ownership by beneficiaries ensures the efficacy and sustainability 
of TRTA programmes, as beneficiaries are best  placed to determine their own needs. Accordingly, 
as part of the preparation of this TA Plan, the Secretariat has consulted TA beneficiaries including 
through ad hoc  questionnaires. In designing TA activities tailored to the needs of each beneficiary, 
the Secretariat attaches great importance to TRTA needs assessments, undertaken by the 
beneficiaries themselves. At the same time, the Secretariat will provide as much g uidance as 
practically possible, to assist beneficiaries in undertaking their own needs assessments, in view of 
the fact that a number of beneficiaries, especially LDCs, request assistance with the tools with which 
to conduct their needs assessments.  
72. The T A Plan, while responding to the evolving needs of the MTS and of TA beneficiaries , seeks 
to make improvements in the quality and effectiveness of TA by prioritizing activities with the highest 
potential to produce results for beneficiaries. With respect to  the design and implementation of these 
activities, the Secretariat will endeavour to use methods and technologies that improve knowledge 
sharing, maximize impact, and make a more efficient use of resources. At the same time, the TA 
Plan envisages that the  volume of TA offered will remain largely the same, based on the assumption 
that available TA human and financial resources will remain broadly unchanged during the 2022 -23 
biennium.  
73. The overall strategic approach for the design of the TA Plan is mainly es tablished by two 
components: the WTO's Managing for Results Strategy and the Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS). 
These two strategies are complemented by the following considerations: use of appropriate 
pedagogical methods; use of partnerships; and priori tizing inclusion.  
5.1  Managing for Results  
74. The TA Plan is designed on the basis of the Secretariat's strategy of managing for results, 
which has been endorsed by Members since 2013. This strategy is framed by the concepts and terms 
defined by the Results -Based  Management (RBM) approach, which focuses on achieving measurable 
results through improved planning, decision -making, transparency and accountability. The 
Secretariat intends to continue its implementation of RBM.  
75. Under the RBM methodology, Key Results fee d into a higher result level, termed Impact. No 
causal link can be expected to be established between TA activities and any observable result at the 
global Impact level . The TA Plan will focus on defining and measuring the Secretariat's contribution 
toward s agreed Outputs which support the achievement of Key Results. In this context, clear 
objectives of what needs to be achieved are set together with sound indicators for measuring 
progress and making sure that the various TA activities contribute to reachin g the expected outputs 
that feed into the established Key Results . 
76. Since the adoption of the managing for results strategy, TA Plans have presented three result 
levels (Outputs; Key Results; and Impact) and the way TA activities contribute to Outputs, and 
Outputs to Key Results, with the expectation of having an Impact for beneficiary Members and 
Observers. The respective contribution of the three result levels is presented by using a Logical 
Framework Matrix or logframe. This matrix provides detailed perfo rmance indicators, baselines, 
targets, evidence and assumptions that guide the design and implementation of the TA  Plan and 
also help measure achievements. For the TA Plan, the logframe matrix is presented in Annex 1, 
which is an integral component of the TA Plan. The Outputs, Key Results and other components of 
the logframe for 2022 -23 are discussed in section 6 below.  
 
22 Doha Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, para. 38. WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 17 - 
  77. The TA Plan will provide indicators, baselines, and targets to be used to measure the 
attainment of the Key Results assuming that the current conditions that negatively affect TA 
activities will be to a significant extent overcome at the beginning of the p eriod 2022 -23 or soon 
thereafter.  
78. The logframe in Annex 1 serves as the foundation to monitor and evaluate progress towards 
the expected results during the implementation of the TA Plan. The Secretariat will also continue to 
roll-out a Monitoring and Evalu ation (M&E) workplan to contribute to measuring the attainment of 
the Key Results. Such monitoring and evaluation are essential for an efficient utilisation of TA 
resources. The Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation ( ITTC) is responsible for coo rdinating 
the monitoring and evaluation of TA activities, and for producing at the end of each year an annual 
report on implementation of TA activities. The M&E workplan shall mirror the TA  Plan and allocate 
M&E resources according to the relative importan ce of each of the Key Results in the TA mix. 
According to which of the two scenarios described above will prevail during the biennium, the M&E 
workplan and tools may be adjusted to account for the absence of field -based data collection.  
79. As in the past, the  TA annual reporting to Members will continue to focus on TA results as 
outlined in the TA logical framework with monitoring conducted by the programme managers, 
organizers and trainers focusing on the immediate results or Outputs of the various TA activit ies. 
80. An essential element in the implementation of RBM is the TA Management System (TAMS). 
The Secretariat intends to continue refining the operation of TAMS, to increase efficiency, 
transparency, and accountability, including by improving the recently dev eloped dashboards to allow 
Members real time access to all TA relevant data, from initial requests to evaluations. The 
development of all the functionalities of TAMS shall be completed by the end of the period covered 
by this TA Plan. The Secretariat will also aim at setting up a single portal to receive and process 
applications to TA activities and to allow participants, beneficiaries, and Secretariat staff access to 
relevant data.  
5.2  Progressive Learning Strategy  
81. The other major component of the overall fram ework for the TA Plan is the Progressive 
Learning Strategy (PLS) endorsed by Members in 2011. The PLS has made it possible to tailor WTO 
activities more closely to the evolving needs of beneficiaries while improving the effectiveness and 
efficiency of WTO' s overall TA programme. The PLS also allows for a more efficient use of TA 
resources by building on the knowledge and experience previously acquired by participants, and 
progressively taking participants to a higher level of training.  
82. Under the PLS, WTO tr aining activities are defined by two criteria: level and target audience. 
The PLS comprises three continuing training levels, namely: introductory (Level 1); intermediate 
(Level  2); and advanced (Level 3). In parallel, the PLS includes two categories of ta rget audiences: 
generalists and specialists. Generalists are government officials who need broad knowledge of the 
WTO to conduct their work, such as capital -based officials dealing with WTO issues or delegates 
posted to WTO permanent missions with general responsibility for topics across the entire WTO work 
programme. On the other hand, specialists are government officials who require in -depth knowledge 
of a specific WTO subject matter, such as officials working on a specific issue in a particular ministry 
or agency. Chart 2 illustrates the configuration of the PLS framework.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 18 - 
  Chart 2 – WTO's Progressive Learning Strategy  
 
 
83. The Secretariat has developed guidelines on the content of each of the three training levels, 
subject by subject, to define the substantive elements that should be mastered by generalists and 
specialists at the end of each training activity. Successful completion of each step constitutes a 
prerequisite for progression to the next level. Such progression might also be possible where  a 
participant otherwise possesses knowledge or professional experience that is demonstrably 
commensurate with the requirements of a level stated as a prerequisite for training at the next level. 
WTO training programmes are periodically revised in order to  provide beneficiaries with a more 
clearly defined progressive training path, both for generalists and specialists.  
84. While s ome TA activities do not easily fit into the PLS , the Secretariat will continue to promote 
the understanding of the concepts underpin ning the different training levels , clarifying the 
knowledge, concepts and principles that have to be acquired at each level. Progressivity and further 
synergy will be pursued between TA activities , including  online and face -to-face TA  activities . The 
Secretariat will pursue a better articulation and progressivity between the three training levels, 
especially for generalists activities, so that higher level activities build more effectively on the 
knowledge acquired at previous levels.  
85. The experience gained  during the 2020 -21 biennium, because of the pandemic,  in the 
deployment of remote learning in TA activities with fit-for-purpose content should pave the way to 
a greater coherence and a more widespread application of PLS . The implementation of progressivi ty 
in learning will continue to be supported, when appropriate, through means to test participants' 
knowledge at the end of TA activities.  
86. The Secretariat intends to continue consolidating the PLS into a wider scope of activities, 
including national activi ties where a pplying the PLS approach is often challeng ing due to the limited 
control that the Secretariat has in determining participation.  
87. The introduction of a participants' online registration option into the TAMS will facilitate the 
implementation of t he PLS. Candidates ' histor ies of participation in WTO TA will enhance the selection 
process by ensuring that reliable information on candidates ' prior knowledge is available to the 
trainers . 
88. Within the e Learning environment, the online course "Introduction to the WTO" will provide 
the basic training required to understand the structure and functioning of the WTO. This course will 
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 19 - 
  also serve as a prerequisite for participation in more advanced online or fac e-to-face activities. 
Intermediate e Learning courses for generalists will allow participating government officials to 
enhance their overall understanding of the WTO, while the courses for specialists will permit 
participants to acquire expertise on specifi c WTO Agreements or subjects.  
5.3  Course Content and the u se of Appropriate Pedagogical Methods  
89. The Secretariat will continue to develop and incorporate more effective pedagogical methods 
into its TA activities, including with respect to the means of delivery.  Travel restrictions, social 
distancing and other measures imposed because of the COVID -19 pandemic during most of 2020 
and still in force at the time this TA Plan is being prepared, have impeded the delivery of face -to-
face TA activities. As a result, lik e many other organizations, the Secretariat has temporarily 
suspended face -to-face activities and resorted to an intense use of remote means of delivery.  
90. This situation has had the dual effect of allowing a better understanding, for both the 
Secretariat an d beneficiaries, of the opportunities that those remote means offer for the delivery of 
TA to address training needs, as well as of the limitations that remote means of delivery have, when 
compared to face -to-face training. With respect to the latter, in o rder to benefit to the fullest extent 
from remote learning opportunities, participants must have access to strong and reliable internet 
connection, adequate computing equipment, and the possibility to dedicate sufficient time to the 
training activities, taking into account work, family , workspace,  and other personal constraints.  At 
the same time, as noted above23, most face -to-face TA activities cannot completely be converted to 
a virtual delivery mode without an important investment of resources24 and a co nsiderable scaling 
down of ambition.  
91. As the current limitations on travel and meetings are gradually lifted25, the Secretariat intends 
to progressively resume face -to-face training activities. Indeed, as noted earlier, many beneficiaries 
have identified face-to-face as their preferred means of receiving TA.26 The Secretariat is also aware 
that face-to-face may be the best means of delivering some TA activities, such as those at an 
advanced level and those activities that require a significant level of inter action with trainers and 
peers.27 The progressive resumption of face-to-face training activities  will be rolled -out taking into 
account regional and local circumstances, as well as the preferences and constraints expressed by 
beneficiaries.  
92. The resumption of face -to-face training activities may have to be flexible enough to take into 
account the manner in which restrictions are lifted at a national or regional level. At the same time, 
the Secretariat intends to utilize the experience of the past months to m ake a more efficient and 
flexible use of different methods of delivery in TA activities. In particular, in order to make an optimal 
use of financial and human resources, to promote a lighter environmental footprint, as well as to 
foster the well -being and productivity of trainers and participants, travel will be avoided whenever 
the objectives of a particular training activity can be adequately achieved through remote means of 
delivery.  
93. Virtual activities can coexist with face -to-face activities, once the latter become feasible again. 
Virtual activities can enrich the WTO training offer either by themselves or by forming part of blended 
TA activities that combine face -to-face and remotely  delivered content. This may allow expanding 
and improving the TA offer with an investment of financial and human resources, promoting a lighter 
environmental footprint, and fostering the well -being and productivity of trainers and participants.  
94. With respe ct to specific training activities, the Secretariat will continue to encourage trainers 
to use an appropriate mixture of traditional lectures and interactivity with other methods such as 
hands -on training in those cases where this helps participants to lea rn and retain knowledge. 
Trainers will be especially encouraged to use interactive training methods like Q uestions and Answers 
(Q&A) sessions, case studies, and small group discussions. Interactivity is especially important in 
 
23 See above, para. 44. 
24 Virtual activities require a significant additional amount of preparation and are often redesigned to 
take place over a longer period than equivalent face -to-face activities. Therefore, maintaining a similar volume 
of TA would require an investment in additional resources.  
25 See scenarios described in the previous section, para.  7. 
26 See above, para. 59. 
27 See above, para. 44. WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 20 - 
  online or virtual TA activities, where sustaining participants' attention and engagement is 
challenging.  
95. Trainers will likewise be encouraged to assess the appro priateness of complementing real time 
(synchronous) components with asynchronous components in TA activities, to increase flexibility and 
allow participants to study at their own pace and combine learning with their daily work and family 
commitments. In vi ew of the importance of using the right training methods to create an effective 
learning environment, the Secretariat will continue to closely monitor the use of the different training 
methods used by trainers when delivering TA.  
96. The Secretariat will also continue its efforts to promote, improve or widen the availability of 
existing courses. This may involve altering the programme or the methodology, or the possibility of 
proposing additional thematic courses in French or Spanish. Efforts will also continue  to increase the 
number of selected candidates28, whether in face -to-face or in remotely delivered training activities, 
to the extent that the objectives of the specific training activities are achieved, and the use of the 
most appropriate pedagogy is not affected.  
97. The Secretariat will maintain the practice of having consultations with beneficiaries ahead of 
regional and national activities to tailor TA activities to the specificities of the local contexts of 
beneficiaries. This will help identify the most appropriate pedagogical approach to organizing a 
TA activity, including the preferred means of delivery, and tailor the substance to the particular 
needs of the activity.  
98. eLearning has played a critical role in the provision of TA activities over the past years, proving 
to be an efficient and cost -effective way to train large numbers of individuals around the world on a 
number of WTO topics. The WTO e Learning courses are part of the PLS and provide training at the 
introductory and intermediate levels. The c ourse catalogue includes a generalist and a specialist 
path to respond to participants' profiles and to specific learning needs. In addition, some courses 
are offered outside the PLS to increase outreach and develop awareness of WTO issues. In times of 
restricted mobility, e Learning courses are an indispensable component of WTO TA.  As noted above, 
beneficiaries consider e Learning to be a good and appropriate tool for delivering TA and training 
because of, among other reasons, its low cost, its uninterrupted  availability, its flexibility, and the 
fact that it can be used by a large number of participants.29 
99. In the period 2022 -23, the e Learning courses will continue to be available on the  eLearning 
platform ( https://wtolearning.csod.com/client/wtolearning/default.aspx ) on a n uninterrupted 
basis.30 This allows participants to study at their own pace and combine learning with their daily 
work and family commitments. Interested government  officials will be able to register, have access 
to the catalogue of e Learning courses, select curricula that fit their needs, undertake courses, take 
part in interactive activities, access the module exams and obtain a WTO certificate at their 
convenience  throughout the year.  
100.  The training materials will remain available for self -study on the e Learning platform for those 
who are not eligible to register for a course but are interested in getting acquainted with the WTO 
and/or trade -related issues generally.  This is an important component of the WTO e Learning 
programme, which aims to increase outreach to academics, legislators , journalists, NGOs and the 
private sector.  
101.  The Secretariat will update and enhance existing courses in the eLearning catalogue. It will 
also continue providing training , in the three WTO working languages , on the main WTO agreements 
and core trade -related topics, while expanding its offer on other topics being discussed in the WTO 
work programme . 
 
28 The increase in the number of participants in face -to-face TA activities will be subject to the physical 
capacity of the facilities at which these courses are held , as well as to any limita tions imposed by host 
countries such as those related to the COVID -19 pandemic . 
29 See above,para. 59. 
30 The current contract for the provision of the Learning Manage ment System platform will expire in 
December 2021. The Secretariat is running a competition to identify the provider of the platform for the 
following five -year period.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 21 - 
  102.  In terms of didactic app roach, the Secretariat will complete by the end of the biennium the 
conversion of first -generation courses into interactive courses in line with industry standards 
(Sharable Content Object Reference Model - SCORM). The portfolio will also continue its shif t towards 
multimedia -rich material, mobile learning, and micro -courses to respond to new trends and needs. 
In addition, synchronous and asynchronous interactions will be strengthened in the programme to 
support knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing and increase motivation in the courses, through 
the introduction of regular web sessions and the development of learning communities as core 
components of the courses . 
5.4  Use of partnerships  
103.  The WTO has entered into numerous partnerships to deliver TA throughout the years. By 
bringing additional expertise and knowledge, partnerships help offering context -sensitive TA. They 
are also instrumental in promoting the benefits of WTO TA and delivering activities  more efficiently. 
To achieve its goals of relevance and eff ectiveness, the WTO will continue maintaining , and when 
relevant expanding,  its extensive network of partnerships and collaborations.  
104.  Partnerships are either long term, short term or ad-hoc for a particular TA activity. In this 
regard, the Secretariat will  continue to develop TA activities with partners. As one of the strategic 
approaches for 2022 -23, the Secretariat will continue to focus on the four areas below in which 
partners could add value to the TA provided by the WTO:  
a. Substance : whether the coopera tion is mandated by a WTO Agreement or not, the 
partner adds value to the content of the TA activities by bringing on board their 
specialized knowledge on a particular subject, a local context or the institutional role it 
plays in an area. Such partnership s would typically involve a joint preparation and 
delivery of the programme of the activity, or of part of it.  
b. Cost-sharing : the partner shares the costs associated with the organization of a 
particular TA activity. The contribution of the partner may be l imited to some of these 
costs, defined in terms of percentage of the total or as a lump sum.  
c. Field support / Logistics : the partner takes care of part of the logistics related to the 
TA activity. This may involve tasks such as the identification of a venue  for the activity, 
booking hotels, preparing travel itineraries, sending invitations, organizing 
interpretation or local transportation, providing support staff on site, setting up and 
maintaining a virtual classroom, or distributing the Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) 
to participants, where applicable.  
d. Outreach : cooperation with certain institutions may give the WTO access to a different 
public or may increase its visibility in non -traditional circles.  
105.  The Secretariat will continue to analyse the functio ning of different partnerships, including the 
encouragement of those that are more valuable to the WTO's TA programme. The use of regional 
experts for regional TA activities will be encouraged whenever possible. The Secretariat will consult 
further on the possibility of strengthening training capacities within beneficiaries and regions in 
addition to existing activities that target the academia.  
5.5  Prioritizing Inclusion  
106.  The Secretariat is committed to fully inclusive TA activities that respond to the evolving  needs 
of the weakest and most vulnerable beneficiaries. The integration of LDCs into the MTS will continue 
to be pursued through TA products designed by the Secretariat to address LDCs' systemic and 
evolving needs. Strengthening LDCs participation in TA a ctivities will remain a priority, with the 
objective of assisting the m in obtaining a greater benefit from their active participation in the WTO.  
107.  With respect to women's participation in TA activities,  the Secretariat remains committed to 
ensuring gender parity in its activities and sustaining its efforts to provide a gender perspective in 
TA activities.  As noted in the 2020 TA Annual Report, with nearly half of all TA activities delivered 
virtually not having been recorded in the TA Management Syst em (TAMS ), it was challenging to 
monitor participation in 2020. For those TA activities for which data is available, women comprised WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 22 - 
  45% of participants. While the figure does not fully reflect the situation in 2020, it was close to the 
47% average  reached  in 2017 -19. As in previous periods, there were variations across regions, with 
increases in some regions, decreases in others, and stability in a few regions.  
108.  The Secretariat will continue to monitor and report the participation of women and men in 
WTO TA  activities for the foreseeable future  with a view to addressing gender imbalances. In 
addition, reflecting the importance it attaches to gender issues, the Secretariat will maintain its 
efforts to ensure gender balance in WTO TA participation. The Secreta riat will make a particular 
effort to improve the participation of women in those regions which either showed a decrease or a 
stagnation in their participation.  
109.  While recognising that there are other international actors with a specific mandate on gender 
issues, in the context of implementing the current TA Plan , the Secretariat will maintain and continue 
developing its trade and gender training modules in WTO TA activities  and integrate issues of gender 
equality and the empowerment of women into TA  programmes and training material in the context 
of emerging initiatives on social and poverty implications of trade. In response to the request of 
some beneficiaries, the Secretariat is developing a virtual course on trade and gender. The results 
of that pilot course will be closely monitored to assess their replicability for other interested 
governments. The Secretariat shall also contribute to trade and gender discussions as part of TA 
activities organized by partners.  Women's economic empowerment has a positive impact on 
economic growth and helps to reduce poverty. Although trade has increased job opportunities for 
women and expanded their access to training, women still participate less in trade because they 
face numerous challenges and obstacles, inclu ding extra hurdles in acquiring trade -related 
knowledge.  
110.  Finally, language diversity and the use of all WTO working languages in TA delivery will be an 
additional tool to achieve inclusion. The Secretariat delivers TA in the three WTO working languages: 
English, French, and Spanish. Participants in TA activities may, therefore, follow TA courses in any 
of these languages, to the extent that a particular course is available in all the languages.  Offering 
the same courses in the three WTO working languages  will be the preferred option in order to 
promote inclusion and keep as much interactivity as possible. Interpretation will also continue to be 
used, as feasible and appropriate, to reach a wider audience. New or updated e Learning courses, 
which are generally  launched in English, will continue to be progressively translated to French and 
Spanish.  
6  EXPECTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE KEY RESULTS  
111.  One of the Secretariat's main functions under the TA programme is to enhance the capacity 
of TA beneficiary officials to dea l with the various issues under the WTO Agreements. WTO TA is 
aimed at enhancing capacity in developing countries and LDCs so that they can: (a) participate 
effectively in the core areas of the WTO's work and its respective bodies; (b)  implement their WTO 
obligations; (c) be able to defend the rights accruing to them under the WTO Agreements; and (d) 
negotiate effectively. While for the Observers, the TA aims to ensure that acceding governments or 
territories are participating effectively in accession negot iations, in line with WTO accession 
processes and procedures.  
112.  The TA Plan primarily targets government officials since the main purpose of TA is to assist 
beneficiary governments or territories build capacity to implement the WTO Agreements and thereby 
enforce their rights under the Agreements. The Secretariat will continue to provide TA to government 
officials and others through activities organized at the national, regional and global levels. In terms 
of delivery, the Secretariat intends to use face -to-face, virtual,  online, and blended formats, the 
latter involving a combination of face-to-face and online or remote components .31 
113.  It is also recognized that trade policy has multiple actors, in addition to government officials. 
The Secretariat will, therefore, in accordance with this TA Plan, continue to target other audiences 
such as academics, legislators, journalists and private sector operators, particularly in outreach 
activities.  
 
31 The Secretariat intends to progressively resume face -to-face TA activities as current limitations on 
travel and meetings are gradually lifted.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 23 - 
  114.  The TA Plan has been designed to achieve the four Key Results indi cated in Chart 3, which 
have remained the same as in previous TA Plans. As in the past, achieving the Key Results in the TA 
Plan will require a close cooperation between the Secretariat, governments and other non -
governmental beneficiaries, financial contr ibutors to the TA budget, and TA delivery partner 
institutions.  
Chart 3 TA Key Results for 2022 -23 
 
 
 
 
115.  Chart 3 identifies an overall Impact as the highest level of result to which the WTO related 
work contributes jointly with other players in trade relate d capacity building. It is not an exclusive 
attribution to TA from the WTO, but an indication of the contribution the WTO is making to a common 
goal. In view of this, the Secretariat, like in previous TA Plans, will focus on measuring Outputs and 
progress towards specific Key Results, which are discussed in detail in the subsequent parts of this 
section.  
116.  The logical framework in Annex 1 provides details on the indicators and targets associated 
with each of the Key Results in Chart 3. Those indicators and ta rgets constitute the markers that 
will guide the implementation of the TA Plan at the operational level and will help measure its 
achievements.  
6.1  Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully 
realising Members' rights and oblig ations  
117.  Key Result 1 aims to enhance Members' capacity to comply better with their obligations under 
the WTO Agreements and make full use of their rights. This Key Result corresponds to the bulk of 
the TA provided by the WTO to TA beneficiaries . The goal is  to ensure that government officials have 
enhanced knowledge about the WTO Agreements and trade issues and are able to participate 
effectively in the MTS. The 2020 TA Annual Report confirmed that during that year 86% of TA 
activities contributed to Key Res ult 1 (see Section 3 above).  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 24 - 
  118.  Drawing from the implementation of TA activities in previous years, the bulk of TA activities 
for this TA Plan is geared towards assisting Members to implement WTO Agreements and enhance 
knowledge about their rights and obligat ions, to better formulate their trade policies and effectively 
participate in trade negotiations. These include training activities on specific topics of interest to the 
TA beneficiaries as pursued in recent years.  
119.  To achieve Key Result 1, the Secretariat will continue to work closely with the permanent 
missions to the WTO and with capital -based focal points responsible for WTO issues. Attaining this 
Key Result will also entail allocating time and resources to the design of new courses based on 
Members' ide ntified needs and on PLS guidelines. In addition, this will also require support from 
beneficiaries, such as measures taken to retain trained participants in appropriate functions, the 
ability to spread the knowledge acquired across relevant agencies, as w ell as effective 
communication between the permanent missions and the capitals.  
120.  To achieve Key Result 1, the Secretariat will aim to achieve four main Outputs identified in 
Chart 4. The Secretariat will be responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency w ith which Outputs 
are achieved, while accountability for achieving the overall Key Result 1 will be shared with 
TA beneficiaries.  
121.  Details on indicators, baselines, targets, evidence and assumptions associated with this Key 
Result are included in Annex 1. K ey Result 1 targets, among other things, an increase in beneficiaries' 
submissions to WTO bodies , which is used as proxy indicator since a large part of the WTO work is 
performed by Bodies and Committees in which proceedings are in writing , as well as a decrease in 
the number of outstanding notifications . 
122.  It is expected that a total of approximately CHF  14.345 million in 2022 and CHF  14.045  in 
2023 will be needed to implement the planned activities32 contributing to Key Result 1. This amount 
represents about 74% and 73% of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results in both 
2022 and 2023 (see  Table  1 in section 7 on funding).  
Chart 4 Key Result 1: Outputs  
 
 
 
 
32 Assuming the prevailing situation will allow for face -to-face activities to take place.  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 25 - 
  6.1.1   Output 1.1: Government officials have enhanced knowledge about WTO 
Agreements, trade policy formulation and conduct of trade negotiations  
123.  Output 1.1 (Government officials having enhanced knowledge of the WTO Agreements, 
formulation of trade policies, and conduct of trade negotia tions) has historically been the main item 
under the Key Result 1 of the logframe. The objective is to offer government officials progressive 
learning paths that help them improve their knowledge and effectiveness in performing their work 
and participating  in negotiations.  
124.  The indicators, baseline, target, evidence and assumptions associated with this Output are 
detailed in Annex 1. Taking into account the lessons learnt from the implementation of previous TA 
Plans , as well as the experience of the past mon ths with respect to the use of remote means of 
delivery, the Secretariat will aim at designing TA activities in a way that improves knowledge sharing, 
maximizes impact, and makes a more efficient use of resources. This will involve continuing to 
improve th e Secretariat's pedagogical methods and its Training of Trainers (ToT) efforts.  
125.  As in the past, most TA  activities under Output 1.1 will seek to enhance the WTO -related 
knowledge of junior to senior level government officials from eligible beneficiaries through targeted 
generalist or specialized technical assistance. A description of the wide range of TA  activities under 
Output 1.1 can be structured around the following four training modalities, each of which is discussed 
in the sub -sections below: (a) eLea rning; (b) face -to-face training; (c) virtual or remote training; 
and (d)  internship programmes.33 
126.  The Secretariat will continue to collaborate with beneficiaries to promote the movement of 
participants through the three PLS levels. This requires, for exam ple, promoting the understanding 
of the concepts underpinning the different training levels, clarifying the knowledge, concepts and 
principles that have to be acquired at each level, and ensuring that candidates nominated for the 
available courses satisfy the pre -requisites defined for each course. Uniformity in application of this 
requirement will ensure that all participants for a particular course begin each training at a similar 
level of knowledge. The Secretariat will also pursue a better articulation and progressivity between 
the three training levels, so that higher level activities build more effectively on the knowledge 
acquired at previous levels.  
eLearning  
 
127.  Under the current strategic approach, eLearning courses are an indispensable entry portal f or 
most TA activities, providing large numbers of participants with the opportunity to learn about the 
WTO, the WTO Agreements, and other key trade -related issues. During the biennium, the Secretariat 
will seek to secure a geographical balance across the r egions. Moreover, the Secretariat will seek to 
maintain the good results obtained previously regarding participants' success rate in the courses.  
128.  The Secretariat will maintain, update and enhance the courses in the eLearning catalogue in 
the three WTO work ing languages, to the maximum extent possible within the available resources. 
The strategy that will be implemented in 2022 -23 will include completing the conversion of the 
training material into a more interactive format in line with industry standards (S CORM) and 
incorporating more multimedia elements, interactive exercises and other improved pedagogical 
methodologies. In particular, the objective is to develop new interactive versions of older courses or 
new material covering trade -related topics that ha d not been previously covered by the eLearning 
programme. The portfolio will also continue its shift towards multimedia -rich material, mobile 
learning, and micro -courses to respond to new trends and needs. Detailed targets are covered in 
Annex 1 as part of  the key results in the logframe.  
129.  Interactivity will remain an important component of the eLearning courses to trigger interest, 
achieve effective knowledge transfer, reduce the digital gap and keep participants up to date with 
the latest developments. Cha t sessions will continue to be organized.  Learning communities will 
continue to be encouraged to develop peer -to-peer interactions in the online courses, as well as 
allow participants to have updates on the latest news on trade -related issues, exchange vie ws with 
other trade experts, and establish a global professional network.  
 
33 Blended activities m ay also involve a combination of face -to-face and online or remote components . WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 26 - 
  130.  In terms of the PLS,  and as explained in section 5.2 above, the eLearning offer for participants 
will include the Introduction to the WTO Course at the introductory level, and course s such as the 
Multilateral Trade Agreements Course at an intermediate level.  
131.  An appropriate focus on the use of social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and 
YouTube) will be maintained to develop outreach, raise awareness and promote WTO traini ng 
activities. Material developed in eLearning activities will also continue to be used to develop strategic 
synergies with face -to-face activities  once it  is feasible to organize face -to-face events . 
Face -to-face training  
 
132.  As current limitations on travel and meetings are gradually lifted, the Secretariat aims to 
progressively resume face -to-face training at the national, regional or sub -regional and global levels 
at any of the three PLS levels depending on the specific needs of benefi ciaries. The face -to-face 
training for generalists includes trade policy courses at the introductory, intermediate and advanced 
PLS levels. These courses, held in Geneva and in the regions, aim to provide a strong general 
knowledge of the MTS and of the ma in provisions of the WTO Agreements, which should enable 
participants to work in a large variety of WTO -related areas or develop a more specialized expertise. 
The TA Plan will maintain a suitable concentration of candidates complying with the prerequisites  of 
an activity to ensure the effectiveness of the PLS.  
133.  At the introductory level, the face -to-face training courses for generalists will comprise the 
Geneva -based Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs, which will continue to be offered at least 
once a  year as it has proven to be in high demand by beneficiaries. This course will be offered in 
English and French.  
134.  At an intermediate level, the Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs) will also continue. These 
eight-week courses target government officials wo rking on trade -related issues who have completed 
an introductory WTO training. The Secretariat will aim at resuming the offer for these courses in 
each of the WTO's seven regions as soon as conditions allow it. RTPCs will deliver a comprehensive 
syllabus c overing the WTO Agreements and, generally, the MTS as a whole through pedagogical 
methods that can help strengthen participants' knowledge of the WTO Agreements, and their 
autonomy to use WTO resources and conduct WTO -related work. Participants' progress w ill be 
regularly monitored and assessed, through different means such as weekly quizzes, level of 
participation and engagement in the course and a final graded exam. RTPCs will be organized in 
partnership with local academic institutions.  
135.  At an advanced le vel, the Secretariat intends to maintain the eight -week Advanced Trade 
Policy Courses (ATPCs) for generalists  as a face-to-face event . The aim will be to resume the previous 
arrangement of three ATPCs per year, two in English and the third alternating betw een French and 
Spanish each year. This reflects the historical language demand of Members for this course.  
136.  The TA Plan 2020 -21 had expected that a final evaluation for participants would be introduced 
with the first ATPC in 2020, as had been recommended in  an internal assessment for this course. 
The Secretariat expects this final evaluation to be introduced when ATPCs resume. This experience 
will guide future efforts to extend the use of final evaluations to other face -to-face courses.  
137.  The Secretariat also intends to resume its offer of a comprehensive range of advanced 
thematic training activities for specialists in Geneva, as soon as conditions allow it. This is in response 
to demand from many beneficiaries, who have clearly expressed an i nterest in specialized thematic 
courses. As in previous years, some of these activities will seek to focus on implementation 
challenges, including through the development of action plans , coaching of participants  and a follow -
up over a period of time . 
138.  The Geneva -based activities will also comprise symposia or seminars held at the request of 
WTO Committees and Geneva Weeks. The Secretariat will  accommodate Focus Activities including 
the introduction days for Geneva -based delegates, NGOs, WTO staff members, i nterns working in 
the Secretariat and officials from international organizations. The aim of Focus Activities is to cover 
in depth a narrowly defined WTO subject over one or two days.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 27 - 
  139.  At the national level, face -to-face activities will aim to contribute to  building trade -related local 
capacities. Each national TA activity will be guided by its own specific objectives addressing the 
priority needs of the beneficiary. To achieve this, beneficiaries will indicate their needs in a national 
TA request form (avai lable online). The Secretariat will aim at resuming its offer of national activities, 
as soon as conditions allow it and taking into account the manner in which restrictions are lifted . 
140.  At the regional and sub -regional levels, this TA Plan includes face -to-face activities for 
capital -based officials, mostly at intermediate level, focusing on areas identified as priorities by the 
beneficiaries concerned. Geography, language or common interests will guide the inclusion of a 
beneficiary in a region or sub -region. Where relevant, such activities will be conducted in 
collaboration with partner institutions to ensure that local considerations are incorporated into the 
training. The Secretariat will aim at resuming its offer of regional or sub -regional activities, as soon 
as conditions allow it and taking into account the manner in which restrictions are lifted at a national 
or regional level . 
141.  Reflecting the wide range of face -to-face training activities, these activities are associated with 
several different indica tors and accompanying targets, baseline values, evidence and assumptions  
as shown in the logframe .  
Virtual activities  
 
142.  In response to limitations on travel and in person meetings, the Secretariat has developed 
since mid -2020 a large number of virtual acti vities outside of the eLearning programme. These 
activities are aimed at addressing beneficiaries' needs for TA, due to the impossibility of delivering 
face-to-face training. In many cases these virtual activities replicate the learning objectives intended  
for face-to-face activities. The experience of delivering these virtual training activities has allowed a 
better understanding for both the Secretariat and the beneficiaries of the usefulness and limitations 
of this modality of TA delivery.  
143.  When condition s evolve, and face -to-face activities become feasible again, virtual activities 
can still provide a relevant means of TA delivery in a cost -efficient manner for specific contexts and 
needs. This can be either as the sole means of delivery of a particular T A activity (such as in 
extremely short activities or in activities requiring the intervention of multiple subject experts) or as 
components integrated into blended TA activities that combine face -to-face and remotely delivered  
content.  
144.  The Secretariat is a lso mindful that the resumption of face -to-face activities may be a gradual 
process with different timelines in different countries and regions. Accordingly, it is possible that 
face-to-face training may not resume simultaneously in all countries or region s. Instead, for some 
beneficiaries or regions, virtual TA activities may remain for some time the only way for the 
Secretariat to deliver training even as other regions or beneficiaries allow face -to-face TA activities.  
145.  The Secretariat will aim at maintain ing and, if necessary, increasing and diversifying its offer 
for virtual TA activities, until conditions allow the full resumption of face-to-face TA activities . The 
use of blended learning combining face -to-face and online means of delivery will also be p ursued as 
a way to increase the efficiency of traditional TA activities , as it maximises the return on the time 
spent face -to-face, which is the expensive part of the training  
Internship programmes  
 
146.  The WTO operates four long -term internship programmes foc used on "learning -by-doing". 
Three of these programmes focus on government officials while one focuses on non -government 
officials. These internships aim to give the beneficiaries an opportunity to acquire in -depth 
knowledge on WTO matters under the guidan ce of staff in the Secretariat or in the permanent 
missions to the WTO in Geneva. Given the strong evidence of the effectiveness of internship 
programmes, although with variations between them, the TA Plan includes three internship 
programmes under Key Res ult 1 and an Accession Internship Programme (AIP) under Key Result 2.  
147.  The three internship programmes under Key Result 1 are: (a) the Netherlands Trainee 
Programme (NTP), financed by the Netherlands; (b) the French and Irish Mission Internship WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 28 - 
  Programme (FIMIP), financed by France and Ireland; and (c) the Regional Coordinator Internship 
Programme (RCI), financed by the Global Trust Fund.  
148.  Participants in the NTP are mid -level public officials from LDCs, low-income  countries and 
comparable small a nd vulnerable economies. NTP interns work in areas of interest to them or their 
countries and are usually assigned to various Secretariat divisions at different periods of their 
programme in the Secretariat, which cumulatively lasts a maximum of ten months . NTP interns will 
be evaluated by their supervisor based on the objectives set individually at the beginning of the 
internship. A maximum of 1 4 NTP interns will be recruited annually during this biennium.  
149.  Measuring how much is learnt by these interns is a  real challenge. Therefore, a proxy indicator 
to measure how much the interns achieved during their stay in Geneva will be used as has been the 
case in previous years. Interns will be required to prepare monthly report explaining how their time 
has been al located between five broad categories of outputs: (a) WTO meetings; (b)  meetings of 
regional groups; (c) training sessions organized by the Secretariat; (d) research  briefing  notes and  
needs assessments; and (e) other activities. This data is used to analy se the performance of the 
NTP interns.  
150.  FIMIP interns are mid -level public officials from LDCs, other developing countries, and 
economies in transition placed in the Geneva -based mission of their country for purposes of this 
internship. The internship has a  maximum duration of ten months. FIMIP interns operate under the 
direction of the Permanent Representative and other officials of their mission, who evaluate the 
intern's work at the end of the internship based on the objectives agreed at the beginning of the 
internship. The programme targets primarily Members with small missions in Geneva whose capacity 
to follow WTO matters is very limited. A maximum of 20  FIMIP interns will be recruited annually.  
151.  As in previous years, FIMIP interns will devote most of th eir time to participating in the work 
of the different WTO bodies. This is particularly important for small, understaffed  missions as it 
supports their ability to participate in such meetings. In addition, interns also work on coordination 
between the Secr etariat and relevant government agencies in their respective capitals regarding 
various WTO -related issues affecting their countries, including their country's notifications 
commitments under various WTO Agreements. Each intern submits a monthly report whi ch is used 
to monitor their performance. The supervisors of the interns in the permanent missions evaluate 
their work and inform the Secretariat. The Secretariat will continue with the same approach for this 
biennium.  
152.  Similarly, because of the challenges i n measuring how much the interns would have learnt, a 
proxy  indicator to measure how much the interns achieved during their stay in Geneva will be used 
as has been the case in previous years.  
153.  RCI interns are mid -level public officials from any TA benefici ary selected to coordinate a WTO 
regional grouping. These interns are posted in the Geneva -based mission of the beneficiary acting 
as coordinator of a regional grouping in the context of WTO work, provided that beneficiary is eligible 
for TA from the WTO. The RCI interns work under the supervision of the head of the mission or his 
designate, who also evaluate the intern's work at the end of the internship based on the objectives 
agreed at the beginning. An RCI internship is for the duration of the tenure of  the beneficiary as 
group coordinator but cannot exceed twelve months. The allocation of an RCI intern is demand -
driven and depends on a request being received from a beneficiary acting as coordinator for a region 
or group of beneficiaries. Therefore, the number of RCI interns to be recruited annually is dependent 
upon beneficiaries requesting an intern. A maximum of six RCI interns will be recruited annually.  
154.  To facilitate the assessment of the RCI programme, each intern is required to produce a 
monthly re port. The main tasks of the interns include attending meetings of WTO regional groups to 
which their country belongs, of WTO committees and other institutional bodies, and the related work 
to facilitate the country's coordination required for their WTO reg ional group. In addition, the interns 
also work on research to facilitate the work of the coordinator of the respective regional group and 
prepare briefing notes, as part of their general training. Available data confirms that the RCI interns 
reinforce the  capacity of the permanent missions acting as coordinators of WTO regional groups to 
perform their work. Therefore, this programme will continue to be operated on the same basis.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 29 - 
  6.1.2   Output 1.2: Effective partnerships established  
155.  Under this Output, the Secreta riat will continue to seek partnerships that add the most value 
to its TA activities according to the four parameters defined in its effective partnership strategy, 
namely: substance, cost -sharing, logistics and outreach (see section 5.4 for additional  information).  
156.  In 2020, the Secretariat maintained strategic partnerships to deliver better -tailored TA 
activities in a cost -efficient way. Despite the difficulties faced, the Secretariat collaborated with 41 
different partners to deliver 38 TA activities. The  number of partnerships may have been 
underestimated because half of virtual activities delivered during the year were not registered in 
TAMS.34 
157.  As detailed in the logframe in Annex 1, the TA Plan intends to stabilize the share of activities 
with involvement of a partner while increasing the proportion contributed by partners to particular 
TA activities. As also indicated in the logframe, attaining Output 1.2 assumes that interested partners 
will be available with appropriate resources and knowledg e to complement WTO expertise and 
financial resources.  
6.1.3   Output 1.3: Members' needs and priorities identified periodically  
158.  This output relates to the ne cessity  to assess on a regular basis the TA needs of beneficiaries 
to ensure that the WTO TA offer meets t heir priorities. With this aim, needs assessments will be 
conducted periodically, based on demand, to identify beneficiaries' needs and matching these to the 
most effective and efficient TA product.  
159.  As described in section 4 and illustrated in Chart 1, the  consultations held in preparation of 
the TA Plan indicated several areas of priority for TA. This information has been confirmed through 
additional formal and informal consultations between the Secretariat and beneficiaries. The online 
form for national r equests will complement the responses to the TA questionnaire. The online 
National TRTA Request Form should be used to identify on a case -by-case basis the changing needs 
and priorities of the beneficiaries of WTO TA  in the area to be covered by the activi ty. 
160.  Needs assessments prior to the delivery of advanced activities can rely on pre -course 
questionnaires. The responses will then be used to tailor the content of the activity to the specific 
needs of the participants.  Responses to the TA questionnaires received prior to the preparation of 
TA Plans will be the main source of information on the needs and priorities of the TA beneficiaries.  
161.  The TPR process, as well as the TPR follow -up activities, which are conducted on r equest, will 
contribute to the identification of specific needs and necessary actions. To attain this target, 
beneficiaries would need to request a TPR -follow -up activity after a TPR is concluded. Unfortunately, 
due to the pandemic only seven TPRs were com pleted in 2020, in contrast with 16 in 2019 , and no 
TPR follow -up took place .35 
6.1.4   Output 1.4: WTO data and databases accessed by Members  
162.  The Secretariat aims to use TA to make WTO statistical tools and databases accessible to 
government officials dealing wit h trade -related issues, as well as to other interested parties, so as 
to improve the analysis of trade developments and trade negotiating positions. In previous years, 
Reference Centres were one of the tools to enable Members to access and use WTO –related 
information to raise awareness of WTO matters with all stakeholders. However, Reference Centres 
have declined in usefulness even for those countries with established Reference Centres, due to the 
fact that online access in many LDC countries is mainly thro ugh mobile devices, which is relatively 
inexpensive, and not through the considerably more expensive fixed broadband internet, to which 
Reference Centres are connected.  
163.  The TA Plan does not envisage any further support to existing Reference Centres36, whic h 
should be the responsibility of beneficiaries, as is already stated in the Guidelines signed by 
 
34 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 48.  
35 See WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2020, WT/COMTD/W/259 , p. 33.  
36 Such as replacing equipment namely computers, printers, and photocopying machines.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 30 - 
  beneficiaries at the time of the establishment of a particular Reference Centre. Reference Centres 
may exceptionally be provided to LDCs who have not already benefitted from the establishment of 
a WTO Reference Centre. This will mainly concern LDCs in the process of accession to the WTO. The 
Secretariat will consult with Members with a view to find more effective tools to enable LDCs gain 
better access to WTO o nline information based on lessons we have learnt during the COVID -19 
pandemic regarding virtual delivery of TA activities so as to ensure that LDCs are able to benefit 
from virtual TA activities.  
164.  During the biennium, t he Secretariat will offer an array of  online and face -to-face activities to 
enhance participants' ability to access WTO data and related information. In 2020, the Secretariat 
organised 44 such activities at the global, regional and national levels. Training on information 
sources and database s will be provided as part of the activities for generalists, including the 
Introduction Course for LDCs, the Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs), the Advanced Trade Policy 
Course (ATPC), as well as specific training for Interns covered in thematic activ ities e.g. notifications, 
agriculture, NAMA etc.  
6.2  Key Result 2: Acceding governments /territories  are participating in accession 
negotiations  
165.  This Key Result aims to ensure that acceding governments are participating effectively in 
accession negotiations, in  line with WTO accession processes and procedures. This reflects the 
strategic priority the WTO gives to accessions -related activities, with 23 governments at various 
stages of the accession process. Key Result 2 seeks to support these ongoing efforts by h elping 
acceding governments /territories  to define their long -term trade reform agendas and strategies. In 
this context, the TA provided to acceding governments /territories  is designed to: (a) enhance their 
understanding of WTO rights and obligations; (b) s upport a WTO -compatible domestic policy and 
legal framework; and (c)  facilitate the accession process. This key result area will also include the 
support the Secretariat provides to those beneficiaries seeking to accede to the Government 
Procurement Agreem ent (GPA).  
166.  The Secretariat will keep supporting acceding governments /territories  in their accession 
negotiations and seek to enhance acceding governments' knowledge on WTO matters.37 In addition, 
the "China Programme" will continue to assist acceding LDCs through the A IP, the follow -up to the 
TPRs of recently acceded Members, annual WTO Accession Round Table Meetings, and support for 
their participation in WTO meetings. This is in line with the priority given by Members to the accession 
of LDCs at the Doha Ministerial Conference in 2001.  
167.  Key Result 2 includes the three Outputs shown in Chart 5 . The TA Plan provides for 
CHF 693 million per year in 2022 and 2023 to implement the planned activities contributing to Key 
Result 2 and its three Outputs, which is eq uivalent to about 4  % of the total TA funding planned for 
the four Key Results for those years (see  Table  1 in section 7 on funding).  
 
37 The Secretariat also makes available an Accession Transparency Tool Box, available at: 
https://www.w to.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/attb_e.htm . WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 31 - 
  Chart 5 Key Result 2: Outputs  
 
 
6.2.1   Output 2.1: Acceding governments /territories  participants' knowledge on WTO 
substantive a nd procedural matters enhanced  
168.  In 2020, 23 acceding governments and one Observer (Turkmenistan)38 were invited to 
participate in TA and capacity -building activities at the global, regional and national levels, as well 
as in eLearning courses. Many activiti es were cancelled, postponed or delivered virtually due to 
COVID -19 related restrictions. The TA activities delivered by the Secretariat included, among others: 
(a) technical missions; (b)  targeted national training sessions and seminars; and (c) participation in 
conferences. An Accessions Week held virtually from 29 June to 3 July 2020 attracted more than 
850 participants.39 
169.  During the biennium, t he Secretariat will address the specific needs of the acceding 
governments /territories  on a demand -driven basis. As indicated in the logframe in Annex 1, the 
main target during this biennium is to stabilize the number of participants from acceding 
governments /territories  attending TA activities focused on accession. This assumes, among othe r 
factors, that accession negotiations will remain active.  
6.2.2   Output 2.2: Accession s Internship Programme participants' knowledge enhanced  
170.  The A IP is one of the four internships under this TA Plan. The beneficiaries of the AIP are 
recent graduates or postgrad uate students from LDCs and developing Members40. The AIP is funded 
by China under the auspices of the "China Programme" .  
171.  AIP interns work on accessions issues in the Accessions Division of the Secretariat under the 
supervision of a staff member. The inte rns spend ten (10) months in the Secretariat, which may be 
spread over a two -year calendar. The intake of interns is adjusted annually according to the workload 
 
38 Turkmenistan became a WTO Observer on 22 July 2020.  
39 See WTO Accessions: 2020 Annual Report by the Director -General, WT/ACC/38/Rev.1, 
WT/GC/228/Rev.1, para. 29.  
40 Taking into account the balance between acceding  governments/territories and WTO Members.  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 32 - 
  of the Accessions Division. The supervisors evaluate the interns' performance based on the 
objectives set at the beginning of the internship.  
172.  The Plan envisions a maximum of five (5) AIP interns will be recruited annually for a maximum 
period of ten (10) months  as indicated in the logframe in Annex 1 . 
6.2.3   Output 2.3: Interested Members' expertise on GP A rules and accession negotiations 
enhanced (IPD)  
173.  This output covers the TA that the Secretariat provides to beneficiaries who consider accession 
or observership to the Agreement on Government Procurement 2012 (GPA 2012 or GPA). With 
respect to the GPA, th e TA Plan will focus on : (a) providing technical assistance to beneficiaries 
acceding to the GPA or having commi tted to accede , as well as to beneficiaries with an interest in 
observership , on GPA -related matters in general, including linkages with good go vernance and 
development ; and  (b) enhancing beneficiaries' capacity to comply with GPA norms and principles, 
empowering government officials to work with stakeholders to realize benefits from GPA principles 
and procedures and market access possibilities , and understanding the developmental dimension of 
procurement policy . Currently , seven TA-eligible Members  are undertaking GPA accession 
negotiations and a range of beneficiaries show active interest in GPA -related issues .41 Active 
partnerships with other international organizations and and academic institutions form a vital 
element of this program.  
174.  The 2020 -21 Plan identified the volume of documentation related to GPA accession circulated 
by TA -eligible GPA acceding Members as a proxy to measure the extent to which TA provided by the 
Secretariat enhanced the capacities of these countries to effectively complete their accession 
negotiations. For this biennium, in addition to accession -related documents circulated by GPA 
accedi ng Members , the Secretariat will also consider the interventions made by TA -eligible GPA -
acceding Parties during meetings of the Committee on Government Procurement (CGP)  as well as 
bilateral meetings with the Chair of the CGP.  This will provide an indicat ion about the impact that 
GPA-related TA activities have had on acceding Members in terms of GPA accession and 
implementation. The target is to return to an equivalent volume of documents, interventions, and 
bilateral meetings  recorded before the pandemic . 
6.3  Key Result 3: Academic institutions and students are analysing WTO issues and 
reaching out to policy makers  
175.  Key result 3 aims to enhance academic institutions expertise on WTO work and issues, with a 
view to improve research, teaching, as well as outreach  to policy makers. The Secretariat will 
implement  the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP), General Academic Support, the PhD fellowship 
programme, and support the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition (JHJMCC).  
176.  The WCP is the largest programme encompassed under Ke y Result 3. It aims to enhance 
knowledge and understanding of the MTS among academics and students by supporting trade -
related research, curriculum development and outreach activities at universities in beneficiary 
countries participating in the programme.  It is organized in cycles of four years, during which 
institutions selected to participate in the programme receive funding in order to develop their 
expertise. Upon completion of the four-year cycle, Chairs maintain the status of WTO Chair as well 
as reporting obligations associated therewith, albeit without further funding from the WTO. They 
remain part of the WCP network and serve as mentors for participants of subsequent cycles of the 
programme. In contras t to other TA activities which are carried out by the Secretariat, WCP activities 
are carried out by external academic institutions participating in the programme.  So far, the WCP 
went through two four -year cycles (phase I: 201 0-14; phase II: 201 4-18). The selection process for 
its next four -year cycle was launched in 2021 . 
177.  A comprehensive and independent external evaluation of the WCP was undertaken subsequent 
to the conclusion of the last four -year cycle of the programme. The evaluation was completed in 
August 2019 and found that WTO Chairs have been successful in generating good quality research 
and impactful advice that translated into policy action in beneficiary countries. The WCP has provided 
financial support to generate knowledge and develop compete ncies o n international trade and 
 
41 Brazil, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of North Macedonia, Russian Federation and 
Tajikistan.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 33 - 
  development issues, which is particularly relevant for low and lower middle -income beneficiary 
countries. Chairs have produced a significant amount of relevant and good quality research 
publications and teaching curricula a nd have been able to reach out to many policymakers and other 
external stakeholders. The WCP brand increased the effectiveness of Chairs in reaching out to 
external stakeholders, offering higher  credibility and visibility to external stakeholders and user 
groups. Research outputs have generally been disseminated in outreach activities and publications. 
WTO financial support, in most cases, was complemented by significant efforts by the Chairs and 
their host institutions to ensure that planned activities and  outputs were achieved. Chairs showing 
higher activity outputs during the WCP funding period were able to maintain their levels of 
performance without depending on continued financial support from the WTO.  The WCP has thus 
been successful in connecting aca demic research, outreach, and teaching work, with trade policy 
making and sustainable capacity building in beneficiary countries.  
178.  The evaluation also made several recommendations for improvement of the WCP, inter alia , 
closer alignment and use of synergies  with the WTO's TRTA and economic research activities, better 
representation of institutions from LDCs and regions previously under -represented in the programme 
and stronger and more balanced visibility at the global level. In consultation with the WCP Adv isory 
Board, the Secretariat modified elements of the programme to address the recommendations made 
in the 2019 report and these are taken into account in this TA Plan.  
179.  Key Result 3 remains unchanged in this Biennial TA Plan. At the same time, certain elem ents 
of the logframe have been adjusted in order to recalibrate it to the updated structure of the WCP.  
For this reason,  the Secretariat will use 2021 to collect baselines to be used during the 4year cycle 
of the WCP . In order to harmonize the approach und er Key Results 3 and 4, the former now captures 
the diversity of WTO -related topics covered by all WCP Chair activities across all three pillars of the 
programme. Outputs 3.1 to 3.3 relate to the WTO Chairs Programme, while Output 3.4 captures all 
other ac ademic outreach activities.  
180.  Reporting of outputs 3.1 to 3.3  will focus on institutions participating in phase III  of the WCP . 
Activities of institutions that participated in p hases I and II  and no longer receive funding from the 
WTO will be taken into acco unt in respect of the diversity of WTO -related topics covered by WCP 
Chair activities under Key Result 3.  
181.  WCP phase I and II Chairs have remained active and engaged in the WCP network. As part of 
the formal agreements signed with these Chairs, and in order  to foster and strengthen the 
collaborative network of academics created through the programme, they are engaged as mentors 
guiding the next generation of Chairs and continue actively in research, teaching, and outreach 
activities relating to WTO topics. T his contributes to the sustainability of the WCP network and helps 
develop and enhance a pool of trade expertise for beneficiary countries and regions.  
182.  The Secretariat also continues to support a limited number of PhD students from developing 
countries in  their research on WTO -related topics, as well as the annual JHJMCC. For the latter, the 
Secretariat provides technical support through several means, such as, providing advice in the 
preparation of the case and the bench memorandum; supporting the organiz ation of regional rounds 
in developing countries; and by hosting and providing prizes for the final round of the competition. 
Other activities involving academia may also be organized with proposals being assessed based on 
merit and the availability of res ources.  
183.  The TA Plan provides for approximately CHF 1,365, 800 in 202 2 and 202 3 to implement the 
planned activities contributing to Key Result 3 and its four (4) Outputs, which are equivalent to about 
7% of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results for 2022 and 2023, respectively (see 
Table 1 in section 7 ). WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 34 - 
  Chart 6 Key Re sult 3: Outputs  
 
 
6.3.1   Output 3.1: Research on trade policy and WTO -related matters generated by the 
WCP  
184.  Output 3.1 aims to promote research on trade policy and WTO -related matters by WTO Chairs. 
Changes in the structure of the WCP outlined above, in particular the inclusion of universities from 
LDCs and regions previously under -represented in the programme h ave resulted in the adaptation 
of certain elements . Publications , including books, articles published in academic journals, 
conference papers, working papers and trade policy briefs , are considered. Individual baselines for 
each WCP Chair will be establish ed at the beginning of the four -year cycle, based on their activities 
in the two years prior to joining the programme. This approach accounts for the initial variations in 
the capacities of WCP Chairs from countries with different levels of economic develo pment at the 
time of joining the programme.  
6.3.2   Output 3.2: Courses with WTO content developed by WCP Chairs  
185.  Output 3.2 captures WCP Chairs activities relating to the development of trade -related courses 
for students and other stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and private sector 
professionals. The objective is to encourage Chair holders t o train and inform both future and present 
generations of students, trade policy experts, and officials who are at different stages in their 
professional and educational development. Chairs benefit from access to teaching materials of the 
Secretariat, incl uding eLearning and expert advice from Secretariat staff as well as Advisory Board 
members. The two indicators for this output are the number of students in WTO -related courses and 
the number of new or updated WTO -related courses. Annual average values dur ing the two years 
prior to participation in the WCP  will be used as baseline.  
6.3.3   Output 3.3: WTO Chairs research disseminated to policy makers and other 
stakeholders  
186.  Output 3.3 calls for WTO Chairs to reach out to other stakeholders and key decision -makers. 
The objective is to ensure and promote the dissemination, relevance and visibility of academic 
research, for example through seminars, conferences, roundtables or (informal/ongoing) 
consultative processes, thus providing advice and a sounding board for pol icymakers and other 
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 35 - 
  stakeholders. Similarly, a nnual average values during the two years prior to participation in the WCP  
will be used to determine a baseline.  
6.3.4   Output 3.4: Students trained on WTO work and issues  
187.  The WTO PhD fellowships, the JHJMCC  and othe r WTO-related competitions are activities 
under Output 3.4. These activities share a common goal: raising students' interest in topics relating 
to international trade relations and the work of the WTO, stimulating academic exchange on those 
topics and, ult imately, preparing the next generation of trade experts including government officials 
working in capital and in delegations in Geneva with the WTO.  Annual average number of students 
participating in competitions supported by the WTO from 2018 -2021 will be  used as baseline . 
6.4  Key Result 4: Non -governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware of and 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues  
188.  Under the TA Plan, Key Result 4 seeks to ensure that non -governmental stakeholders are 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues. The aim is to increase the involvement in trade policy 
and WTO -related issues by stakeholders other than government officials, such as young 
professionals, legislators, civil society, media, and the private sector ( including producers, exporters, 
traders, and chambers of commerce and industry) . The TA Plan aims to achieve this by strengthening 
the understanding and institutional capacities of non -governmental stakeholders so that they can 
reinforce the results of the TA directly provided to Members and their officials. Key Result 4 includes 
four Outputs as shown in Chart 7.  
189.  The WTO Young Professionals Programme, as part of this Key Result, will aim to recruit at 
least 15 YP  in 2022 . An evaluation is envisaged  in 2022  in order to assess its effectiven ess and 
impact to date.  It should be noted that, f or the 2022 intake, the Secretariat received more 7 ,000 
applications for 15 places indicating that there is very high demand for the programme. A decision 
to expand the YPP will entail a small increase to t he funds for Key Result 4 in 2023. The Secretariat 
will keep Members informed and seek their views on how the programme could be revamped . 
190.  It is expected that a total of approximately CHF1,262 million per year in 2022 and 2023 will 
be available to implemen t the planned activities contributing to Key Result 4 and its four (4) Outputs, 
which is equivalent to about 6% and  7 % of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results 
for those years (see  Table  1 in section  7 on funding).  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 36 - 
  Chart 7 Key Result 4: Outputs  
 
 
 
6.4.1   Output 4.1: Understanding of WTO work and issues by non -governmental 
stakeholders improved  
191.  Output 4.1 seeks to organize outreach activities to attain an improved understanding of WTO -
related issues by legislators, civil society, journalists, an d private sector operators. The expectation 
is that broadening the pool of stakeholders with an appropriate knowledge and awareness of WTO 
matters will encourage support for more engagement in global trade. As indicated in the logframe 
in Annex  1, the TA P lan foresees returning to an equivalent number of stakeholders reached and 
activities delivered. The number of seminars or workshops organised will be one of the indicators to 
be used under this output. In past years activities were organized at global and  regional levels. The 
same approach will be followed for this Plan. As in the past, these activities will be delivered in 
collaboration with WTO's regular TA partners.  
6.4.2   Output 4.2: Improved access to WTO issues through online training material for 
self-study 
192.  Output 4.2 relates to access to online training material for self -study for those not eligible to 
enrol for WTO eLearning courses, which are reserved for government officials from eligible Members 
and Observers. Under this Output, online training materia l is made freely available to the public for 
self-study on the e -Campus website. As indicated in Annex 1, the target is to return to an equivalent 
number of downloaded training materials.  
6.4.3   Output 4.3: Information on WTO trade -related technical assistance pr ovided  
193.  Output 4.3 is related to access to trade -related TA information provided by the Secretariat, 
including through the Secretariat's Newsletters made available to the public through the WTO 
website. Social media channels are used by the Secretariat to give visibility to its TA activities. The 
Secretariat also disseminates information on its TA activities through a TRTA Newsletter available in 
all three languages. The Newsletter covers discussions during Ministerial Conferences, objectives  of 
WTO TA, the results of the TA provided, and the importance of voluntary contributions.  
WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 37 - 
  6.4.4   Output 4.4: Young Professionals are exposed to WTO issues and work  
194.  Output 4.4 relates to the WTO Young Professional Programme (YPP) introduced in 2016, which 
aims to  expose young professionals to WTO issues and work.  
195.  The YPP targets young professionals with graduate degrees in international trade and trade 
policy. Recruitment for young professionals takes place through a competitive process based on 
merit. Priority is  given to professionals from LDC and developing Members not represented at the 
professional level in the Secretariat.  
196.  The Secretariat aims to host 15 young professionals per year, subject to the absorption 
capacity of the Secretariat in each year and the f indings and recommendation of an evaluation of 
the programme that will be conducted in 2022. As YPP recruits will work hand -in-hand with 
Secretariat staff, their work performance will be evaluated by their supervisors following a procedure 
similar to that applied to WTO staff members. The performance evaluation and the number of young 
professionals hosted annually will be used as indicators for this Output, as indicated in the logframe 
in Annex  1. 
7  FUNDING  
197.  The implementation of th is TA Plan will be funded th rough the Regular Budget, extra budgetary 
funds from voluntary contributions by Members, and cost -sharing arrangements with identified 
partners. The management of the Regular Budget under the TA Plan will follow the same underlying 
principles and build on the improvements implemented during previous TA Plans.  
Table 1 Costs by Key Result – 2022 and 202 3 
(in thousand Swiss francs)  
 
Key results  Budget line 2022  
Regular 
Budget  GTF Earmarked 
Funds42 Total  
Key result 1: Government officials are implementing 
WTO Agreements and fully reali sing Members' rights 
and obligations  4,672 7,742 1,930  14,345 
Key result 2: Acceding governments /territories  are 
participating in accession negotiations  50 313 330 693 
Key result 3: Academic institutions and students are 
analysing WTO issues and reaching out to policy makers  1 65 1,300  1,366  
Key result 4: Non -governmental stakeholders and 
legislators are aware of and knowledgeable about WTO 
work and issues  - 1,262  - 1,262  
Sub-total  4,723 9,383  3,560  17,666  
Other programmes  125 1,700 - 1,825  
Total  4,848  11,083 3,560 19,491  
Overheads (13%)  - 1,441 463 1,904  
Grand total - 2022  4,848  12,523  4,023  21,394  
 
Key results  Budget line 2023  
Regular 
Budget  GTF Earmarked 
Funds  Total  
Key result 1: Government officials are implementing 
WTO Agreements and fully reali sing Members' rights 
and obligations  4,372 7,742 1,930  14,045  
Key result 2: Acceding governments /territories  are 
participating in accession negotiations  50 313 330 693 
Key result 3: Academic institutions and students are 
analysing WTO issues and reaching out to policy makers  1 65 1,300  1,366  
 
42 Earmarked Funds include the contributions earmarked by donors to finance the China Programme, 
French -Irish Mission Internship Programme, Netherlands Trainee Programme and WTO Chairs Programme.  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 38 - 
  Key result 4: Non-governmental stakeholders and 
legislators are aware of and knowledgeable about WTO 
work and issues  - 1,262  - 1,26243 
Sub-total  4,423  9,383  3,560 17,366 
Other programmes  125  1,700 - 1,825  
Total  4,548  11,083 3,560 19,191  
Overheads (13%)  - 1,441 463 1,904  
Grand total - 2023  4,548  12,523  4,023  21,094  
 
7.1  Regular Budget for TA  
198.  The Regular Budget dedicated to TA stood at CHF 4.5 million per year during the last three 
biennia. In view of the continued pandemic and its impact on the delivery of technical assistance, in 
anticipation that we may resume face -to-face activities and be required to do more, the budget for 
2022 is pegged at CHF 4.8 million . While it is expected to maintain the 2023 budget at CHF 4.5  
million.  
199.  The TA Plan has been prepared under the assumption that this part of the Regular Budget will 
be back to its previous  level by the end of the next biennium. As was the case for the previous TA 
Plan, the Secretariat will continue with the practice of redirecting savings registered on any of the 
activities during the year to finance other TA programmes included in the TA P lan and identified as 
priorities by Members and Observers.  
200.  To preserve the minimum level of flexibility required to make the best possible use of the 
approved budget, the Regular Budget for TA will continue to be grouped in four (4) main envelopes:  
i) 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 2.0 million to these activities in 2022 and CHF 1.8 million in 
2023.  
ii) Geneva -based thematic activities: These will include, among others, the current activities in 
the field of dispute settlement, the thematic advanced c ourses 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 envelope. 
It is proposed to allocate CHF 1.9 million to th ese activities in 2022 and CHF 1.8 million in 
2023.  
iii) National activities: The TA Plan proposes to set the budget for this envelope at 
CHF 0.7 million.  
iv) Miscellaneous: This will include the funding of consultants performing the advisory role under 
Article 27.2 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding and of external consultants on the 
implementation of RBM and eLearning courses. Some outreach activities for 
non- governmental audiences will also be funded under this envelope. Limited funds 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.  
201.  It should be noted that the budget line for hiring external experts wi ll continue to be managed 
as a pool and distributed as appropriate where required without exceeding the overall budgetary cap 
for such expenses.  
 
43 The funding may be adjusted for 2023 to take into account the results of the evaluation of the YPP  
and a decision to revamp it . WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 39 - 
  7.2  Extra -budgetary funds for TA  
202.   As has been the case for many years, the main proportion of the implementation o f the TA 
Plan will again be funded through extra -budgetary funds during the 2022 -23 biennium. The Global 
Trust Fund (GTF) will continue to play a central role in this regard, as it is the main channel through 
which Members' contributions support the TA pro vided by the WTO.  
203.  The TA resources available to the WTO (carried forward from previous years) to finance its TA 
to developing Members and Observers have been relatively stable since 2016. The Secretariat has 
assumed continued support from Members, in parti cular from contributors to the GTF during the 
previous biennium.  
204.  The TA Plan has been prepared on the premise that the support to the GTF will continue during 
this biennium at a slightly higher level than in the last TA Plan. This would allow the Secretari at to 
accommodate any increases in the volume of TA activities  as a result of a resumption in face -to-face 
delivery of TA , and the possibility  of MC12 outcomes . Taking these elements into consideration, it is 
proposed to set the target amount for the GTF in 2022 and 2023 at CHF  12.523  million.44 
_______________  
 
 
 
44 The funding may be adjusted for 2 023 to take into account the results of the evaluation of the YPP  
and a decision to revamp it .   
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 40 - 
 
ANNEX 1. WTO TRTA LOGFRAME 20 22-23 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
Impact45 Developing and LDC 
Members are benefiting from 
their active participation in 
the WTO  • Share of developing 
Members' total trade 
(imports and exports)  • 2018-20 
average: 
41.3%  • > 40%  • WTO statistics  • Global economic and 
political stability or 
improvement  
• Share of LDC Members' 
total trade (imports and 
exports)  • 2018-20 
average: 1.1%  • > 1.00%  • WTO statistics  • The number of LDCs 
remains constant over the 
biennium  
Key 
Result  1: Government officials 
are implementing WTO 
Agreements and fully 
realising Members' rights 
and obligations  • Number of documents 
submitted by beneficiary 
developing and LDC 
Members to WTO Bodies  • Annual average 
2017-19: 
• Developing: 
611 
• LDCs: 99  • Increase  • WTO Documents Online 
database  • 1. Political support for 
WTO-related issues  
• 2. Trained staff retained 
in relevant positions  
3. Human and financial 
resources available  
• Number of outstanding 
notifications by TA 
beneficiary Member  • 26 per 
beneficiary 
Member on 
average in 
2017-19 • Decrease  • Notifications database (CRN)  
Output  1.1: Government officials 
have enhanced knowledge 
about the WTO Agreements, 
formulation of trade policies 
and conduct of trade 
negotiations  • Number of participants 
completing each PLS 
level • Annual average 
2017-19: 
• Level 1 – 3,608  
• Level 2 - 11,746  
• Level 3 - 1,833  • Stability for 
levels 1 and 2  
• Increase in 
level 3 • TAMS database  • 1. WTO negotiations 
remain active  
• 2. Trained staff retained in 
relevant positions  
• 3. Members present 
suitable candidates  
4. Ava ilability of training 
facilities in Geneva  
  • Number of national 
activities requested  • 2017-19 
average: 145  • Increase  • TAMS database  • The number of TA 
beneficiaries under WTO 
administrative measures 
does not increase  
 
45 In accordance with the RBM approach, the impact is the highest -level result to which WTO contributes jointly with other stakeholders.  It is not an exclusive at tribution to 
WTO TA, but an indication of the contribution the WTO TA is making to a common impact – see section 6 for further information.    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 41 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
  • Number of beneficiary 
Members and Observers 
participating in TA 
courses  • 2017-19 
average: 163  • Stability  • TAMS database  • 1. WTO negotiations 
remain active  
• 2. The number of TA 
beneficiaries under WTO 
administrative measures 
does not increase  
  • Number of LDCs 
participating in TA 
courses  • 2017-19 
average: 43  • Stability  • TAMS database  • 1. Number of LDCs 
remains constant  
• 2. The number of TA 
beneficiaries under WTO 
administrative measures 
does not increase  
  • Interactive training 
methods' share of time 
in each activity 
(exercises, case studies, 
simulations, Q&A, 
participation in 
Committee meetings, 
etc.) • 2017-19 
average:  
• - 42% lectures  
• - 58% 
interactive 
methods  • Increase share 
of interactive 
training methods 
to an average of 
at least 60%  • TAMS database  • 1. Enough WTO staff 
undergo training on 
pedagogical skills  
• 2. Courses delivered as 
face-to-face training  
  • Success rate in RTPCs 
and ATPCs  • 2017-19 
average 
(RTPC): 96%  • Stability  • BTORs  •  
  • Distinction rate in RTPCs 
and ATPCs  • 2017-19 
average 
(RTPC): 37%  • Stability  • BTORs  •  
  • Percentage of 
participants rating the 
overall content and 
results in RTPCs, ATPCs 
and advanced thematic 
courses with the two top 
marks46 • 2017-19 
average:   • BTORs  • A representative number of 
complete assessment 
forms by participants are 
received at the end of such 
training  activities    • - RTPCs: 98%  • Stability  
  - ATPCs: 93%  • Stability  
  • - advanced 
thematic 
courses: 96%  • Stability  
 
46 The top two marks are normally f ive out of five and four o ut of five.    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
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 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
  • Number of participants 
trained in advanced 
trade negotiating skills  • 2017-19 
average: 238  • Stability  • TAMS database  • 1. Enough demand for 
training activities  
• 2. Availability of resources  
• 3. Courses delivered as 
face-to-face training  
• 4. Availability of training 
facilities in Geneva  
  • Number of advanced 
thematic courses using 
pre-diagnostics, 
coaching, leadership, 
action plans or follow -
ups47 • 2019: 5  • Stability  • BTORs  
• TAMS database  • 1. Enough demand for 
training activities  
• 2. Availability of resources  
• 3. Courses delivered as 
face-to-face training  
• 4. Availability of training 
facilities in Geneva  
  • Number of interns 
trained by various 
Internship programmes  • 2017-19 
average: FIMIP: 
17; NTP: 1 4  
Increase for FIMIP  
Stability for NTP  
•  • BTORs  
• TAMS database  • 1. Availability of adequate 
funding  
• 2. Members present 
suitable candidates  
• 3. Selected interns are able 
to participate in the 
progr ammes  
  • Number of interns 
trained by the Regional 
Coordinators Internship 
Programme  • 2017-19 
average: RCI:  6 • Stability  • BTORs  
• TAMS database  • 1. Availability of funding  
• 2. Members present 
suitable candidates  
  • Final evaluation of each 
intern by their supervisor  • 100% of at 
least fully 
satisfactory in 
2017-19 • Stability  • Evaluation by the supervisors  •  
  • New, revised or 
translated eLearning 
courses released during 
the year  • 2017-19 
average: 10  • Stability  • BTOR  • 1. Appropriate eLearning 
resources  
• 2. Absence of disturbance 
 
47 On topics  such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures; Technical Barriers to Trade; Agriculture Notifications; Import Licensing; and Tr ade in Services Statistics. WTO 
Technical Assistance Annual Report 20 19, WT/COMTD/W/25 6, para. 5.75.    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 43 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
  • Percentage of eLearning 
courses in SCORM 
format  • 62% in 2019  • Increase to 
100% by the end 
of biennium  • BTOR  in e-Campus  
• 3. Continued availability of 
current platform for 
eLearning programme  
  • Percentage of 
participants rating the 
quality of the eLearning 
courses content with the 
two top marks  • 2017-19 
average: 94%  • Stability  • BTOR  Absence of disturbance in 
e-Campus  
  • Percentage of 
participants rating the 
effectiveness of the 
eLearning website with 
the two top marks  • 2017-19 
average: 94%  • Stability  • BTOR  • Absence of disturbance in 
e-Campus  
  • eLearning success rate 
of participants attending 
the courses  • 2017-19 
average: 68%  • Stability  • BTOR  • Absence of disturbance in 
e-Campus  
  • eLearning drop -out rate  • 2017-19 
average: 24%  • Stability  
  • eLearning distinction 
rate • 2017-19 
average: 53%  • Stability  
Output  1.2: Effective partnerships 
established  • Proportion of activities 
with the involvement of 
a partner  • 2016-18 
average: 54%  • Stability  • TAMS database  • Potential partners are 
interested and have the 
required resources and 
knowledge in areas where 
WTO may not have the 
necessary knowledge or 
skills • Proportion of partners' 
contribution to the TA 
activities  • 2017-19 
average: 47% 
low 
contributions  • Decrease the 
proportion of low 
contributions  
Output  1.3: Members' TA needs and 
priorities identified 
periodically  
 • Number of responses to 
TA questionnaire  • 2017-19 
average: 76  • Stability  • Secretariat questionnaires  • Members can identify and 
prioritize their needs  
• No of TPR Follow -ups • 2017-19 
average: 8  • Stability  • BTORs  • Stability in the number of 
TPRs and constant 
demand for TPR follow -
ups   
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 44 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
Output  1.4: WTO data and 
databases accessed by 
Members  • Visits by Members' 
logging in to the WTO 
website  • 60,427 in 
2019 • Increase  • WTO Webmaster  • Members' willingness to 
use available WTO data 
sources  
• Number of TA activities 
that include training on 
WTO databases as one of 
their objectives  • 2017-19 
average: 60  • Increase  • TAMS database  
• BTORs  • Enough demand for 
training on WTO databases  
Key 
Result  2: Acceding 
governments/territories 
are participating in 
accession negotiations  • Number of formal or 
informal Working Party 
meetings held for 
acceding beneficiary 
governments/territories  • 2017-19 
average: 6  • Stability  • DG Annual Report on 
Accessions  • Accessions are active  
• Governments/territories 
submit required input to 
their Working Parties  
Output  2.1: Acceding 
governments/territories 
participants' knowledge on 
WTO substantive and 
procedural matters 
enhanced  • Number of participants 
from observer 
governments/territories 
attending TA activities 
focused on accessions  • 2017-19 
average: 
1,179  • Stability  • BTORs  
• TAMS Database  
• DG Annual Report on 
Accessions  • 1. Accessions are act ive 
• 2. The number of TA 
beneficiaries under WTO 
administrative measures 
does not increase  
• 3. Trained staff are 
retained in relevant 
positions  
Output  2.2: Accession s Internship 
programme participants' 
knowledge enhanced  • Final evaluation rate of 
each intern by supervisor  • 2017-19 
average: 
100% at least 
fully 
satisfactory  • Stability  • Evaluation by the supervisors  • Availability of funding  
• Members present suitable 
candidates  
Output  2.3: Interested Members' 
expertise on GPA rules and 
accession negotiations 
enhanced (IPD)  • Average no. of relevant 
accession -related 
documents circulated per 
TA-eligible GPA acceding 
Member48 • 2017-19 
average: 5.2  • Stability  • Documents online  • GPA accession negotiations 
remain active  
• Average no. of 
interventions made by 
TA-eligible GPA -acceding 
Parties during meetings 
of the CGP  • 2018-20 
average: 2.9  • Stability  • Documents online  
 
48 Eligible documents for purp oses of the indicator include(a) GPA/ACC/* series documents; (b) relevant documents in the GPA/*; WT/Let/*; GPA/W/*; GPA/CD/*  (from 
2018); RD/GPA/* series: and (c) any other relevant documents.    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 45 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
• Average no. of bilateral 
meetings of TA-eligible 
GPA-acceding Parties 
with Chair of the CGP  • 2018-20 
average: 1.29  • Stability  • Internal database  
Key 
Result  3: Academic institutions 
and students are 
analysing WTO issues and 
reaching out to policy 
makers  • Diversity of WTO related 
topics covered by 
activities  • 2018-19 
average  • Stability  Intermediate and annual 
reporting by the Chairs  
BTORs  • Academic institutions and 
other stakeholders 
remain interested in WTO 
issues  
Output  3.1: Research on trade 
policy and WTO - related 
matters  generated by the 
WCP • Number of publications  • To be collected 
in 2021  
 • Stability in 2022 ; 
increase in 2023  • Publications,  
• Annual Reports from the Chairs  
Evaluations/Assessments 
Report by the Advisory Board  • Compliance with 
programme guidelines  
• Assessment of the 
quality of the key 
research output per 
Chair per year by the 
Advisory Board  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Positive 
evaluation  • Advisory Board  Reports  • Compliance with 
programme guidelines  
 3.2: Courses with WTO 
content developed by WCP 
Chairs  • Number of students 
completing a WTO -
related course  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Stability in 2022; 
increase in 2023  • Intermediate and annual 
reporting  
• Advisory Board and other 
Evaluations /Assessments  • Interest in multilateral 
trade.  
• Compliance with 
progra mme guidelines.  
• Number of new or 
updated WTO -related 
courses  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Stability in 2022; 
increase in 2023  • Intermediate and annual 
reporting  
• Advisory Board and other 
Evaluations/Assessments  
• WCP Platform and other online 
research network activities 
(inc. social media)  
Output  3.3 WTO Chairs' research 
disseminated to policy 
makers and other 
stakeholders  • Number of outreach 
events per year  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Stability in 2022; 
increase in 2023  • Intermediate and annual 
reporting  
• Advisory Board and other 
Evaluations/Assessments  
• WCP Platform and other online 
research network activities 
(inc. social media)  • Compliance with 
programme guidelines    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 46 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
• Advice provided to 
governmental policy 
makers and other 
stakeholders  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Stability in 2022; 
increase in 2023  • Intermediate and annual 
reporting  
• Advisory Board and other 
Evaluations/Assessments  
• WCP Platform and other online 
research network activities 
(inc. social media)  
Output  3.4 Students trained on WTO 
work and issues  • Number of students 
participating in 
competitions supported 
by the WTO  • To be collected 
in 2021  • Stability  • BTORs  • External partner remains 
engaged  
• Number of PhD students 
supervised graduating 
with a PhD  • Students 
supervised 
graduate with 
a PhD each 
year: 5  • Stability  • BTORs  • PhD students remain 
interested in WTO issues  
Key 
Result  4: Non -governmental 
stakeholders and 
legislators are aware of 
and knowledgeable about 
WTO work and issues  • Diversity of WTO related 
topics covered by 
statements, reports, and 
papers produced by this 
group of stakeholders  • In 2017: 26 
WTO-related 
topics covered  • Stability  • Media reports when available,  
• Statements made by 
legislators, business 
associations, NGOs when 
available  • 1. Stakeholders remain 
interested in WTO issues  
• 2. Collaborating partners 
remain interested in trade 
issues  
Output  4.1: Understanding of WTO 
work and issues by non -
governmental stakeholders 
and legislators improved  • Number of seminars, 
workshops conducted  • 2017-19 
average: 
7 activities  • Stability  • TAMS database  • Legislators, journalists 
and civil society remain 
interested in WTO issues  
• Number of key non -
governmental 
stakeholders and 
legislators reached 
during the year  • 2017-19 
average:  
• 355 legislators  
• 73 journalists  
• 28 civil society  • Stability  • BTORs    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 47 - 
 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumption  
Output  4.2: Improved access to 
WTO issues through 
eLearning training material 
for self -study  • Number of training 
material consulted  • 2017-19 
average: 
3,336  • Stability  • Online form  • 1. Public interest in WTO 
issues  
• 2. Appropriate eLearning 
resources  
• 3. Absence of external 
disturbance in e -Campus  
• 4. Continued availability of 
current platform for 
eLearning programme  
Output  4.3 Information on WTO 
trade -related TA accessed  • Number of views of the 
web pages on technical 
assistance including 
news items on this 
subject  • 2017: 62,963  • Stability  • WTO webmaster  • Public interest in WTO 
issues  
Output  4.4: Young professionals are 
exposed to WTO work and 
issues  • Number of Young 
Professionals selected 
annually by the WTO  • 2018-19 
average: 15  • Stability  • TAMS database  • Selected YPs are able to 
participate in the 
programme  
• Final evaluation rate of 
each Young 
Professional's 
performance by their 
supervisor  • 100% at least 
fully 
satisfactory in 
2019-20 • Stability  • Evaluation by the supervisors  
 
    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 48 - 
 
ANNEX 2: ACTIVITY MATRIX  
(in thousand swiss francs)  
Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully reali sing Members' rights and obligations  
Level  Path  Language
(s) Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds49 RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  Geneva -based Courses for LDCs - Introduction and Focus 
Activities - Geneva weeks  Global  441     441      
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Applied Advanced Trade Policy Courses  Global  1,625      1,382      
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Intermediate level activities for: Africa; Middle East; Asia 
and Pacific Economies; Caribbean; Central and Eastern 
Europe, Central Asia and Caucasus; Latin America  All   3,172      3,172    
Advanced  Specialist  E/F/S  Geneva -based Advanced Thematic Courses and topic 
specific symposia for Capital -based officials  Global  1,866  950    1,810  950    
Advanced  Specialist  E/F/S  Advisory Role on Legal Issues (Art. 27.2 of DSU)  Global  60     60     
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Regional and/or sub -regional general capacity -building 
activities  All   370      370    
Intermediate / 
Advanced  Generalist/ 
Specialist  E/F/S  National seminars and workshops, including assistance for 
needs assessment and monitoring and evaluation  All 680 40    680 40    
Intermediate  Specialist  E/F/S  Regional and sub -regional topic -specific seminars  All   3,000      3,000    
  E/F/S  China's LDCs and Accessions Programme: Participation of 
LDCs in selected WTO meetings; LDCs TPR follow -up 
workshops; and, South -South Dialogue  All     95      95  
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Internships in the framework of the Netherlands Trainee 
Programme (NTP)  Global      774      774  
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Regional Coordinator Internships programme (RCI)  Global    210      210    
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  French -Irish Missions Internship programme (FIMIP)   Global      1,061      1,061  
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  Online courses: Introduction level  
Capital -
based 
officials  x      x      
Intermediate  Generalist/ 
Specialist  E/F/S  Online courses: intermediate Level (Generalists and 
Specialists)  x      x      
 Generalist/ 
Specialist  English  Online course:  Tailored Course - Create your own 
eLearning Courses  x      x      
 Sub-total   4,672  7,742  1,930  4,372  7,742  1,930  
Overheads @13%   - 1,006  251 -    1,006  251 
Total   4,672  8,748  2,181  4,372  8,748  2,181  
   
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 49 - 
 
Key Result 2: Acceding governments /territories  are participating in accession negotiations  
Level  Path  Language(s)  Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
Intermediate / 
Advanced  Generalist/ 
Specialist  E/F/S  National seminars, courses and workshops on 
Accessions  All 50 313    50 313    
  E China's LDCs and Accessions Programme: WTO 
Accession Round Table meetings  Global      230     230 
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  China's LDCs and Accessions Programme: WTO 
Accession s Internship Programme (AIP)  Global      100     100 
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Online course: Accession to the WTO  Global   x       x      
 Sub-total   50  313  330  50 313  330  
Overheads @13%   -    41  43  -    41  43  
Total   50  354  373 50 354  373  
Key Result 3: Academic institutions and students are analysing WTO issues and reaching out to policy makers  
Level  Path  Language(s)  Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmar
ked 
Funds  RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
 Generali
st  E/F/S  WTO Chairs programme - Phase III50 All    1,300      1,300   
  E/F/S  WTO Support programme for doctoral students  Global   65     65    
  E/F/S  Donation of WTO publications to Academic Institutions  All 1    1     
 Sub-total   1  65 1,300     1  65  1,300  
Overheads @13%   -    8 169    -    8 169 
Total   1  73 1,469  1  73 1,469  
 
 
49 Earmarked Funds include the contributions earmarked by donor s to finance the China Programme, French -Irish Mission Internship Programme, Netherlands Trainee 
Programme and WTO Chairs Programme earmarked by Australia,  Austria, and France.  
50 Estimate to be adjusted depending on the number of institutions selected to p articipate in phase III of the programme and on total contributions available    
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 50 - 
 
Key Result 4: Non-governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues  
Level  Path  Language(s)  Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
  E/F/S  Outreach for legislators, journalists, civil society and businesses  All -    605    -    605    
 Specialist  E/F/S  WTO Young Professionals' programme (YPP)  Global    657                    
65751   
  E/F/S  Online training material for self -study  All  -        -      
 Sub-total   -    1,262  -    -    1,262  -    
Overheads @13%   -    164  -    -    164  -    
Total   -    1,427  -    -    1,427  -    
 
Other programmes' costs: programme staff and Monitoring and evaluation  
Level  Path  Language(s)  Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
   L-Posts     1,700      1,700    
   Implementation of RBM and development of eLearning courses   
125     
125      
 Sub-total   125 1,700  -    125 1,700  -    
Overheads @13%   -    221  -    -    221  -    
Total   125 1,921  -    125 1,921  -    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51 The funding may be adjusted for 2023 to take into account the results of the evaluation of the YPP  and a decision to revamp it .   
  WT/COMTD/W/260  
- 51 - 
 
Summary Grand Total  
 Title  
Region  Estimated cost 2022  Estimated cost 2023  
RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  RB GTF Earmarked 
Funds  
   Sub-total   4,848  11,083  3,560  4,548  11,083  3,560  
   Overheads @13%   - 1,441  463 - 1,441  463 
   Total   4,848  12,523  4,023  4,548  12,523  4,023  
 
 
__________