RESTRICTED  
  
WT/BFA/W/ 465 
2 November 2018  
(18-6878) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MID-TERM REVIEW  
BIENNIUM 201 8 - 2019 
 
 
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Table of Contents  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
2   PROJECTED BUDGET PERFORMANCE 2018  ................................ ................................ .. 5 
2.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ ...........................  6 
2.1.1    Staff Expenditure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 6 
2.1.2    Temporary Assistance  ................................ ................................ ...............................  6 
2.2   Part B - Other Resources  ................................ ................................ ..............................  6 
2.2.1    General Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 6 
2.2.2    Travel & Hospitality  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 7 
2.2.3    Implementing Partners  ................................ ................................ ..............................  7 
2.2.4    Capital Expenditure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 7 
2.2.5    Financial Expenditure  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
2.3   Part C - Operating Funds and ITC  ................................ ................................ ..................  7 
2.3.1    Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  ................................ ................................ ... 7 
3   PROJECTED MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 2018  ................................ ...............................  8 
4   APPROVED BUDGET 2019 (UNREVISED)  ................................ ................................ ..... 8 
4.1   WTO Secretariat  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  10 
4.2   Appellate Body Secretariat  ................................ ................................ ..........................  11 
5   BUDGET PER OUTPUT CHAPTER (UNREVISED)  ................................ ..........................  12 
5.1   Background  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  12 
5.2   Mid-term Review by Output Chapter  ................................ ................................ ............  12 
6   INCOME FOR 2019 (UNREVISED)  ................................ ................................ ..............  12 
7   SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2019  ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
8   KEY ACTIVITIES AND BUDGETARY INDICATORS  ................................ .......................  17 
8.1   Translation and Documentation since 1997  ................................ ................................ ... 17 
8.2   Meetings since 1997  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 18 
8.3   Dispute Settlement Panels since 1997  ................................ ................................ ..........  19 
8.4   Budgetary Evolution since 1995  ................................ ................................ ..................  21 
8.5   Evolution of Contributions  ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
8.6   Regular Post Evolution since 1995  ................................ ................................ ...............  23 
8.7   Regular Posts by Division ................................ ................................ ............................  24 
8.8   Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2018 ................................ ................................ ....................  24 
 
List of Tables  
 
Table 1 Projected Consolidated Performance Compared to the 2018 Budget  ...............................  5 
Table 2 Budgeted and Projected Miscellaneous Income 2018  ................................ ....................  8 
Table 3 Consolidated WTO Budget 2018 – 2019 (unrevised)  ................................ .....................  9 
Table 4 Budget for the WTO Secretariat 2018 - 2019 ................................ .............................  10 
Table 5 Budget for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 2018 – 2019 ................................ ... 11 
Table 6  Budget 2018 -2019 by Outpu t Chapter (unrevised)  ................................ ....................  12 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 3 - 
 
  Table 7 Financing of Budget 2018 – 2019 ................................ ................................ ............  12 
Table 8  Estimated Miscellaneous Income 2019  ................................ ................................ ..... 12 
Table 9 Scale of Contributions for 2019  ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
Table 10 Budgetary Evolution 1995 -2019 ................................ ................................ .............  21 
Table 11 Evolution of Contributions 1995 -2019 ................................ ................................ ..... 22 
Table 12 Regular Post Evolution 1995 -2019 ................................ ................................ .........  23 
Table 13 Regular Posts per Division September 2018  ................................ ............................  24 
Table 14 Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2018 ................................ ................................ ..............  24 
 
Table of Figures  
 
Figure 1 Number of words translated, counted in words of the original language 1997 - 2018 .... 17 
Figure 2 Number of formal, informal and private meetings 1997 -2018 ................................ ..... 18 
Figure 3 Days of freelance interpreters 1997 -2018 ................................ ................................  18 
Figure 4 Dispute Settlement Panels Exp enditure 1997 -2018 (per Year)  ................................ .... 19 
Figure 5 Appellate Body Variable Expenditure per Year 1997 -2018 (ABOF)  ...............................  20 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 4 - 
 
  1  INTRODUCTION   
1.1.  The WTO budget is prepared on a biennial basis and comprises two separate annual budgets. 
As per the established practice, this report is a status update on the implementation of the 2018 
budget and how this is expected to evolve until the end of the year,  as well as a re-statement of the  
2019 budget, as presented in the budget proposals for the biennium 2018 -2019.  
1.2.  In line with the guidelines of the biennial budgeting1, the Director General has conducted the 
Mid-term Review of the biennial budget, based on forecast expenditures to the end of 201 8 and 
decided not to revise the budget for 2019 . 
1.3.  The budget for 2018 and 2019 is CHF 197,203,900 for each of the two years  and was approved 
by the General Council during its session of November 20172. The year 2019 wi ll represent the 
9th year in which  the consolidated budget of the WTO ( comprised of the WTO Secretariat and the 
Secretariat of the Appellate Body) has remained unchanged (zero nominal growth).  
1.4.  Members may recall that a list of projects amounting to CHF 2.5 million were not covered in 
the regular budget allocations. This information was incorporated in the paper pertaining to the 
2018-2019 budget. The Secretariat paid active attention to its expe nditures in order to allow for 
some funds to be reallocated from other budget lines to cover a portion of the concerned projects. 
Specifically, a total of CHF  1.5 million has been reassigned in this manner and covered part of the 
expenditure for the securi ty perimeter; the purchase of conference equipment and furniture; the 
physical security protection for legal divisions; as well as for IT3 requirements and negative interest.  
1.5.  Challenges lie ahead for 2019 as funds will be required for the acquisition of eq uipment and 
maintenance of the conference rooms; the replacement of the telephone network system; the 
renewal of the printing and documentation equipment; and covering of negative interest.  
 
                                                
1 Document WT/BFA/W/104.  
2 Document WT /GC/M/170.  
3 Information Technology.  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 5 - 
 
  2  PROJECTED  BUDGET  PERFORMANCE  2018 
Table 1 Projected  Consolidated Performance Compared to the 201 8 Budge t 
(as at 31 August  2018) 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line Budget  Projected 
Expenditure  
to  
31/12/2018  Projected 
Balance  % 
Expen -
diture  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff 
Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  88,530  86,780  1,750  98% 
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  22,110  21,101  1,008  95% 
    iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,944  5,365  579 90% 
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  13,021  10,982  2,039  84% 
    v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  1,810  2,481  -670 137%  
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,033  14,177  -5,144  157%  
    ii) Consulting  6,641  5,793  848 87% 
    iii) Panellists & Appellate 
Body Members Fees  1,606  1,182  424 74% 
A Staffing Resources Total     148,696  147,862  834 99%  
B Other 
Resources  3. General 
Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 831 510 322 61% 
    ii) Contractual Services 
& Maintenance  10,881  11,095  -214 102%  
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  1,698  553 75% 
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,495  -16 101%  
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  88 21 67 24% 
  4. Travel & 
Hospitality  i) Travel  7,144  7,053  91 99% 
    ii) Hospitality  216 160 56 74% 
  5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 359 -146 169%  
  6. Capital 
Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,762  2,735  -973 155%  
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 528 392 57% 
  7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 538 -458 673%  
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  0 100%  
B Other Resources Total     27,065  27,393  -328 101%  
C 
Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions 
to ITC & Special 
Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  0 100%  
    ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  0 100%  
    iii) Ministerial 
Conference Operating 
Fund 600 600 0 100%  
    iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 600 600 0 100%  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   21,443  21,443  0 100%  
Grand Total     197,204  196,698  506 100%  
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 6 - 
 
  2.1.  The overall expenditure rate of the WTO Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Appellate Body 
is projected at 99.7% at the end of 201 8. The remaining balance is estimated at CHF  506,000 . 
2.1  Part A - Staffing Resources  
2.2.  The forecast surplus under Staffing Resou rces is CHF 834,000. This budget part is composed 
of the Sections Staff Expenditure and Temporary Assistance.  
2.1.1   Staff Expenditure  
2.3.  This section  comprises the expenditure for regular staff including salary, pension, health 
insurance, death and invalidity insurance, staff benefits, as well as the allocation for short -term staff, 
consultants and panellists.  
2.4.  The Staff Remuneration  Line includes the e xpenditure and projection of the salary expenditure 
for regular staff as well as the payment of Annual leave upon termination. Following recommendation 
46 in the report of the WTO External Auditors on the financial statements of 2017, a partial provision 
for two invalidity cases is also included under this item.  
2.5.  The Staff Pension and Post -Employment Benefits Line includes the Pension expenditure, which 
is in line with the regular salary expenditure, as well as the Retiree Health Insurance, where a small 
over-expenditure is expected.  
2.6.  Under Staff Health -&Invalidity Insurance a saving of approximately CHF 500,000 is  projected,  
as well as a small saving under the death - and invalidity insurance . 
2.7.  The expected saving of CHF 2 million under Staff Family and International Benefits pertains to 
the increase of the Dependency Allowances during the 2016 and 2017 budget exercise.  
2.8.  The expected over -expenditure under 'Other Staff Expenditure' mainly relates  to new 
recruitments and separations. It includes expenditure for travel & removal, installation grant, 
separation grant and termination. An overspending under US Taxes is also projected.  
2.1.2   Temporary Assistance  
2.9.  The drivers of  the expenditure under Temporary Assistance are the appointment of temporary 
staff to work on dispute settlement, the replacement of staff on leave without pay or on long term 
sick or maternity  leave and the recruitment of staff in other divisions such as the research area or 
the informat ion management and documents area.  
2.10.   Additionally, the expenditure under Translation has increased significantly compared to last 
year, which is mainly due to the catch -up with the backlog on the translation of dispute settlement 
reports. The translation exp enditure is projected to result in an overspending  for the first time since 
2006.   
2.11.   This over -expenditure will be partly offset by the expected saving under Panellist  fees. This is 
due to the fact that panels are being del ayed owing  to the lack of available  staff. Another saving is 
projected under Appellate  Body Member fees, as a result of  the gradual reduction of judges from 
seven to only three  as from October . 
2.2  Part B - Other Resources  
2.12.   Under 'Other Resources' a n overall  budgetary deficit of approximately CHF  330,000 is 
expected.  A special request may be presented to Members at the end of the financial year in order 
to cover the overspendings of Part B by savings under Part A.  
2.2.1   General Services  
2.13.   Under Telecommunication and Post, a saving is expected from the postal expenditure , due to 
the strict management of this expenditure.  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 7 - 
 
  2.14.   Under Contractual Services & Maintenance, an overspending of approximately CHF 200,000 
is expected, which is mainly due to the expenditure for the out sourced IT Service Desk and the 
International Computing Centre (ICC).  
2.15.   Under Energy & Supplies, the savings are mainly due to efficient measures to reduce the 
consumption of  electricity  and the signature of a contract with a new electricity provider . 
2.16.   Under Documentation & Publications, the expenditure is projected to remain on track.  
2.17.   Under Other/Miscellaneous, the saving is linked to a slightly lower expenditure under  
Membership fees to professional networks . 
2.2.2   Travel & Hospitality  
2.18.   The expendi ture under Travel  is projected to be on a very high level, especially under the 
technical assistance related training courses and the divisional travel. The small expected saving is 
due to under -expenditure under the travel for panellists and the HR training budget.  
2.2.3   Implem enting Partners  
2.19.   The expenditure under Implementing Partners is projected to be slightly overspent, which is 
due to some joint activities in the area of economic research, as well as a projected provision for 
eventual legal damages.  A saving will be realise d under the lower negotiated contribution to the 
International Organization for Standardisation (ISO).  
2.2.4   Capital Expenditure  
2.20.   The projected expenditure under Capital Expenditure includes allocations for the re -
equipment of several small conference rooms with new furniture  (CHF 100,000), the equipment of 
the larger conference rooms with new audio -visual  equipment (CHF 400,000), and the equipment 
purchases for the update of the security equipment (CHF 900,000).  This over -expenditure is partly 
compensated by an e xpected saving under the rental and leasing of equipment of CHF 400,000.  This 
expected saving under rental and leasing of equipment is due to the fact that the project of replacing 
the existing documents reproduction equipment has been  put on hold for 2018 . 
2.2.5   Financial Expenditure  
2.21.   This section includes the reimbursement of the 50 -year interest -free loan for the new WTO 
premises of CHF 1,200,000 , as well as the bank charges and negative interest paid by the WTO . The 
overspend ing is due to the negative interest charged by the WTO banks, the fact that  market 
conditions have worsened since last year . This situation is estimated to persist until 2021.  
2.3  Part C - Operating  Funds and ITC  
2.3.1   Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  
2.22.   This item comprises the  contribution to the International Trade Centre (ITC), which was 
anticipated to  be fully expensed by the end of the year4. It also includes the annual replenishment s 
of the Appellate Body Operating Fund (ABOF) , the Ministerial Operating Fund (MOF)  and the Building 
Renovation Fund (BRF) . 
                                                
4 The ITC Secretariat's Mid -Term Review Report, received by the WTO on 2nd of November 2018, 
reflected that the ITC budget had been reduced by the UN by CHF 145,100. Therefore, a saving is expected 
under this line.  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 8 - 
 
  3  PROJECTED MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 201 8 
Table 2 Budgeted and Projected Miscellaneous Income 201 8 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Item  Budgeted 2018 
Miscellaneous 
Income  Projected 2018 
Miscellaneous 
Income  Difference Original 
Projection vs 
Revised Projection 
2018  
Contributions of Observer Countries  600  600  0  
Sale of Publications & Royalties  270  250  -20  
Trust Fund – Overheads  180  180  0  
Refund of prior year's expenditure  100  150  50  
Rental of meeting rooms & office 
space  125  125  0  
Other  429  399  -30  
Total  1,704  1,704  0  
 
3.1.  Miscellaneous Income is expected to remain at the same level as originally projected with small 
changes per line. Under Sales of Publications & Royalties, the sales are expected to be slightly lower, 
as 2018 is a non -ministerial year. The refund of prior year's expenditure is expected to increase 
slightly, mainly due to the reimbursement of several long term sick leave cases from the insurance  
for previous years . The allocation under 'Other' is slightly revised downwards.  
4  APPROVED BUDGET 2019 (UNREVISED)  
4.1.  In accordance with  the recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration (WT/BFA/ 169)5, the Director -General hereby presents the budget for the second year 
of the biennium 201 8-2019, the total of which is not revised . 
4.2.  The proposed consolidated budget for  2019 of CHF 197,203,900  is comprised of an 
appropriation of CHF 189,624,000 for the WTO Secretariat and CHF 7,579,900  for the Secretariat of 
the Appellate Body . 
4.3.  Table 3 hereafter  is a recollection  of the 201 9 Consolidated B udget approved  in 201 7. 
                                                
5 Document WT/GC/M/170  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Table 3 Consolidated WTO Budget 201 8 – 2019 (unrevised)  
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2018  2019  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  88,530  88,530  
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  22,110  22,110  
    iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  5,944  5,944  
    iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  13,021  13,021  
    v) Other Staff Expenditure  1,810  1,810  
  1. Staff Expenditure Total   131,415  131,415  
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,033  9,033  
    ii) Consulting  6,641  6,641  
    iii) Panellists & Appellate 
Body Members Fees  1,606  1,606  
  2. Temporary Assistance Total   17,281  17,281  
A Staffing Resources Total    148,696  148,696  
B Other Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  831 831 
    ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  10,881  11,123  
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  2,251  
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,479  
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  88 88 
  3. General Services Total   15,530  15,773  
  4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  7,144  7,234  
    ii) Hospitality  216 216 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total   7,360  7,450  
  5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 213 
  5. Implementing Partners Total   213 213 
  6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,762  1,430  
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 920 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total   2,682  2,350  
  7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest Charges  80 80 
    ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  
  7. Financial Expenditure Total   1,280  1,280  
B Other Resources Total    27,065  27,065  
C Operating Funds 
and ITC  8. Contributions to ITC 
& Special Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  
    ii) Appellate Body Operating 
Fund 2,000  2,000  
    iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 
    iv) Building Renovation Fund  600 600 
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  21,443  21,443  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total    21,443  21,443  
Grand Total     197,204  197,204  
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 10 - 
 
  4.1  WTO Secretariat  
4.4.  Table 4 shows the  approved budget for the WTO Secretariat for the biennium 2018 -2019.  
Table 4 Budget for the WTO Secretariat 201 8 - 2019 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2018  2019  
A Staffing Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  85,269  85,269  
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  21,380  21,380  
    iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  5,765  5,765  
    iv) Staff Family & International 
Benefits  12,661  12,661  
    v) Other Staff Expenditure  1,767  1,767  
  1. Staff Expenditure Total   126,842  126,842  
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  8,978  8,978  
    ii) Consulting  6,616  6,616  
    iii) Panellists  815 815 
  2. Temporary Assistance Total   16,409  16,409  
A Staffing Resources Total    143,252  143,252  
B Other Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  822 822 
    ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  10,863  11,105  
    iii) Energy & Supplies  2,231  2,231  
    iv) Documentation & Publication  1,469  1,469  
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  87 87 
  3. General Services Total   15,471  15,713  
  4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  7,094  7,184  
    ii) Hospitality  215 215 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total   7,308  7,398  
  5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 213 
  5. Implementing Partners Total   213 213 
  6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed Assets  1,737  1,405  
    ii) Rental & Leasing of Equipment  920 920 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total   2,657  2,325  
  7. Financial Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest Charges  80 80 
    ii) Building Loan Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  
  7. Financial Expenditure Total   1,280  1,280  
B Other Resources Total    26,929  26,929  
C Operating Funds 
and ITC  8. Contributions to ITC 
& Special Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,243  18,243  
    iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 
    iv) Building Renovation Fund  600 600 
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  19,443  19,443  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total    19,443  19,443  
Grand Total     189,624  189,624  
 
  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 11 - 
 
  4.2  Appellate Body Secretariat  
Table 5 Budget for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 201 8 – 2019 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2018  2019  
A Staffing Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff  Remuneration  3,261  3,261  
    ii) Staff Pension & Post -
Employment Benefits  730 730 
    iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  179 179 
    iv) Staff Family & International 
Benefits  361 361 
    v) Other Staff Expenditure  43 43 
  1. Staff Expenditure Total   4,573  4,573  
  2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  55 55 
    ii) Consulting  25 25 
    iii) Appellate Body Members 
Fees 791 791 
  2. Temporary Assistance Total   871 871 
A Staffing Resources Total    5,444  5,444  
B Other Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  10 10 
    ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  18 18 
    iii) Energy & Supplies  20 20 
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication  10 10 
    v) Other / Miscellaneous  2 2 
  3. General Services Total   59 59 
  4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  50 50 
    ii) Hospitality  1 1 
  4. Travel & Hospitality Total   51 51 
  6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed Assets  25 25 
    ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  0 0 
  6. Capital Expenditure Total   25 25 
B Other Resources Total    136 136 
C Operating Funds 
and ITC  8. Contributions to ITC 
& Special Reserves  ii) Appellate Body Operating 
Fund 2,000  2,000  
  8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  2,000  2,000  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total    2,000  2,000  
Grand Total     7,580  7,580  
 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 12 - 
 
  5  BUDGET PER OUTPUT CHAPTER  (UNREVISED)  
5.1  Background  
5.1.  Members may recall that t he projection of the budget by O utputs was introduced with the 
budget for the biennium 2016 – 2017. This led to the presentation of expenditure by an addition al 
dimension  to the reporting by Budget Line , the reporting by O utput.  
5.2.  With respect to the Output Budget for 2019, the budget remains unchanged , as approved by 
Members in the Budget Proposals 2018 -2019 last year.  
5.2  Mid-term Review by Output Chapter  
Table 6  Budget 2018-2019  by Output C hapter  (unrevised)  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Output  Budget  
2018  % 
of total  Budget  
2019  % 
of total  
1 Facilitating Negotiations  8,000  4% 9,000  5% 
2 Administering Agreed WTO 
Rules  44,000  22% 45,000  23% 
3 Monitoring Trade Policies  28,000  14% 27,000  14% 
4 Settling Disputes  44,000  22% 44,000  22% 
5 Capacity building  42,000  21% 42,000  21% 
6 Assisting Accessions  5,000  3% 5,000  3% 
7 Conducting Research  14,000  7% 13,704  7% 
8 Reaching out  12,204  6% 11,500  6% 
Grand Total  197,204  100%  197,204  100%  
 
6  INCOME FOR 201 9 (UNREVISED ) 
6.1.  The total 201 9 budget amount s to CHF 197,203,900, comprised of  CHF 189,624,000  for the 
WTO Secretariat and CHF  7,579,900  for the Secretariat of the Appellate Body . This  is to be financed 
as follows:  
Table 7 Financing of Budget 201 8 – 2019 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Income  Budget 201 8 Budget 201 9 Inc/Dec 
2019 
Contributions from WTO Members  195,500  195,500  0 
Miscellaneous Income  1,704  1,704  0 
Total  197,204  197,204  0 
6.2.  Miscellaneous Income is comprised of the following:  
Table 8  Estimated Miscellaneous Income  2019 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Item  Miscellaneous  
Income  
2018  Miscellaneous  
Income  
2019  Incr/Decr  
2019  
Contributions of Observer Countries  600 600 0 
Sale of Publications & Royalties  270 270 0 
Trust Fund - Participation to direct costs  180 180 0 
Refund of prior year's expenditure  100 100 0 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space  125 125 0 
Other  429 429 0 
Grand Total  1,704  1,704  0 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 13 - 
 
  6.3.  Miscellaneous Income for 2019 remains at the same level as projected during the Budget 
Proposals 2018 -2019.  
7  SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 201 9 
7.1.  The assessed contributions from Members for the 2019 budget remain unchanged at 
CHF 195,500,000. The 2019 assessments are based on the up -dated trade statistics as foreseen in 
Regulation 12 of the Financial Regulations of the WTO6. 
Table 9 Scale of Contributions for 201 9 
(in Swiss Francs  with a minimum contribution of 0.015 %) 
Members  2018  
Contribution  
CHF 2018  
Contribution  
% 2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 
Afghanistan  48,875  0.025%  46,920  0.024%  
Albania  43,010  0.022%  41,055  0.021%  
Angola  475,065  0.243%  428,145  0.219%  
Antigua and Barbuda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Argentina  760,495  0.389%  733,125  0.375%  
Armenia  37,145  0.019%  37,145  0.019%  
Australia  2,680,305  1.371%  2,594,285  1.327%  
Austria  1,931,540  0.988%  1,911,990  0.978%  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  164,220  0.084%  246,330  0.126%  
Bangladesh  316,710  0.162%  338,215  0.173%  
Barbados  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Belgium  3,692,995  1.889%  3,646,075  1.865%  
Belize  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Benin  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  99,705  0.051%  103,615  0.053%  
Botswana  76,245  0.039%  74,290  0.038%  
Brazil  2,519,995  1.289%  2,394,875  1.225%  
Brunei Darussalam  78,200  0.040%  72,335  0.037%  
Bulgaria  308,890  0.158%  310,845  0.159%  
Burkina Faso  29,325  0.015%  33,235  0.017%  
Burundi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cabo Verde  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cambodia  82,110  0.042%  105,570  0.054%  
Cameroon  72,335  0.037%  70,380  0.036%  
Canada  4,971,565  2.543%  4,922,690  2.518%  
Central African Republic  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Chad 43,010  0.022%  39,100  0.020%  
Chile 760,495  0.389%  731,170  0.374%  
China  19,237,200  9.840%  19,737,680  10.096%  
Colombia  580,635  0.297%  563,040  0.288%  
Congo  84,065  0.043%  78,200  0.040%  
Costa Rica  144,670  0.074%  152,490  0.078%  
Côte d'Ivoire  105,570  0.054%  109,480  0.056%  
Croatia  220,915  0.113%  220,915  0.113%  
Cuba 142,715  0.073%  136,850  0.070%  
Cyprus  121,210  0.062%  121,210  0.062%  
Czech Republic  1,391,960  0.712%  1,388,050  0.710%  
Democratic Republic of the Congo  103,615  0.053%  105,570  0.054%  
Denmark  1,503,395  0.769%  1,517,080  0.776%  
Djibouti  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Dominica  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
                                                
6 WT/L/156/Rev.3  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Members  2018  
Contribution  
CHF 2018  
Contribution  
% 2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 
Dominican Republic  158,355  0.081%  164,220  0.084%  
Ecuador  238,510  0.122%  228,735  0.117%  
Egypt  496,570  0.254%  496,570  0.254%  
El Salvador  76,245  0.039%  78,200  0.040%  
Estonia  175,950  0.090%  175,950  0.090%  
Eswatini  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
European Union7 0 0.000%  0  0.000%  
Fiji 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Finland  905,165  0.463%  877,795  0.449%  
France  7,427,045  3.799%  7,440,730  3.806%  
Gabon  66,470  0.034%  60,605  0.031%  
The Gambia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Georgia  68,425  0.035%  70,380  0.036%  
Germany  13,939,150  7.130%  13,882,455  7.101%  
Ghana  160,310  0.082%  166,175  0.085%  
Greece  637,330  0.326%  608,005  0.311%  
Grenada  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guatemala  142,715  0.073%  146,625  0.075%  
Guinea  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guinea -Bissau  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guyana  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Haiti 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Honduras  74,290  0.038%  76,245  0.039%  
Hong Kong, China  5,233,535  2.677%  5,427,080  2.776%  
Hungary  1,000,960  0.512%  991,185  0.507%  
Iceland  62,560  0.032%  76,245  0.039%  
India 4,480,860  2.292%  4,445,670  2.274%  
Indonesia  1,769,275  0.905%  1,722,355  0.881%  
Ireland  2,121,175  1.085%  2,361,640  1.208%  
Israel  834,785  0.427%  842,605  0.431%  
Italy 5,233,535  2.677%  5,096,685  2.607%  
Jamaica  52,785  0.027%  52,785  0.027%  
Japan  8,091,745  4.139%  7,896,245  4.039%  
Jordan  166,175  0.085%  168,130  0.086%  
Kazakhstan   615,825  0.315%  570,860  0.292%  
Kenya  119,255  0.061%  127,075  0.065%  
Korea, Republic of  5,913,875  3.025%  5,777,025  2.955%  
Kuwait, the State of  682,295  0.349%  645,150  0.330%  
Kyrgyz Republic  41,055  0.021%  41,055  0.021%  
Lao People's Democratic Republic  31,280  0.016%  37,145  0.019%  
Latvia  158,355  0.081%  160,310  0.082%  
Lesotho  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Liberia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Liechtenstein  64,515  0.033%  64,515  0.033%  
Lithuania  316,710  0.162%  316,710  0.162%  
Luxembourg  889,525  0.455%  930,580  0.476%  
Macao, China  248,285  0.127%  256,105  0.131%  
Madagascar  29,325  0.015%  31,280  0.016%  
Malawi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Malaysia  2,015,605  1.031%  1,966,730  1.006%  
Maldives  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
                                                
7 The European Union is not subject to contributions. However, its 28 members are assessed 
individually. The total share of members of the European Union represents 33.6% of the total assessed 
contributions of 2019.  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Members  2018  
Contribution  
CHF 2018  
Contribution  
% 2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 
Mali 31,280  0.016%  31,280  0.016%  
Malta  136,850  0.070%  136,850  0.070%  
Mauritania  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Mauritius  58,650  0.030%  58,650  0.030%  
Mexico  3,612,840  1.848%  3,720,365  1.903%  
Moldova, Republic of  37,145  0.019%  37,145  0.019%  
Mongolia  56,695  0.029%  54,740  0.028%  
Montenegro  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Morocco  347,990  0.178%  353,855  0.181%  
Mozambique  68,425  0.035%  70,380  0.036%  
Myanmar  103,615  0.053%  115,345  0.059%  
Namibia  56,695  0.029%  50,830  0.026%  
Nepal  41,055  0.021%  44,965  0.023%  
Netherlands  5,778,980  2.956%  5,745,745  2.939%  
New Zealand  457,470  0.234%  459,425  0.235%  
Nicaragua  52,785  0.027%  54,740  0.028%  
Niger  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Nigeria  742,900  0.380%  656,880  0.336%  
Norway  1,477,980  0.756%  1,411,510  0.722%  
Oman  392,955  0.201%  383,180  0.196%  
Pakistan  342,125  0.175%  346,035  0.177%  
Panama  263,925  0.135%  263,925  0.135%  
Papua New Guinea  66,470  0.034%  62,560  0.032%  
Paraguay  113,390  0.058%  111,435  0.057%  
Peru 418,370  0.214%  418,370  0.214%  
Philippines  666,655  0.341%  719,440  0.368%  
Poland  2,107,490  1.078%  2,142,680  1.096%  
Portugal  778,090  0.398%  772,225  0.395%  
Qatar  811,325  0.415%  793,730  0.406%  
Romania  670,565  0.343%  688,160  0.352%  
Russian Federation  4,236,485  2.167%  3,937,370  2.014%  
Rwanda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Kitts and Nevis  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Lucia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Samoa  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  2,455,480  1.256%  2,326,450  1.190%  
Senegal  46,920  0.024%  46,920  0.024%  
Seychelles  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sierra Leone  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Singapore  4,762,380  2.436%  4,774,110  2.442%  
Slovak Republic  764,405  0.391%  768,315  0.393%  
Slovenia  304,980  0.156%  303,025  0.155%  
Solomon Islands  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
South Africa  1,024,420  0.524%  973,590  0.498%  
Spain  3,696,905  1.891%  3,663,670  1.874%  
Sri Lanka  168,130  0.086%  173,995  0.089%  
Suriname  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sweden  2,105,535  1.077%  2,068,390  1.058%  
Switzerland  3,712,545  1.899%  3,710,590  1.898%  
Chinese Taipei  3,378,240  1.728%  3,384,105  1.731%  
Tajikistan  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tanzania  95,795  0.049%  95,795  0.049%  
Thailand  2,390,965  1.223%  2,404,650  1.230%  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Members  2018  
Contribution  
CHF 2018  
Contribution  
% 2019  
Contribution  
CHF 2019  
Contribution  
% 
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  52,785  0.027%  52,785  0.027%  
Togo 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tonga  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Trinidad and Tobago  125,120  0.064%  117,300  0.060%  
Tunisia  207,230  0.106%  199,410  0.102%  
Turkey  2,017,560  1.032%  2,011,695  1.029%  
Uganda  54,740  0.028%  54,740  0.028%  
Ukraine  690,115  0.353%  627,555  0.321%  
United Arab Emirates  2,936,410  1.502%  3,071,305  1.571%  
United Kingdom  7,407,495  3.789%  7,446,595  3.809%  
United States of America  22,251,810  11.382%  22,660,405  11.591%  
Uruguay  121,210  0.062%  144,670  0.074%  
Vanuatu  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  664,700  0.340%  570,860  0.292%  
Viet Nam  1,247,290  0.638%  1,401,735  0.717%  
Yemen  89,930  0.046%  89,930  0.046%  
Zambia  87,975  0.045%  86,020  0.044%  
Zimbabwe  56,695  0.029%  54,740  0.028%  
TOTAL  195,500,000  100.000%  195,500,000  100.000%  
 
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 17 - 
 
  8  KEY ACTIVIT IES AND BUDGETARY INDICATORS  
8.1.  The following graphs show the evolution of several key areas of WTO activities financed under 
the regular budget.  
8.1  Translation and Documentation  since 1997  
Figure 1 Number of words translated, counted in words of the original language 1997 - 
2018 
(January - August)  
(in 1,000 words)  
 
 
  
 - 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 12,500 15,000 17,500 20,000 22,500 25,000 27,500 30,000 32,500 35,000
Number of words
(in thousands)WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 18 - 
 
  8.2  Meetings  since 1997  
Figure 2 Number of formal, informal and private meetings  1997 -2018 
(January - August)  
 
 
Figure 3 Days of freelance interpreters  1997 -2018 
(January - August)  
 
 
 
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,5005,0005,5006,0006,5007,000
Number of meetings
 - 250 500 750 1,000 1,250 1,500 1,750 2,000 2,250 2,500
Number of days of
freelance interpretersWT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 19 - 
 
  8.3  Dispute Settlement Panels  since 1997  
Figure 4 Dispute Settlement Panels Expenditure 1997 -2018 (per Year)  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
 
 
*  Estimate based on actual expenditure as at 31st of August 2018. 
** Prior to 2013, no project -based lawyers had been hired . 
8.2.  Dispute settlement activity remains high  at the panel level.  As of mid -September  2018, 
24 panel proceedings and six arbitrations under Article 22.6 of the DSU (determination of the level 
of nullification or impairment) were ongoing. These figures include panel reports in translation. They 
also i nclude five panels at the composition stage, increasing the likelihood of further disputes 
requiring staffing before the end of the year.  
8.3.  The workload of the Legal Affairs and Rules Divisions is expected to continue to intensify in the 
year to come , consid ering the number of cases in respect of which panels have recently been 
established or panel requests  are pending, as well as the exceptionally high number of requests for 
consultations filed by Members in recent months. By mid -September 2018, Members had requested 
consultations in 35 cases, more than twice the number of requests filed by the same period last 
year. While  not every request for consultations leads to an active panel proceeding, past experience 
suggests that most of them do. By mid -September 2 018, the D ispute Settlement Body had also 
established nine panels, with four more requests pending.  
8.4.  Against that backdrop, the Legal Affairs and Rules Divisions have continued to prioritize the 
effective allocation of their personnel. While these effort s have helped the two Divisions to address 
their increasing workloads, the initiation of work in three Rules Division panels established in recent 
months has, nevertheless, been significantly delayed because of the unavailability of  staff. 
02505007501,0001,2501,5001,7502,0002,2502,500
Travel Expenditure and Panellist Fees
 Short term Staff Dispute Settlement**WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Figure 5 Appellate Body Variable Expenditure  per Year 1997 -2018 (ABOF)   
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
 
8.5.  The variable cost of appeals charged to the Appellate Body Operating Fund (ABOF) mainly 
includes the variable fees for the Appellate Body Members as well as expenditure for travel and per 
diem.  
8.6.  The continuing high level of the dispute settlement activity has also been reflected in the 
workload of the Appellate Body Secretariat. At the end of September 2018,  the Appellate Body was 
dealing with eleven appeals. These appeals include the compliance proceedings in one of the large 
civil aircraft cases and the appeals of the panel reports in Australia – Tobacco Plain Packaging . The 
latter appeals as well as five other appeals will on ly be fully staffed, once appeals initiated earlier 
have been completed. In the past twelve months the Appellate Body issued seven reports . The 
Appellate Body will be unable to complete a similar workload in the next twelve months, unless the 
four vacancie s on the Appellate Body are filled. In document WT/BFA/W/427 the Secretariat 
highlighted to Members that b y the end of 2017, the waiting period between the filing of an appeal 
and the time when it can be staffed is expected to rise to a year.  As at the end  of September 2018 
this waiting period largely exceeds one year. The Secretariat expects to circulate three additional 
panel reports before the end of the year , which may also be appealed.  
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
Variable Cost Appeals (ABOF)WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 21 - 
 
  8.4  Budgetary  Evolution  since  1995  
Table 10 Budgetary Evolution 1995 -2019 
(in Swiss Francs)  
Year WTO  Appellate Body  Total Budget 
in CHF  % Increase  
1995 105,389,500  0 105,389,500   
1996 115,693,503  0 115,693,503  9.78%  
1997 114,111,750  1,581,000  115,692,750  0.00%  
1998 114,399,250  1,579,600  115,978,850  0.25%  
1999 120,204,500  1,990,950  122,195,450  5.36%  
2000 125,386,460  2,310,550  127,697,010  4.50%  
2001 131,305,610  2,778,000  134,083,610  5.00%  
2002 140,313,850  2,816,000  143,129,850  6.75%  
2003 151,983,150  2,971,200  154,954,350  8.26%  
2004 157,060,700  4,715,800  161,776,500  4.40%  
2005 164,131,000  4,572,400  168,703,400  4.28%  
2006 170,274,150  4,726,000  175,000,150  3.73%  
2007 176,865,250  5,111,200  181,976,450  3.99%  
2008 180,483,300  4,408,200  184,891,500  1.60%  
2009 183,744,100  5,513,500  189,257,600  2.36%  
2010 188,483,400  5,506,100  193,989,500  2.50%  
2011 190,381,300  5,622,600  196,003,900  1.04%  
2012 189,962,500  6,041,400  196,003,900  0.00%  
2013 191,099,300  6,104,600  197,203,900  0.61%  
2014 190,899,300  6,304,600  197,203,900  0.00%  
2015 190,699,300  6,504,600  197,203,900  0.00%  
2016 189,713,000  7,490,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
2017 189,624,000  7,579,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
2018 189,624,000  7,579,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
2019 189,624,000  7,579,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 22 - 
 
  8.5  Evolution of Contributions  
Table 11 Evolution of Contributions 1995 -2019  
 
Year Contributions  
in CHF  % 
Increase  
1995 104,400,000    
1996 113,300,000  8.52%  
1997 114,200,000  0.79%  
1998 114,400,000  0.18%  
1999 121,100,000  5.86%  
2000 126,600,000  4.54%  
2001 132,900,000  4.98%  
2002 142,100,000  6.92%  
2003 153,800,000  8.23%  
2004 160,560,000  4.40%  
2005 167,400,000  4.26%  
2006 173,700,000  3.76%  
2007 180,500,000  3.91%  
2008 177,900,000  -1.44%  
2009 183,700,000  3.26%  
2010 189,400,000  3.10%  
2011 194,300,000  2.59%  
2012 194,300,000  0.00%  
2013 195,500,000  0.62%  
2014 195,500,000  0.00%  
2015 195,500,000  0.00%  
2016 195,500,000  0.00%  
2017 195,500,000  0.00%  
2018 195,500,000  0.00%  
2019 195,500,000  0.00%  
 
  WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 23 - 
 
  8.6  Regular Post Evolution since 1995  
Table 12 Regular Post  Evolution 1995 -2019 
 
Year Regular Posts  
Total  % 
change  WTO  Appellate  
Body  
1995 445 0 445   
1996 513 0 513 15.3%  
1997 507 6 513 0.0%  
1998 507 6 513 0.0%  
1999 524 9 533 3.9%  
2000 530 9 539 1.1%  
2001 539 13 552 2.4%  
2002 547 13 560 1.4%  
2003 577 13 590 5.4%  
2004 594 14 608 3.1%  
2005 593.5  15 608.5  0.1%  
2006 620.5  15 635.5  4.4%  
2007 622.5  15 637.5  0.3%  
2008 624.5  15 639.5  0.3%  
2009 624.5  15 639.5  0.0%  
2010 626.5  15 641.5  0.3%  
2011 630.5  15 645.5  0.6%  
2012 631.5  17 648.5  0.5%  
2013 630.5  15 645.5  -0.5%  
2014 627.5  18 645.5  0.0%  
2015 627.5  18 645.5  0.0%  
2016 620.5  25 645.5  0.0%  
2017 619.5  26 645.5  0.0%  
2018 619.5  26 645.5  0.0%  
2019 619.5  26 645.5  0.0%  
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/465  
 
- 24 - 
 
  8.7  Regular Posts  by Division  
Table 13 Regular Posts8 per Division  September 2018 
(in work -years, as at 1st September  2018)  
Secretariat  Division  Grades 
1 - 10 Grades 
11 - 12 Senior 
Management  Grand 
Total  
WTO Senior Management  4 0 5 9 
  Accessions Division  7 1 0 8 
  Administration and General Services 
Division  62 1 0 63 
  Agriculture and Commodities Division  18 1 0 19 
  Office of the Director -General  14 1 0 15 
  Council and TNC Division  13 1 0 14 
  Development Division  17 1 0 18 
  Economic Research and Statistics Division  39 1 0 40 
  Human Resources Division  27 1 0 28 
  Legal Affairs Division  32 2 0 34 
  Market Access Division  17 1 0 18 
  Rules Division  28 1 0 29 
  Trade and Environment Division  12 1 0 13 
  Trade Policies Review Division  50 2 0 52 
  Information and External Relations 
Division  29 1 0 30 
  Languages, Documentation and 
Information Management Division  121 1 0 122 
  Information Technology Solutions Division  41 1 0 42 
  Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation  31 1 0 32 
  Office of Internal Oversight  2 0 0 2 
  Intellectual Property, Government 
Procurement and Competition Division  15 1 0 16 
  Trade in Services and Investment Division  16 1 0 17 
Sub-Total WTO    594 21 5 620 
Appellate Body  Appellate Body Secretariat  25 1 0 26 
Grand Total    619 22 5 6469 
 
8.8  Filling of Vacancies 201 4-2018 
Table 14 Filling of Vacancies 201 4-2018 
Number of Posts  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018 * Grand 
Total  
Recruitments through vacancy announcements 
(external and internal)  37 75 58 51 31 252 
Projection of additional posts to be filled by 
year-end         17 17 
Grand Total  37 75 58 51 48 269 
*  Situat ion as at 31 August  2018.   
 
8.7.   Over the last years , there has been a significant increase in the number of vacancy notices 
issued and subsequent appointments. The projected recruitments for the end of 2018 are in line 
with the number of recruitments in 2017. The efficiency gains which have been achieved o ver the 
previous years in the recruitment process lead to much faster filling of posts. Therefore, the eventual  
savings for future years under vacant posts  are decreasing . 
__________  
                                                
8 Posts rounded to nearest full number.  
9 Total number of posts: 645.5.