RESTRICTED  
 
WT/BFA/151  
20 November 2015  
(15-6174)  Page: 1/13  
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration   
 
  REPORT OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 23 AND 30 OCTOBER, 6 AND 16 NOVEMBER 2015 
The Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) met on 23 October, 30 October, 
6 November and 16 November 2015 under the ch airmanship of Ambassador Daniel Blockert 
(Sweden). The terms of reference and composition of the Committee are set out in document 
WT/L/44/REV.1. The agenda contained in document WTO/AIR/BFA/6 was adopted. 
1  WTO BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 2016-2017 (WT/BFA/W/374 & 374/REV.1) 
1.1.  The Director-General presented to the Committee his budget proposals for the biennium 
2016-2017. Due to budgetary constraints and give n the current unfavourable economic situation, 
the Director-General presented a Zero No minal Growth (ZNG) budget for 2016 and 2017. 
Nonetheless, he noted that the level of activity in dispute settlement was actually increasing quite 
significantly. During the year, the WTO was faced with a situation where its Members wanted to 
receive more services from the Secretariat for a lower unit cost. 
1.2.  The Secretariat drew attention to the fact  that the budget proposal reflected the 6th and 7th 
consecutive Zero Nominal Growth budgets for the WTO. In preparing the proposal all budget lines 
had been reviewed to ensure that the allocati ons would meet the estimated expenditures. For 
example, the increased costs of regular building maintenance, now that the WTO is owner of the 
building, required concomitant reallocations as well as the endowment of a newly established 
building renovation fund. 
1.3.  The Secretariat also reported that reallocations were proposed in the area of dispute 
settlement resources. Budget amounts of more than  CHF 1 million were shifted from the WTO to 
the Appellate Body (AB) increasing the total number of AB posts up to 25. In total, 29 posts have 
been reallocated internally to dispute settlement re lated divisions. The majority of the reallocated 
posts came from support divisions. Additionally, the budget for dispute settlement panellist fees 
was increased – the last adjustment having been made 22 years ago. Fees for non-governmental 
panellists will be increased from CHF 600 to CHF 900 per day and panellists from governments will 
be offered CHF 300 per day to address issues of availability. 
1.4.  The Committee sought clarifications on the allocation of resources to dispute settlement 
activities. Members welcomed efforts to address the pressures on the dispute settlement system. 
A few Members stressed the need to ensure that resources allocated to the dispute settlement area be used effectively while preserving the flexib ility to transfer resources away from this area, 
should the levels of activity decline. Members also  expressed a preference for the ITC re-costing to 
be absorbed in the WTO budget. The Secretar iat responded accordingly and absorbed the 
additional CHF 305,000 in the budget of the WT O. This was possible due to a cut in library 
subscriptions as well as the proposal to Members to realize savings in the area of printed and 
mailed documentation. Members would be asked to contribute by voluntarily limiting printed and mailed documentation they received, which was expected to generate the additional savings in 
paper supplies and postal expenditure.  
1.5.  The Committee reached a consensus and conclu ded with the approval of the following 
recommendation. WT/BFA/151 
 
- 2 - 
 
  1.1  Revised Budget Estimates for 2016 
1.6.  The Committee submits to the General Counc il for consideration and approval the 
following budget proposal on the income  and expenditure of the World Trade 
Organization in 2016 and the ways and means to meet such expenditure. 
The General Council, 
 HAVING CONSIDERED, 
 
1.7.  The Estimates of expenditure of the Secretar iat of the World Trade Organization for 2016 
(CHF 189,713,000) and for the Appellate Body and its Secretariat for 2016 (CHF 7,490,900) amounting to a total of CHF 197,203,900 as set forth in Tables 1, 2 and 3 annexed to this 
Resolution. 
RESOLVE that, 
 
1.8.  The financing of the amount of CHF 197,203,900 with regard to the Secretariat of the WTO 
and the Appellate Body and its Secretariat referred to above shall be as follows: 
a. by contributions from Members, on the basi s of a minimum contribution of 0.015%, in 
the amount of CHF 195,500,000; and 
b. by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900. 
1.9.  The contributions of the Members shall be assess ed in accordance with the attached scale of 
contributions. Contributions from Members in respect of the 2016 budget are considered as due 
and payable in full as at 1 January 2016. 
1.2  Revised Budget Estimates for 2017 
1.10.  The Committee, bearing in mind the guidelines on biennial budgeting 
(WT/BFA/W/105/Rev.1) approved by the General Council (WT/GC/M/82), including the 
reference to revisions to the second year of the biennium1, recommends to the General 
Council for consideration and approval the fo llowing budget proposal on the income and 
expenditure of the World Trade Organization  in 2017 and the ways and means to meet 
such expenditure. 
The General Council, 
HAVING CONSIDERED, 
 
1.11.  The Estimates of expenditure of the Secr etariat of the World Trade Organization 
for 2017 (CHF 189,624,000), and for the Appellate Body and its Secretariat for 2017 
(CHF 7,579,900) amounting to a total of CHF 197,203,900 as set forth in Tables 3, 4 and 
5 annexed to this Resolution. 
RESOLVE that, 
 
1.12.  The financing of the amount of CHF 197,203,900 with regard to the Secretariat of the WTO 
and the Appellate Body and its Secretariat referred to above shall be as follows: 
a. by contributions from Members, on the basi s of a minimum contribution of 0.015%, in 
the amount of CHF 195,500,000; and 
b. by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900. 
                                               
1 "…if it proves necessary due to unexpected chan ges in inflation rates and other elements (e.g. the 
levels of translation resources required to cope with a greater or lesser volume of documentation)  when the 
biennial budget was approved …, the Committee would examine a revision to the second year of the biennial 
budget prepared by the Director-General, which could propose increases, decreases or reallocations of 
resources for the second year, and make the approp riate recommendation to the General Council for 
approval..." (WT/BFA/W/105/Rev.1). WT/BFA/151 
 
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  Table 1. 2016-2017 Revised Consolidated WTO Budget 
(in thousand Swiss francs) 
Part Section Line 2015 2016 2017 Inc/ 
Dec 
2016 Inc/
Dec 
2017  
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff 
Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 90,532 90,482 90,482 -50 0 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment Benefits 21,960 22,110 22,110 150 0 
  iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance 6,074 5,944 5,944 -130 0 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits 11,244 11,069 11,069 -175 0 
  v) Other Staff 
Expenditure 1,605 1,810 1,810 205 0 
 2. Temporary 
Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 8,110 9,013 9,013 903 0 
  ii) Consulting 7,933 6,770 6,770 -1,163 0 
  iii) Panellists & 
Appellate Body Member Fees 1,124 1,506 1,506 382 0 
A Staffing Resources Total  148,582  148,705  148,705 122 0 
B Other Resources       
 3. General 
Services i) Telecommunication & 
Post 1,686 831 831 -855 0 
  ii) Contractual Services 
& Maintenance 9,649 10,681 10,681 1,032 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 2,341 2,251 2,251 -90 0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication 1,681 1,479 1,479 -202 0 
  v) Other / 
Miscellaneous 244 89 89 -155 0 
 4. Travel & 
Hospitality i) Travel 7,245 7,135 7,135 -110 0 
  ii) Hospitality 235 215 215 -20 0 
 5. Implementing 
Partners i) Implementing 
Partners 273 213 213 -60 0 
 6. Capital 
Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets 1,510 1,430 1,430 -80 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment 1,457 920 920 -537 0 
 7. Financial 
Expenditure i) Bank & Interest 
Charges 30 80 80 50 0 
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement 1,200 1,200 1,200 0 0 
B Other Resources Total  27,551  26,524  26,524 -1,027 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions 
to ITC & Special 
Reserves i) Contribution to ITC 18,470 18,775 18,775 305 0 
  ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund 2,000 2,000 2,000 0 0 
  iii) Ministerial 
Conference Operating 
Fund 600 600 600 0 0 
  iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 0 600 600 600 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total 21,070  21,975  21,975 905 0 
Grand Total  197,204  197,204  197,204 0 0  
 WT/BFA/151 
 
- 4 - 
 
  Table 2. 2016-2017 Revised Budget for the WTO Secretariat 
(in thousand Swiss francs) 
Part Section Line 2015 2016 2017 Inc/ 
Dec 
2016 Inc/
Dec 
2017 
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 88,055 87,221 87,157 -833 -65 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment 
Benefits 21,440 21,400 21,380 -40 -20 
  iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance 5,917 5,770 5,765 -147 -5 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits 10,948 10,773 10,773 -175 0 
  v) Other Staff 
Expenditure 1,562 1,767 1,767 205 0 
 2. Temporary 
Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 8,066 8,958 8,958 892 0 
  ii) Consulting 7,933 6,745 6,745 -1,188 0 
  iii) Panellists 365 715 715 350 0 
A Staffing Resources Total  144,285  143,349 143,260 -936  -89 
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & 
Post 1,645 822 822 -824 0 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance 9,631 10,663 10,663 1,032 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 2,321 2,231 2,231 -90 0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication 1,671 1,469 1,469 -202 0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous 217 87 87 -130 0 
 4. Travel & 
Hospitality i) Travel 7,195 7,085 7,085 -110 0 
  ii) Hospitality 234 214 214 -20 0 
 5. Implementing 
Partners i) Implementing Partners 273 213 213 -60 0 
 6. Capital 
Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets 1,485 1,405 1,405 -80 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment 1,442 920 920 -522 0 
 7. Financial 
Expenditure i) Bank & Interest 
Charges 30 80 80 50 0 
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement 1,200 1,200 1,200 0 0 
B Other Resources Total  27,344  26,388 26,388 -956  0 
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions to 
ITC & Special Reserves i) Contribution to ITC 18,470 18,775 18,775 305 0 
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund 600 600 600 0 0 
  iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 0 600 600 600 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total 19,070  19,975 19,975 905 0 
Grand Total  190,699  189,713 189,624 -986  -89 
 WT/BFA/151 
 
- 5 - 
 
  Table 3. 2016-2017 Revised Budget for the Appellate Body Secretariat 
(in thousand Swiss francs) 
Part Section Line 2015 2016 2017 Inc/ 
Dec 
2016 Inc/
Dec 
2017 
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 2,478 3,261 3,326 783 65 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment Benefits 520 710 730 190 20 
  iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance 157 174 179 17 5 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits 296 296 296 0 0 
  v) Other Staff 
Expenditure 43 43 43 0 0 
 2. Temporary 
Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 45 55 55 11 0 
  ii) Consulting 0 25 25 25 0 
  iii) Appellate Body 
Member Fees 759 791 791 32 0 
A Staffing Resources Total  4,298  5,355  5,444 1,058  89 
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & 
Post 41 10 10 -32 0 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance 18 18 18 0 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 20 20 20 0 0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication 10 10 10 0 0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous 27 2 2 -25 0 
 4. Travel & 
Hospitality i) Travel 50 50 50 0 0 
  ii) Hospitality 1 1 1 0 0 
 6. Capital 
Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets 25 25 25 0 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment 15 0 0 -15 0 
B Other Resources Total  207  136 136 -72  0 
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions to 
ITC & Special Reserves ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund 2,000 2,000 2,000 0 0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total 2,000  2,000  2,000 0 0 
Grand Total  6,505  7,491  7,580 986  89 
 WT/BFA/151 
 
- 6 - 
 
  1.3  Revised Contributions 2016 
Table 4. Revised Contributions 2016 
(in Swiss Francs and with a minimum contribution of 0.015%) 
Member 2015 
Contribution  
CHF 2015 
Contri- 
bution 
% 2016 
Contribution  
CHF 2016 
Contri- 
bution 
% Interest 
earned 
in 2014 
for 2016 
CHF 2016 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Albania 52,785 0.027% 48,875  0.025% 30  48,845  
Angola 512,210 0.262% 504,390  0.258% 198  504,192  
Antigua and Barbuda 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Argentina 801,550 0.410% 805,460  0.412% 0  805,460  
Armenia 33,235 0.017% 33,235  0.017% 6  33,229  
Australia 2,725,270 1.394% 2,772,190  1.418% 1,627  2,770,563  
Austria 2,148,545 1.099% 2,046,885  1.047% 984  2,045,901  
Bahrain, Kingdom of 173,995 0.089% 170,085  0.087% 98  169,987  
Bangladesh 263,925 0.135% 287,385  0.147% 128  287,257  
Barbados 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 12  29,313  
Belgium 4,013,615 2.053% 3,884,585  1.987% 2,155  3,882,430  
Belize 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 13  29,312  
Benin 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Bolivia, Plurinational State 
of 78,200 0.040% 86,020  0.044% 14  86,006  
Botswana 60,605 0.031% 64,515  0.033% 25  64,490  
Brazil 2,504,355 1.281% 2,568,870  1.314% 0  2,568,870  
Brunei Darussalam 72,335 0.037% 72,335  0.037% 30  72,305  
Bulgaria 326,485 0.167% 318,665  0.163% 209  318,456  
Burkina Faso 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Burundi 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Cabo Verde 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Cambodia 76,245 0.039% 82,110  0.042% 36  82,074  
Cameroon 72,335 0.037% 70,380  0.036% 0  70,380  
Canada 5,145,560 2.632% 5,069,315  2.593% 3,258  5,066,057  
Central African Republic 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Chad 44,965 0.023% 48,875  0.025% 0  48,875  
Chile 787,865 0.403% 791,775  0.405% 266  791,509  
China 16,850,145 8.619% 17,927,350  9.170% 1,828  17,925,522  
Colombia 525,895 0.269% 561,085  0.287% 244  560,841  
Congo 58,650 0.030% 89,930  0.046% 2  89,928  
Costa Rica 138,805 0.071% 132,940  0.068% 95  132,845  
Côte d'Ivoire 101,660 0.052% 101,660  0.052% 0  101,660  
Croatia 265,880 0.136% 240,465  0.123% 17  240,448  
Cuba 148,580 0.076% 148,580  0.076% 29  148,551  
Cyprus 109,480 0.056% 107,525  0.055% 67  107,458  
Czech Republic 1,401,735 0.717% 1,407,600  0.720% 797  1,406,803  
Democratic Republic of 
the Congo 89,930 0.046% 93,840  0.048% 0  93,840  
Denmark 1,648,065 0.843% 1,567,910  0.802% 840  1,567,070  
Djibouti 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Dominica 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Dominican Republic 142,715 0.073% 156,400  0.080% 0  156,400  
Ecuador 226,780 0.116% 234,600  0.120% 7  234,593  
Egypt 561,085 0.287% 541,535  0.277% 347  541,188  
El Salvador 78,200 0.040% 76,245  0.039% 0  76,245  WT/BFA/151 
 
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  Member 2015 
Contribution  
CHF 2015 
Contri- 
bution 
% 2016 
Contribution  
CHF 2016 
Contri- 
bution 
% Interest 
earned 
in 2014 
for 2016 
CHF 2016 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Estonia 175,950 0.090% 175,950  0.090% 116  175,834  
European Union2 0 0.000% 0  0.000% 0  0  
Fiji 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 12  29,313  
Finland 1,061,565 0.543% 983,365  0.503% 555  982,810  
France 7,741,800 3.960% 7,606,905  3.891% 4,469  7,602,436  
Gabon 66,470 0.034% 64,515  0.033% 0  64,515  
The Gambia 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Georgia 58,650 0.030% 62,560  0.032% 33  62,527  
Germany 15,941,070 8.154% 14,805,215  7.573% 10,445  14,794,770  
Ghana 134,895 0.069% 148,580  0.076% 67  148,513  
Greece 785,910 0.402% 692,070  0.354% 179  691,891  
Grenada 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Guatemala 136,850 0.070% 138,805  0.071% 49  138,756  
Guinea 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Guinea-Bissau 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Guyana 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 18  29,307  
Haiti 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 16  29,309  
Honduras 84,065 0.043% 78,200  0.040% 37  78,163  
Hong Kong, China 4,985,250 2.550% 5,126,010  2.622% 3,072  5,122,938  
Hungary 1,129,990 0.578% 1,067,430  0.546% 696  1,066,734  
Iceland 72,335 0.037% 60,605  0.031% 33  60,572  
India 4,187,610 2.142% 4,371,380  2.236% 1,578  4,369,802  
Indonesia 1,737,995 0.889% 1,788,825  0.915% 853  1,787,972  
Ireland 2,025,380 1.036% 1,955,000  1.000% 1,271  1,953,729  
Israel 842,605 0.431% 832,830  0.426% 314  832,516  
Italy 6,007,715 3.073% 5,677,320  2.904% 2,958  5,674,362  
Jamaica 62,560 0.032% 56,695  0.029% 0  56,695  
Japan 8,785,770 4.494% 8,476,880  4.336% 3,266  8,473,614  
Jordan 162,265 0.083% 164,220  0.084% 79  164,141  
Kazakhstan  0 0.000% 631,465  0.323% 0  631,465  
Kenya 115,345 0.059% 111,435  0.057% 20  111,415  
Korea, Republic of 5,632,355 2.881% 5,890,415  3.013% 981  5,889,434  
Kuwait, the State of 678,385 0.347% 682,295  0.349% 0  682,295  
Kyrgyz Republic 37,145 0.019% 37,145  0.019% 7  37,138  
Lao People's Democratic 
Republic 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 16  29,309  
Latvia 154,445 0.079% 152,490  0.078% 97  152,393  
Lesotho 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Liechtenstein 52,785 0.027% 60,605  0.031% 30  60,575  
Lithuania 295,205 0.151% 301,070  0.154% 10  301,060  
Luxembourg 762,450 0.390% 789,820  0.404% 292  789,528  
Macao, China 242,420 0.124% 277,610  0.142% 106  277,504  
Madagascar 31,280 0.016% 31,280  0.016% 7  31,273  
Malawi 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Malaysia 2,191,555 1.121% 2,191,555  1.121% 1,350  2,190,205  
Maldives 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 7  29,318  
Mali 29,325 0.015% 31,280  0.016% 12  31,268  
Malta 80,155 0.041% 103,615  0.053% 49  103,566  
Mauritania 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
                                               
2 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 34.756% of the total assessed contributions for 2016. WT/BFA/151 
 
- 8 - 
 
  Member 2015 
Contribution  
CHF 2015 
Contri- 
bution 
% 2016 
Contribution  
CHF 2016 
Contri- 
bution 
% Interest 
earned 
in 2014 
for 2016 
CHF 2016 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Mauritius 58,650 0.030% 60,605  0.031% 36  60,569  
Mexico 3,393,880 1.736% 3,436,890  1.758% 1,447  3,435,443  
Moldova, Republic of 39,100 0.020% 37,145  0.019% 22  37,123  
Mongolia 46,920 0.024% 50,830  0.026% 0  50,830  
Montenegro 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 19  29,306  
Morocco 371,450 0.190% 355,810  0.182% 200  355,610  
Mozambique 52,785 0.027% 58,650  0.030% 19  58,631  
Myanmar 66,470 0.034% 82,110  0.042% 33  82,077  
Namibia 46,920 0.024% 56,695  0.029% 26  56,669  
Nepal 37,145 0.019% 39,100  0.020% 23  39,077  
Netherlands 5,833,720 2.984% 5,671,455  2.901% 2,748  5,668,707  
New Zealand 439,875 0.225% 443,785  0.227% 279  443,506  
Nicaragua 48,875 0.025% 48,875  0.025% 25  48,850  
Niger 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Nigeria 782,000 0.400% 752,675  0.385% 0  752,675  
Norway 1,624,605 0.831% 1,569,865  0.803% 779  1,569,086  
Oman 355,810 0.182% 377,315  0.193% 93  377,222  
Pakistan 351,900 0.180% 344,080  0.176% 163  343,917  
Panama 220,915 0.113% 236,555  0.121% 82  236,473  
Papua New Guinea 58,650 0.030% 54,740  0.028% 29  54,711  
Paraguay 105,570 0.054% 111,435  0.057% 0  111,435  
Peru 398,820 0.204% 412,505  0.211% 71  412,434  
Philippines 658,835 0.337% 652,970  0.334% 381  652,589  
Poland 2,189,600 1.120% 2,103,580  1.076% 1,377  2,102,203  
Portugal 869,975 0.445% 823,055  0.421% 235  822,820  
Qatar 647,105 0.331% 735,080  0.376% 205  734,875  
Romania 688,160 0.352% 660,790  0.338% 315  660,475  
Russian Federation 4,371,380 2.236% 4,379,200  2.240% 2,359  4,376,841  
Rwanda 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Saint Kitts and Nevis 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 14  29,311  
Saint Lucia 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 10  29,315  
Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Samoa 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of 2,422,245 1.239% 2,449,615  1.253% 676  2,448,939  
Senegal 46,920 0.024% 44,965  0.023% 17  44,948  
Seychelles  0 0.000% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Sierra Leone 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Singapore 4,609,890 2.358% 4,703,730  2.406% 2,910  4,700,820  
Slovak Republic 785,910 0.402% 778,090  0.398% 478  777,612  
Slovenia 338,215 0.173% 318,665  0.163% 223  318,442  
Solomon Islands 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 15  29,310  
South Africa 1,069,385 0.547% 1,069,385  0.547% 585  1,068,800  
Spain 4,306,865 2.203% 4,078,130  2.086% 1,507  4,076,623  
Sri Lanka 146,625 0.075% 152,490  0.078% 56  152,434  
Suriname 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Swaziland 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 6  29,319  
Sweden 2,271,710 1.162% 2,183,735  1.117% 1,357  2,182,378  
Switzerland 3,049,800 1.560% 3,460,350  1.770% 1,746  3,458,604  
Chinese Taipei 3,006,790 1.538% 2,991,150  1.530% 1,696  2,989,454  
Tajikistan 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 11  29,314  
Tanzania 84,065 0.043% 89,930  0.046% 0  89,930  
Thailand 2,301,035 1.177% 2,359,685  1.207% 1,425  2,358,260  WT/BFA/151 
 
- 9 - 
 
  Member 2015 
Contribution  
CHF 2015 
Contri- 
bution 
% 2016 
Contribution  
CHF 2016 
Contri- 
bution 
% Interest 
earned 
in 2014 
for 2016 
CHF 2016 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
The former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia 56,695 0.029% 52,785  0.027% 0  52,785  
Togo 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Tonga 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 15  29,310  
Trinidad and Tobago 127,075 0.065% 121,210  0.062% 37  121,173  
Tunisia 240,465 0.123% 226,780  0.116% 27  226,753  
Turkey 1,949,135 0.997% 1,968,685  1.007% 999  1,967,686  
Uganda 50,830 0.026% 54,740  0.028% 1  54,739  
Ukraine 819,145 0.419% 782,000  0.400% 260  781,740  
United Arab Emirates 2,559,095 1.309% 2,699,855  1.381% 163  2,699,692  
United Kingdom 7,579,535 3.877% 7,446,595  3.809% 4,635  7,441,960  
United States of America 22,114,960 11.312% 21,974,200  11.240% 224  21,973,976  
Uruguay 111,435 0.057% 117,300  0.060% 24  117,276  
Vanuatu 29,325 0.015% 29,325  0.015% 0  29,325  
Venezuela, Bolivarian 
Republic of 735,080 0.376% 711,620  0.364% 0  711,620  
Viet Nam 936,445 0.479% 1,024,420  0.524% 382  1,024,038  
Yemen 97,750 0.050% 101,660  0.052% 0  101,660  
Zambia 70,380 0.036% 78,200  0.040% 0  78,200  
Zimbabwe  37,145 0.019% 50,830  0.026% 0  50,830  
TOTAL 195,500,000  100.00%  195,500,000  100.00% 76,927  195,423,073  
 
1.4  Estimated Miscellaneous Income 2016 -2017 
Table 5. Estimated Miscellaneous Income 2016-2017 
(in thousand Swiss francs) 
 
Item 2015 2016 2017 Incr/Decr 
2016 Incr/Decr 
2017 
Contributions of Observer Countries 700 680 650 -20 -30 
Sale of Publications & Royalties 230 300 300 70 0 
Trust Fund - Participation to direct costs 180 180 180 0 0 
Refund of prior year's expenditure 200 200 200 0 0 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space 110 120 120 10 0 
Other 284 224 254 -60 30 
Total 1,704  1,704  1,704  0 0  
 
2  BIENNIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN FOR 2016-2017 
(WT/COMTD/W/211) 
2.1.  The ITTC Director presented the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan for 
2016-2017 to the Committee and emphasized the four  results areas at the core of the plan: 1) 
Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use of Members' rights; 
2) Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations, in line with WTO accession 
processes and procedures; 3) Members are accessing and using the most recent and relevant WTO-related information and data enabling them to better enforce their rights and obligations; 
and 4) MPs, journalists and civil society are interacting with WTO; and students or academic 
institutions supported by WTO are dealing wi th trade policy and WTO-related subjects. The 
Director further explained that the plan was the outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders. 
2.2.  In 2016-17, the TA Plan anticipates the same leve l of TA activity as in the last three years, 
assuming that TA resources will be stable compared to the current biennium. The Secretariat developed various strategies which should support th e implementation of the TA Plan: (i) strive to 
improve efficiency, focus on quality and manage for results; (ii) focus on activities supporting the WT/BFA/151 
 
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  implementation of the WTO Agreements; (iii) respond systematically to demands for TPR follow-
ups; (iv) provide a truly progressive learning path; (v) promote the use of interactive training methods; (vi) keep enriching and improving e-Lear ning courses; and (vii) cooperate with partners 
to improve the content of the WTO TA, leverage our financial resources, share the logistics burden 
and reach out to other publics. 
2.3.  The restructuring of the RB for TA around four main envelopes (Geneva-based activities for 
generalists, Geneva-based thematic advanced activities, national activities and other activities) 
should help the Secretariat maximize its use of the resources available to fund TA. 
2.4.  Several Members expressed overall satisfaction with the plan and emphasized the need to 
continue to focus on results-based management. 
Pursuant to paragraph 40 of the Ministerial De claration adopted at the Fourth Session of 
the WTO Ministerial Conference3, the Committee recommends to the General Council 
that: 
a. Secure and predictable financing be pr ovided for the implementation of the 
2016 - 2017 Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan, as authorised by 
the CTD; 
b. The target level of extra budgetary resources intended to fund the plan include 
CHF 12,037,000 for 2016 and CHF 12,037,000 for 2017 to come from the Doha 
Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF) and CHF 2,415,000 for 2016 
and CHF 2,415,000 for 2017 from other trust funds; 
c. Members be reminded that, on 19-20 December 2001, the General Council 
approved the following periodic benchmar ks for contribution receipts to the 
DDAGTF: (i) by December of the year preceding the funds' revolving annual 
target period, 25% of the annual total should be in the bank account of the 
DDAGTF; (ii) by 31 March, another 50% of contributions should be 
received,; (iii) by 30 June, 100% of the funds should have been contributed. 
d. In this context, Members be informed that the projected year-end balance of 
the Fund is likely to be sufficient to cover the 25% of the target amount; and 
e. Governments be urged to make financ ial contributions in a manner which 
would preserve the global nature of the programme and facilitate the 
management and reporting with a view to greater transparency (i.e. making 
un-earmarked contributions) and pledge multi-year contributions to create 
more predictability in terms of financing. 
3  INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER UNCTAD /WTO – ITC BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 
2016-2017 (JOB/BFA/6) 
3.1.  The ITC Executive Director presented the ITC budget proposal for 2016-2017 stressing the 
ITC's commitment to efficiency. She indicated that the ITC requested an increase of the WTO -
share of the budget of CHF 305, 000 over the budget of 2015. She further recalled that the 
increase was due to the re-costing mechanism applied by the UN. She also highlighted the proposal to discontinue the submission of the simplified fascicle as foreseen in the current administrative arrangements, to take effect with the preparation of the submission of the budget 
proposal for the biennium 2018-2019. 
3.2.  Members thanked the ITC for its budget proposal and posed questions for technical 
clarification, with a particular focus on the UN re-costing mechanism. Members expressed a 
preference for the ITC re-costing to not impact the resources available to the ITC. 
                                               
3 "We agree that there is a need for technical assist ance to benefit from secure and predictable funding. 
We therefore instruct the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration to develop a plan for adoption by 
the General Council in December 2001 that will ensure lo ng-term funding for WTO technical assistance at an 
overall level no lower than that of the current year and commensurate with the activities outlined above." WT/BFA/151 
 
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  3.3.  The Committee recommends to the General Council that the budget for 2016 of the 
International Trade Centre, which is fina nced in equal parts by UNCTAD/WTO, be 
approved in the amount of CHF 37,550,850.  This excludes forecast miscellaneous 
income of CHF 200,000. The amount to be prov ided by the WTO to the Centre in 2016, as 
reflected in the WTO budget, is CHF 18,775,400. 
3.4.  The Committee recommends to the General Council that the budget for 2017 of the 
International Trade Centre, which is fina nced in equal parts by UNCTAD/WTO, be 
approved in the amount of CHF 37,550,850.  This excludes forecast miscellaneous 
income of CHF 200,000. The amount to be prov ided by the WTO to the Centre in 2017, as 
reflected in the WTO budget, is CHF 18,775,400. 
4  ACTUARY POSITION OF THE WTO PENSION PLAN (WT/BFA/W/376) 
4.1.  The Chair of the WTO Pension Plan Management Board presented the proposals to modify the 
regulations of the Pension Plan. The proposed changes were intended to address a modest actuarial imbalance in the Plan and to bring greater clarity to a few administrative aspects of the 
regulations. He reported that changes to addre ss the actuarial imbalance would have no budgetary 
impact for WTO Members and technical clarifications would have no actuarial or financial impacts for the Plan. 
4.2.  A Member asked if the actuarial situation of the Pension Plan had any links to the question of 
consolidation of the ITC and its pension liabilities. It was clarified that these issues are not linked as the staff of the ITC are not participants in the WTO Pension Plan. 
4.3.  A Member asked if the Management Board of the Pension Plan had considered applying the 
changes in benefits proposed to bring the Plan back  into actuarial balance to all plan participants 
as opposed to only new staff. The Chair of Management Board indicated that the changes were modest and did not affect the core benefits available to Plan participants. It was also observed that 
the Board wished to avoid issues related to acquir ed rights for such modest changes. The Member 
expressed the view that in the future the Manage ment Board should explore carefully the potential 
to apply changes in benefits to all participants in order to maintain equity and solidarity within the 
Plan. 
4.4.   The Committee reached a consensus and concluded with the approval of the following 
recommendation to the General Council. 
4.5.  The Management Board recommends that the CBFA endorse the proposed revisions 
to the Regulations of the WTO Pension Plan  as described in this document and as 
embodied in the Annex. 
4.6.  The Management Board further recommends that each of the above 
recommendations enter into force on 1 January 2016. 
5  BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORT – 3RD QUARTER 2015 
5.1  Budget & Finance Report 
5.1.  A member of the Secretariat presented the situation regarding Members' and Observers' 
contributions received in the third quarters of 2015.  Receipts of contributions and the cash position 
of the Organization were satisfactory. The number of Members and Observers subject to 
Administrative Measures had been reduced by five during the last five months. 
5.2.  The 2015 budget remained on track at the end of the second and third quarters with 52% 
and 74%, respectively, of the budget being committe d. The rise in dispute settlement activity 
continued to require a significant amount of resources. WT/BFA/151 
 
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  6  EXTRA-BUDGETARY FUNDS REPORT – 3RD QUARTER 2015 (WT/BFA/W/377) 
6.1  Extra-Budgetary Funds Report 
6.1.  The financial situation on trust funds was then presented, especially focusing on the Doha 
Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF). The Secretariat also reported on the status of 
the LDC Ministerial Fund, indicating that if all indicated pledges were received the funding was 
anticipated to be sufficient to cover the eligible cost. This was in part due to coordination with a China Roundtable Event being organized in Nairobi just prior to the Ministerial that would reduce 
the charges to the Ministerial Fund. 
6.2.  In order to secure the timely execution of planned TA activities, the Secretariat continued to 
invite donors to make payments promptly. 
7  PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A BUILDING RE NOVATION FUND (WT/BFA/W/369/REV.2) 
7.1.  The proposal to establish a Building Renovation Fund had been deliberated extensively by the 
Committee at previous meetings. The WTO's responsibilities and obligations as the new owners of the Centre William Rappard and the new Administrative buildings are stipulated in the revised 
2013 Infrastructure Contract agreed with the Swiss Authorities. 
7.2.  The "Fondation des Immeubles pour les Organisations Internationales" (FIPOI) presented to 
the CBFA on 8 June 2015 their model applied to the calculation of necessary funds for the 
establishment of a Building Renovation Fund, which was accepted by Members. 
7.3.  The final revised proposal was presented to the Committee and the following decisions 
adopted by Members to facilitate the future structural maintenance of the single site: 
a. The Committee decides that a Building Reno vation Fund be established in 2015 and 
that it be sufficiently endowed to cover futu re building renovation costs, taking into 
account the funds made available annually by the Swiss Confederation through the 
"Fondation des Immeubles pour les Or ganisations Internationales (FIPOI)". 
b. The Committee decides that the Building Reno vation Fund be initially funded from 
the Members' Transition Operating Fund 's closing balance of CHF 1,700,680. 
c. The Committee decides that the Building Renovation Fund be governed by the 
attached guidelines (see Annex I). 
In addition, the CBFA makes a recommendation to the General Council concerning the use of the 
Surplus account at the end of 2011. This would read as follows: 
d. The Committee recommends to the General Council that the credit balance of the 
Surplus Account as at 31 December 2011, in the amount of CHF 739,756, be 
transferred to the Building Renovation Fund. 
8  PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A MONITORING GROUP ON ASHI STRATEGY 
DEVELOPMENT (WT/BFA/W/375) 
8.1.  The proposal to establish a Working Group to monitor the Secretariat's work on developing an 
ASHI strategy had been deliberated upon by the Committee extensively at previous meetings. The 
proposal was presented to the Committee and accepted by Members without comment. 
8.2.  The Chair reported that following consultations with Members that John Newham (Ireland) 
had agreed to continue his involvement on the issue and accepted to chair the new Working Group. 
9  WORKING GROUP CONCERNING AN AUDIT COMMITTEE (WT/BFA/W/349/REV.4) 
9.1.  The proposal to establish a Working Group concerning an audit committee had been 
deliberated upon by the Committee extensively at previous meetings. The final revised proposal 
was presented to the Committee and accepted by Members without comment. WT/BFA/151 
 
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  9.2.  The Chair reported that following consultations with Members that John O'Neil (Canada) had 
accepted to chair the new Working Group. 
 
_______________ 
 
ANNEX I 
BUILDING RENOVATION FUND 
GUIDELINES 
a. The funds shall only be used to finance extraordinary maintenance, repair, 
improvement, and enhancement building an d infrastructure costs, including the 
upgrading of existing facilities; 
 
b. The Secretariat shall maintain an up-to-date list detailing estimated expenditures that 
may be financed from the Building Renovation Fund. The list shall be presented to 
the Committee regularly; 
 
c. Use of the fund shall be subject to approval of the Committee; 
 
d. The Secretariat shall report on fund activities as part of the annual financial report; 
 
e. The Secretariat shall coordinate renovation projects with FIPOI regularly to ensure 
maximum use of the funds made  available by the Swiss Confederation on a priority 
basis; 
 
f. Funds shall be transferred to the Bu ilding Renovation Fund as follows: 
i. annual financing from the regular budget; ii. any other source in accordance with the Financial Regulations; 
 
g.  The closure of the Building Renovation Fund shall be decided by the Committee. Any 
remaining unused funds shall be returned to the Surplus Account upon closure of the fund. 
 
 
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