RESTRICTED  
 
WT/BFA/W/309  
2 October 2013  
(13-5324)  Page: 1/42  
Committee on Budget, Fina nce and Administration  
 
  2014-2015 BUDGET PROPOSALS 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1  INTRODUCTION BY TH E DIRECTOR-GENERAL .............................................................. 4  
2  BUDGET PR OPOSALS .................................................................................................... 8  
3  BUDGET PROPOSAL S BY SECTION .............................................................................. 16  
3.1  WTO SECRETARIAT .................................................................................................... 16 
3.2  Part A - Staf fing Reso urces ......................................................................................... 16 
3.2.1  Staff Expenditure .................................................................................................... 16 
3.2.2  Temporar y Assist ance ............................................................................................. 18 
3.3  Part B - Ot her Reso urces ............................................................................................ 19 
3.3.1  General Services..................................................................................................... 20 
3.3.2  Travel and Hospitality .............................................................................................. 21 
3.3.3  Implementi ng Partners ............................................................................................ 22 
3.3.4  Capital Expenditure ................................................................................................. 22 
3.3.5  Financial Expenditure .............................................................................................. 23 
3.4  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC .................................................................................... 23 
3.5  APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT ...................................................................... 24 
3.6  Part A - Staf fing Reso urces ......................................................................................... 24 
3.6.1  Staff Expenditure .................................................................................................... 24 
3.6.2  Temporar y Assist ance ............................................................................................. 24 
3.7  Part B - Ot her Reso urces ............................................................................................ 25 
3.8  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC .................................................................................... 25 
4  BUDGET PROPOSALS BY KEY OUTPUTS AND PROJECTS .............................................. 25  
4.1  Outr each ................................................................................................................. . 26 
4.2  Security ................................................................................................................. .. 27 
4.3  Information Technology .............................................................................................. 27 
4.4  Technical Assistance .................................................................................................. 28 
4.5  Documents Reproduction ............................................................................................ 30 
4.6  Human Resources Training Programme ......................................................................... 31 
4.7  Dispute Settlement .................................................................................................... 31 
4.8  Ministerial Operating Fund .......................................................................................... 32 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  5  KEY ORGANIZATIONAL EV OLUTION SINC E 1995 ....................................................... 33  
5.1  Budgetary Evolution ................................................................................................... 33 
5.2  Evolution of  Contributions ........................................................................................... 34 
5.3  Staff Evolution ..........................................................................................................  35 
6  WORKLOAD IN DICATORS  ........................................................................................... 37  
6.1  Translation an d Document ation ................................................................................... 37 
6.2  Meetings ................................................................................................................. . 37 
6.3  Dispute Settl ement Panels .......................................................................................... 38 
7  PROJECTED BUDGET PERFORMANCE 2013 ................................................................. 40  
7.1  Part A - Staf fing Reso urces ......................................................................................... 41 
7.2  Part B - Ot her Reso urces ............................................................................................ 41 
7.3  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC .................................................................................... 42 
 
 
TABLES AND FIGURES 
Table 1. 2014-2015 Proposed  Budget Es timate s .................................................................... 5  
Table 2. 2014-2015 Budget Estimates .................................................................................. 8  
Table 3. 2014-2015 Proposed Consolidated WTO Budget ........................................................ 9  
Table 4. 2014-2015 Proposed Budget for the WTO Secretariat ................................................ 10 
Table 5. 2014-2015 Proposed Budget for the Appellate Body and its Secretariat ........................ 11 
Table 6. 2014-2015 Budget Esti mated Miscellane ous Inco me ................................................. 12 
Table 7. Draft Scale of Contribution s for 2014 ...................................................................... 13 
Table 8. Section 1: Staff Expenditure .................................................................................. 16 
Table 9. Staff Pension and Post-Employmen t Benefits ........................................................... 16 
Table 10. Staff Health an d Invalidity Insura nce .................................................................... 17 
Table 11. Staff Family and International Benefits .................................................................. 17 
Table 12. Other St aff Expenditure ...................................................................................... 18 
Table 13. Section 2: Temporary Assistance .......................................................................... 18 
Table 14. Short-Term Staff ................................................................................................ 18 
Table 15. Consulting ........................................................................................................ 19 
Table 16. Panellists ..........................................................................................................  19 
Table 17. Section 3: General Services ................................................................................. 20 
Table 18. Section 4: Tr avel and Ho spitality .......................................................................... 21 
Table 19. Section 5: Im plementing Partners ........................................................................ 22 
Table 20. Section 6: Capital Expenditure ............................................................................. 22 
Table 21. Section 7: Financial Expenditure ........................................................................... 23 
Table 22. Section 8: Contribution s to ITC and Spec ial Reserves .............................................. 23 
Table 23. Section 1: Staff Expenditure ................................................................................ 24 
Table 24. Section 2: Temporary Assistance .......................................................................... 24 
Table 25. Part B - Other Resources ..................................................................................... 25 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  Table 26. Contributions to ITC and Specia l Reserv es ............................................................. 25 
Table 27. Public Forum Budget ........................................................................................... 26 
Table 28. Open Day Budget ............................................................................................... 26 
Table 29. Security Budget ................................................................................................. 27 
Table 30. Information Technology Budget ............................................................................ 27 
Table 31. Technical Assistance Related Tr aining Courses by Expenditure Line ........................... 28 
Table 32. Technical Assistance Rela ted Training Cour ses by Co urse ......................................... 29 
Table 33. Documents Reproducti on and Distribution Budget ................................................... 30 
Table 34. Human Resour ces Training Budget ....................................................................... 31 
Table 35. Dispute settlem ent Budget – Panels ...................................................................... 31 
Table 36. Dispute Settlem ent Budget – Appeals ................................................................... 32 
Table 37. Ministerial Conference Operating Fund .................................................................. 32 
Table 38. Budgetary Evolution 1995-2015  ........................................................................... 33 
Figure 1 Evolution of Budget (1995 - 2015) ......................................................................... 33 
Table 39. Evolution of Contribution s 1995- 2015 ................................................................... 34 
Figure 2 Evolution of Contribution s 1995-20 15 ..................................................................... 34 
Table 40.Staff Evolution 1995-2015 .................................................................................... 35 
Figure 3 Staff Evol ution 1995 - 2015 .................................................................................. 35 
Table 41. Table of 2013 Regular St aff Positions by  Division .................................................... 36 
Figure 4 Translation and Documentation: Number of Words in Original Language 
  for Tran slation ................................................................................................... 37 
Figure 5 Meetings: Number of Formal , Informal and Private Meetings ...................................... 37 
Figure 6 Meetings: Days of  Freelance In terpreters ................................................................ 38 
Figure 7 Dispute Settlement Panels - Expenditure ................................................................. 38 
Figure 8 Dispute Settlement Panels: Average Expenditure per Month ....................................... 39 
Table 42. Expected Consolidated Performance agains t Budget 2013 ........................................ 40 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL 
1.1.  The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a few weeks away from its 9th Ministerial Conference 
(MC9). Trade negotiations on the Doha Develo pment Agenda have been on-going for almost 
12 years. Expectations are now high for the WTO to start delivering on these negotiations. As the 
new WTO Director-General, my energy and focus are currently and primarily directed towards this 
priority. 
1.2.  These negotiations often attract the majority of the media attention directed toward the WTO. 
However, they use only a small amount of its resources. Supporting negotiations is only one of the 
core activities carried out by the Secretariat. Administering existing agreements, supporting the 
dispute settlement mechanism, monitoring trade policies, providing trade-related technical assistance, assisting accessions, conducting research and reaching out are the other core activities 
of the Secretariat. 
1.3.  The WTO remains a Member-driven Organization, where Members are setting the pace in all 
these areas. The Secretariat is by-and-large responding to the requests, the needs and the activity 
levels established by the Membership, the General Council and its other bodies. 
1.4.  This is my first budget proposal. As I took office only one month ago, it is too early for me to 
have a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the expected levels of activity, the Secretariat's 
internal operations and its financial situation. 
1.5.  However, we can already observe and agree that the Membership is not giving any indication 
that it wants less activity, support or services from the WTO Secretariat. We are expecting no reductions in the demands placed by Members on an y of the core activities carried out by the WTO 
and its Secretariat. We are certainly expecting increased activity in dispute settlement and, I 
would hope, also in negotiations . We need to be ready for the demands in these two areas. 
1.6.  The dispute settlement mechanism has been faced with a significant surge in activity. The 
Dispute Settlement Body and the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (the 
Committee) have both been informed of the situation in recent months.  The number of active disputes in the system is higher than ever before . The size and complexity of disputes, as well as 
the number of disputes involving several Members, are unprecedented. This situation is imposing 
significant pressure on Secretariat resources in the dispute settlement and translation areas with the result that some delays should be expected at the panel phase for the next while. There will also be serious difficulties and delays at the appellate stage during the next biennium. The 
increase in the activity at the panel level and at the appeal level will impact the expenditure by 
early 2014. The appeal activity with further incr ease in late 2014 and in 2015, when a number of 
large and complex disputes could reach the appeal stage.  
1.7.  The reinforcement of the Secretariat's resources to support the increasing pressure in dispute 
settlement is a priority. This will involve several actions. First, it will involve increasing the legal and administrative support in the Legal Affairs and Rules divisions, and in the Appellate Body 
Secretariat. I will review with the management te am the current situation in view of proposing a 
solution to accommodate the requirement to have the right level in resources, both in quantity and quality, but will also explore ways to address th e fluctuation in the number of the disputes that 
must be handled at any one time. The mix between permanent and temporary staff resources will 
also be re-examined in order to build up and reta in human resources with the required specialized 
expertise. Second, the resources directly associat ed with panellists and Appellate Body Members, 
essentially fees and travel, will be increased in order to cover the higher level of activity. Third, the 
resources associated with production, and especially translation, of panel and Appellate Body 
reports will also need to be increased to meet  the growing demands in terms of number, length, 
and complexity of such reports.  
1.8.  Negotiations are the tool that is shaping the fu ture of the multilateral trading system and the 
WTO. The Secretariat will have to support any outcome from MC9. The level of the Secretariat's resources supporting negotiations has been declin ing since 2008. I am expecting and planning for 
more intensive negotiating activity in the coming months and in the next biennium. This will mean 
being prepared for the Secretariat to support mo re meetings and produce more documents. The 
Secretariat needs to maintain its capacity to support on-going and future trade negotiations. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  1.9.  At the same time, governments and international institutions are finding it increasingly 
difficult to obtain additional resources for additional activities. The global financial crisis had a major impact on the fiscal situation of a number of our Members, especially several of the key contributors to the WTO budget. The crisis has placed a strain on the financial capacity of the 
public sector both at the national level and international level. I have listened to our Members' 
expectations regarding the WTO budget. The Committee has expressed clear and strong messages regarding the WTO budget for the next biennium. 
1.10.  The message I received is very clear: the WTO Secretariat has to operate with a zero 
nominal growth in the WTO budget for 2014 and 2015 . At the same time, Members are 
expecting that the Secretariat has to maintain all its activity, be able to reinforce the dispute settlement function and be ready to respond to the post Bali situation. The question is how can the 
Secretariat operate within those constraints? 
Table 1. 2014-2015 Proposed Budget Estimates  
(in million Swiss Francs) 
Budget Budget 
2013 Budget 
2014 Budget 
2015 Inc/Dec 
2014 Inc/Dec 
2015 
WTO Secretariat 191.1  190.9  190.7  -0.2 -0.2  
Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 6.1 6.3 6.5 0.2 0.2 
Consolidated WTO Budget 197.2  197.2  197.2   0.0  0.0  
 
1.11.  In the given context, I propose the following key principles to accommodate zero nominal 
growth: 
1.12.  The Secretariat needs to change its budget approach to determine priorities based on 
the resources provided and not based on the resources needed . This means shifting away 
from the prior approach based on adding up the Secretariat's needs and potential future 
expenditure to build the budget to an approach where we increasingly determine what can be done within the given budget constraints. This will also involve tighter controls and some flexibility in 
the execution of the budget in order to stay wi thin the overall approved budgetary boundary. 
1.13.  Personnel expenditure for permanent staff ne eds to be capped at its existing level . 
The budget for personnel expenditure amounts to some CHF 131 million in 2013 and represents 2/3 of the WTO budget. It amounts to 74% if we exclude the contribution to the ITC budget 
included in the WTO budget. The constant and gradual rise in personnel expenditure cannot be 
maintained with a zero nominal growth budget situ ation to be endured over an extended period. A 
continued rise in personnel expenditure would gradually increase the share of fixed and long-term 
expenditure at the expense of variable expenditure.  It is important to maintain the organization's 
ability to adjust to changes in its activity and environment. I will work with my management and 
human resources teams to review what can be implemented to bring stability in our personnel 
expenditure. The expected rise in expenditure induced by the annual salary increments, health 
insurance or pension premiums would need to be absorbed by reductions in other areas. It could include assessing the current post and grade structure of the Secretariat and corresponding benefits; and/or the need for replacing some posts that become vacant in order to maintain the 
level of expenditure. It will be a challenging task. I will engage and consult broadly with the staff 
representatives on these matters. It is critical f o r  m e  t o  k e e p  i n  m i n d  t h a t  w e  a r e  m a n a g i n g  
humans and not numbers. Therefore the consultative process is very important for me. 
1.14.  There is a need for an organizational review of human resource structures and 
workforce reallocation based on Members' priorities. It has been demonstrated that the 
Secretariat has a higher proportion of staff at higher grades than other comparable organizations. 
The Committee has been informed of this situation referred to as the "inverted pyramid". I will be 
looking to hold a review of the current staffing structures with a view to finding solutions that help to ensure that current service delivery levels can be maintained, mindful of the overall budgetary environment. This will include a review of current staff resources within the Secretariat with a view 
to looking at options for reallocation in a more active way so that there can be greater adaptability 
in the Secretariat. We need to build appropriate tools and methodologies to enhance our long term workforce planning capabilities, as well as our ability to design appropriate career paths, 
succession planning and development opportunities for the staff of the WTO Secretariat, the WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  greatest asset of the Organization. I will keep the Committee regularly informed on the progress 
achieved. 
1.15.  The human resource aspects outlined in the pr evious two paragraphs are intended to start 
moving the WTO in the right direction by progressively reaching the level of efficiency and quality 
expected by Members. This will require a long-ter m plan to be implemented over time, ensuring a 
steady and healthy path of action without any disruptions in working conditions or services 
provided. 
1.16.  While being part of the broader review process, there is an urgent need to reinforce the 
Secretariat's staff resources that su pport the dispute settlement mechanism . Work is 
already underway in reallocating posts to these areas. Shifts of posts from the WTO Secretariat to the Appellate Body Secretariat have not been reflected in the enclosed budget proposal but are 
likely to take place during the next biennium. 
1.17.  Savings in non-staff resources need to be reassigned . The rise in the dispute 
settlement activity also requires additional reso urces for fees and travel expenditure related to 
panellists, Appellate Body Members and additional translation. We are increasing the funding to 
the Appellate Body Operating fund by CHF 200,000 in 2014 and in 2015 and the panellists fees by 
CHF 50,000 in each year of the biennium. We are al so increasing the external translations budget 
by CHF 100,000 in 2014. We expect that the rises in those areas might be significantly more 
important than currently budgeted for and that additional savings might be required while executing the budget. Any savings and reductions  foreseen in the 2014-2015 expenditures have 
already been reallocated to this purpose. The largest single reduction is achieved from the 
reduction in the ITC budget. 
1.18.  The effort to achieve productivity gains needs to be continued . There are no other 
options for the Secretariat to increase its output with the same amount of resources without 
achieving continuous productivity gains. I will as k this of the Secretariat, but I also expect to 
receive support from Members. We need to comple te the implementation of the set of streamlining 
measures approved by the General Council at th e end of 2011. Optimizing the Organization's 
operations, particularly in the production of documents and conduct of meetings remains a 
priority. We need to bank long-term operational savings in these areas. Technology improvements 
should help us to reduce some of our proce ssing and dissemination expenditure by providing 
credible and acceptable solutions for the distribution of information in an electronic format. 
1.19.  Modernizing the Secretariat's management of resources based on outputs will be critical to 
achieve these objectives. Members were presented earlier this year with the first full year results on how the resources of the Organization were allocated across the core output areas. This new 
way of presenting information attracted great interest from Members. It is also a critical tool for 
management to review and reallocate resources wi thin the Secretariat and identify productivity 
gains. The Secretariat engaged this project in 2012 by implementing a new chart of outputs and 
by revising the chart of financial accounts. We have now slightly changed the presentation of the 
2014-2015 biennial budgets to reflect changes that  took place in the charts of accounts. The 
budget now more accurately presents the expend itures based on their nature. In addition, the 
2014-2015 budgets present selected information on some specific outputs and activities such as 
trade-related technical assistance. This is a necessary preparatory step in order to implement a 
new additional view of the expenditure by ou tputs for the 2016-2017 budgets. The level of 
budgetary information provided to Members will be enhanced both in quantity and quality through 
this process. The Secretariat will provide Members with assistance to ensure clear communication 
on budgetary details during this transition. 
1.20.  The implementation of International Public Se ctor Accounting Standards (IPSAS) led to an 
important deterioration of the overall financial position of the WTO in 2012. The Organization 
disclosed nearly CHF 820 million of long-term liabilities towards post-employment benefits that include pension and health insurance benefits at the end of 2012. The Secretariat needs to review the long-term financial situation of the Organization with the Committee and determine any 
actions that could be taken on this matter. 
1.21.   The Committee will also have to review the WTO Financial Regulations in light of the 
implementation of IPSAS and to define how to take into account the new financial or accounting WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  results that significantly deteriorate the Surplus as calculated under the existing financial 
regulations. It would be premature to take a rapid decision on the balance of the Surplus Account. Several options could be considered regarding the available balance. First, a long-term building maintenance fund could be set-up. This would be a sound approach to maintain the value of our 
new real estate. The Swiss Authorities are recommending international organizations to set this 
type of fund. Second, a reserve to cover for the additional funding needed for the expenditure not 
provided for in the dispute settlement area could be established. This has happened in the past 
and is an effective solution to cover for a temporary rise in that type of expenditure. Finally, the 
surplus balance could be used to start funding some of the long-term liabilities that the Organization presently has. This is an important area for the Committee to engage into. 
1.22.  The biennium 2014-2015 will be challenging fo r the Organization to operate within the 
constraints of zero nominal growth given the expe cted workload. I will be reviewing the situation 
closely and taking the necessary steps to ensure th at the Organization is managed appropriately. I 
will count on the support of my management team, the staff of the Secretariat, but also on the 
support of the Membership if we want to collectively deliver. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  2  BUDGET PROPOSALS 
2.1.  The Director-General hereby submits his budget -estimates for the income and expenditure of 
the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the bie nnium 2014-2015. The budget proposal has been 
prepared in accordance with the Financial Regulations of the WTO (WT/L/156/Rev.2). The 
biennium consists of two consecutive financial periods covering each year of the biennium. 
2.2.  The proposal provides for a zero nominal growth in the WTO budget for both 2014 and 2015. 
All increases, statutory or related to inflation, have been fully absorbed. 
Table 2. 2014-2015 Budget Estimates  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Expenses Budget 2013 Budget 2014 Budget 2015 Inc/Dec 
2014 Inc/Dec  
2015 
WTO Secretariat 191,099  190,899  190,699 -200 -200  
Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 6,105  6,305  6,505 200 200 
Grand Total 197,204  197,204  197,204  0  0  
 
Income Budget 2013  Budget 2014 Budget 2015 Inc/Dec 
2014 Inc/Dec 
2015 
Contributions from WTO Members 195,500  195,500  195,500 0 0  
Miscellaneous Income 1,704  1,704  1,704 0 0 
Total 197,204  197,204  197,204 0 0  
 
2.3.  For 2014, it is proposed to finance the amount of CHF 197,203,900 as follows: 
a. through contributions from Members in the amount of CHF 195,500,000; 
b. by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900. 
2.4.  For 2015, it is proposed to finance the amount of CHF 197,203,900 as follows: 
a. through contributions from Members in the amount of CHF 195,500,000; 
b. by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900. 
2.5.  Members' contributions are assessed on the basis of annually up-dated trade statistics as 
defined by Financial Regulation 12. Contributions from Members are considered due and payable in 
full on 1 January of the respective budget year. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  Table 3. 2014-2015 Proposed Consolidated WTO Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Part Section Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 90,856 90,715 90,532 -142 -182 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
 Post-Employment Benefits 21,752 21,987 21,960 235 -27 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
 Insurance 5,747 5,865 6,074 118 210 
  iv) Staff Family & 
 International Benefits 11,455 11,244 11,244 -211  
  v) Other Staff Expenditure 1,605 1,605 1,605   
 1. Staff Expenditure Total 131,415 131,415 131,415  0  0 
 2. Temporary Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 8,078 8,168 8,118 91 -50 
  ii) Consulting 7,825 7,925 7,925 100  
  iii) Panellists & Appellate 
 Body Members Fees 1,024 1,074 1,124 50 50 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total 16,927 17,167 17,167 241  0 
A Staffing Resources Total  148,342  148,582 148,582 241  0 
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & Post 1,720 1,686 1,686  -34  
  ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance 9,769 9,849 9,649 80 -200 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 2,221 2,341 2,341 120  
  iv) Documentation & 
 Publication 1,681 1,681 1,681   
  v) Other / Miscellaneous 244 244 244   
 3. General Services Total 15,634 15,801 15,601 167 -200 
 4. Travel & Hospitality i) Travel 7,245 7,245 7,245   
  ii) Hospitality 236 236 236   
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total 7,481 7,481 7,481  0  0 
 5. Implementing Partners i) Impl ementing Partners 273 273 273   
 5. Implementing Partners Total 273 273 273  0  0 
 6. Capital Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed 
 Assets 1,710 1,510 1,510 -200  
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
 Equipment 1,423 1,457 1,457 34  
 6. Capital Expenditure Total 3,133 2,967 2,967 -167  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure i) Bank & Interest Charges 30 30 30   
  ii) Building Loan 
 Reimbursement 1,200 1,200 1,200   
 7. Financial Expenditure Total 1,230 1,230 1,230  0  0 
B Other Resources Total  27,751  27,751 27,551  0  -200  
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions to ITC & 
Special Reserves i) Contribution to ITC 18,911 18,470 18,470 -441  
  ii) Appellate Bo dy Operating 
 Fund 1,600 1,800 2,000 200 200 
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
 Operating Fund 600 600 600   
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total 21,111  20,870  21,070 -241  200 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total 21,111  20,870  21,070 -241  200 
Grand Total  197,204  197,204  197,204  0 0 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  Table 4. 2014-2015 Proposed Budget for the WTO Secretariat  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Part Section Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/
Dec 
2014 Inc/
Dec 
2015 
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 88,373 88,231 88,055 -142 -177 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
 Post-Employment Benefits 21,232 21,467 21,440 235 -27 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
 Insurance 5,600 5,713 5,917 113 204 
  iv) Staff Family & International 
 Benefits 11,154 10,948 10,948 -206  
  v) Other Staff Expenditure 1,562 1,562 1,562   
 1. Staff Expenditure Total 127,921 127,921 127,921  0  0 
 2. Temporary Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 8,033 8,124 8,074 91 -50 
  ii) Consulting 7,825 7,925 7,925 100  
  iii) Panellists  265 315 365 50 50 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total 16,123 16,363 16,363 241  0 
A Staffing Resources Total  144,044  144,285 144,285 241  0 
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & Post 1,679 1,645 1,645  -34  
  ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance 9,751 9,831 9,631 80 -200 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 2,201 2,321 2,321 120  
  iv) Documentation &  Publication 1,671 1,671 1,671   
  v) Other / Miscellaneous 217 217 217   
 3. General Services Total 15,518 15,685 15,485 167 -200 
 4. Travel & Hospitality i) Travel 7,195 7,195 7,195   
  ii) Hospitality 235 235 235   
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total 7,430 7,430 7,430  0  0 
 5. Implementing Partners i) Implementing Partners 273 273 273   
 5. Implementing Partners Total 273 273 273  0  0 
 6. Capital Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed Assets 1,685 1,485 1,485 -200  
  ii) Rental & Leasing of Equipment 1,408 1,442 1,442 34  
 6. Capital Expenditure Total 3,093 2,927 2,927 -167  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure i) Bank & Interest Charges 30 30 30   
  ii) Building Loan Reimbursement 1,200 1,200 1,200   
 7. Financial Expenditure Total 1,230 1,230 1,230  0  0 
B Other Resources Total  27,544  27,544 27,344 0  -200  
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves      
  i) Contribution to ITC 18,911 18,470 18,470 -441  
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
 Operating Fund 600 600 600   
       8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total 19,511  19,070 19,070 -441   0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total 19,511  19,070 19,070 -441   0 
Grand Total  191,099  190,899 190,699 -200  -200  
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  Table 5. 2014-2015 Proposed Budget for the Appellate Body And Its Secretariat  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Part Section Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015  
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 2,483 2,483 2,478  -6 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
 Post-Employment Benefits 520 520 520   
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
 Insurance 146 152 157 5 6 
  iv) Staff Family & International 
 Benefits 301 296 296 -5  
  v) Other Staff  Expenditure 43 43 43   
 1. Staff Expenditure Total 3,494 3,494 3,494  0 0 
 2. Temporary Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 45 45 45   
  iii) Appellate Body Member Fees 759 759 759   
 2. Temporary Assistance Total 804 804 804  0 0 
A Staffing Resources Total  4,298  4,298 4,298  0  0 
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & Post 41 41 41   
  ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance 18 18 18   
  iii) Energy & Supplies 20 20 20   
  iv) Documentation & Publication 10 10 10   
  v) Other /Miscellaneous 27 27 27   
 3. General Services Total 116 116 116  0 0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality i) Travel 50 50 50   
  ii) Hospitality 1 1 1   
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total 51 51 51  0 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed Assets 25 25 25   
  ii) Rental & Leasing of Equipment 15 15 15   
 6. Capital Expenditure Total 40 40 40  0 0 
B Other Resources Total  207  207 207  0  0 
C Operating Funds & ITC       
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves      
  ii) Appellate Body Operating Fund 1,600 1,800 2,000 200 200 
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total 1,600  1,800 2,000 200  200 
C Operating Funds & ITC Total  1,600  1,800 2,000 200 200 
Grand Total  6,105  6,305 6,505 200  200 
 
  WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  Table 6. 2014-2015 Budget Estima ted Miscellaneous Income  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Item 2013 2014 2015 Incr/Decr 
2014 Incr/Decr 
2015 
Contributions of Observer Countries 821  700 700 -121 0  
Sale of Publications & Royalties 250 230 230 -20 0 
Trust Fund - Participation to direct costs 200  180 180 -20 0  
Savings on previous year's outstanding obligations 150 200 200 50 0 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space 43  110 110 67 0  
Other 240 284 284 44 0 
Total 1,704  1,704  1,704  0 0  
 
2.6.  No major changes in miscellaneous income are expected for the biennium 2014-15. The 
amount projected for Observer contributions has been decreased following the accession of two new Members (Laos and Tajikistan) in 2013, the projection of several more accessions in 2014 and 
the waiver of contributions from Inactive Observers.  This waiver has been introduced as a part of 
the Administrative Measures in 2013. The receipts for sale in publications have been slightly 
adjusted, as sales in 2013 have been lower than expected. The receipts for the rental of meeting 
rooms and office space have been increased due to  the rent collected from  the new WTO cafeteria. 
2.7.  The proposed assessed contributions from Members amount to CHF 195,500,000 for 2014 
and represent no increase in comparison to the contributions assessed for 2013. The following 
draft scale of contributions has been prepared based on a minimum contribution of 0.015%. The 
draft scale also takes into account the amounts to be deducted from the relevant contributions for 2012 under the terms of the Early Payment Encour agement Scheme. The 2015 assessment will be 
based on the up-dated trade statistics in 2014, pursuant to Financial Regulation 12. 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Table 7. Draft Scale of Contributions For 2014 
(in Swiss Francs and with a mi nimum contribution of 0.015%) 
Member 2014 
Contribution  
CHF 2014 
Contribution  
% Interest1 
earned in 2012 
for 2014  
CHF 2014 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Albania 54,740  0.028%  52 54,688  
Angola 490,705  0.251%  341 490,364  
Antigua and Barbuda 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Argentina 780,045  0.399%  264 779,781  
Armenia 33,235  0.017%  13 33,222  
Australia 2,584,510  1.322%  2,315 2,582,195  
Austria 2,258,025  1.155%  1,876 2,256,149  
Bahrain, Kingdom of 175,950  0.090%  169 175,781  
Bangladesh 244,375  0.125%  111 244,264  
Barbados 29,325  0.015%  19 29,306  
Belgium 4,158,285  2.127%  3,049 4,155,236  
Belize 29,325  0.015%  3 29,322  
Benin 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of 68,425  0.035%  2 68,423  
Botswana 60,605  0.031%  31 60,574  
Brazil 2,381,190  1.218%  898 2,380,292  
Brunei Darussalam 64,515  0.033%  62 64,453  
Bulgaria 336,260  0.172%  329 335,931  
Burkina Faso 29,325  0.015%  19 29,306  
Burundi 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Cambodia 74,290  0.038%  28 74,262  
Cameroon 64,515  0.033%  32 64,483  
Canada 5,253,085  2.687%  5,681 5,247,404  
Cape Verde 29,325  0.015%  22 29,303  
Central African Republic 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Chad 37,145  0.019%  0 37,145  
Chile 778,090  0.398%  743 777,347  
China 15,921,520  8.144%  7,046 15,914,474  
Colombia 488,750  0.250%  383 488,367  
Congo 56,695  0.029%  0 56,695  
Costa Rica 146,625  0.075%  158 146,467  
Côte d'Ivoire 105,570  0.054%  0 105,570  
Croatia 287,385  0.147%  214 287,171  
Cuba 146,625  0.075%  90 146,535  
Cyprus 117,300  0.060%  128 117,172  
Czech Republic 1,429,105  0.731%  1,433 1,427,672  
Democratic Republic of the Congo 87,975  0.045%  0 87,975  
Denmark 1,728,220  0.884%  1,786 1,726,434  
Djibouti 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Dominica 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Dominican Republic 154,445  0.079%  6 154,439  
Ecuador 215,050  0.110%  36 215,014  
Egypt 572,815  0.293%  560 572,255  
El Salvador 80,155  0.041%  0 80,155  
Estonia 179,860  0.092%  187 179,673  
European Union 0 0.000%  0 0 
Fiji 29,325  0.015%  26 29,299  
Finland 1,129,990  0.578%  932 1,129,058  
France 7,988,130  4.086%  7,413 7,980,717  
Gabon 43,010  0.022%  2 43,008  
                                               
1 Interest earned in 2012 under the Early Payment Encouragement Scheme (L/6384) to be deducted 
from the 2014 contributions. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Member 2014 
Contribution  
CHF 2014 
Contribution  
% Interest1 
earned in 2012 
for 2014  
CHF 2014 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
The Gambia 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Georgia 54,740  0.028%  49 54,691  
Germany 16,410,270  8.394%  14,913 16,395,357  
Ghana 117,300  0.060%  44 117,256  
Greece 868,020  0.444%  0 868,020  
Grenada 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Guatemala 136,850  0.070%  95 136,755  
Guinea 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Guinea-Bissau 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Guyana 29,325  0.015%  19 29,306  
Haiti 29,325  0.015%  25 29,300  
Honduras 87,975  0.045%  1 87,974  
Hong Kong, China 4,952,015  2.533%  5,003 4,947,012  
Hungary 1,202,325  0.615%  733 1,201,592  
Iceland 78,200  0.040%  87 78,113  
India 3,853,305  1.971%  1,249 3,852,056  
Indonesia 1,634,380  0.836%  1,349 1,633,031  
Ireland 2,128,995  1.089%  1,513 2,127,482  
Israel 842,605  0.431%  336 842,269  
Italy 6,443,680  3.296%  5,611 6,438,069  
Jamaica 66,470  0.034%  3 66,467  
Japan 8,850,285  4.527%  5,919 8,844,366  
Jordan 158,355  0.081%  94 158,261  
Kenya 109,480  0.056%  70 109,410  
Korea, Republic of 5,526,785  2.827%  2,870 5,523,915  
Kuwait, the State of 637,330  0.326%  0 637,330  
Kyrgyz Republic 35,190  0.018%  19 35,171  
Lao People's Democratic Republic 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Latvia 156,400  0.080%  154 156,246  
Lesotho 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Liechtenstein 46,920  0.024%  46 46,874  
Lithuania 287,385  0.147%  92 287,293  
Luxembourg 785,910  0.402%  427 785,483  
Macao, China 211,140  0.108%  127 211,013  
Madagascar 29,325  0.015%  10 29,315  
Malawi 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Malaysia 2,181,780  1.116%  1,832 2,179,948  
Maldives 29,325  0.015%  26 29,299  
Mali 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Malta 80,155  0.041%  66 80,089  
Mauritania 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Mauritius 58,650  0.030%  56 58,594  
Mexico 3,376,285  1.727%  3,003 3,373,282  
Moldova, Republic of 39,100  0.020%  30 39,070  
Mongolia 39,100  0.020%  0 39,100  
Montenegro 29,325  0.015%  9 29,316  
Morocco 373,405  0.191%  197 373,208  
Mozambique 43,010  0.022%  29 42,981  
Myanmar 68,425  0.035%  29 68,396  
Namibia 50,830  0.026%  44 50,786  
Nepal 35,190  0.018%  19 35,171  
Netherlands 5,986,210  3.062%  5,095 5,981,115  
New Zealand 432,055  0.221%  441 431,614  
Nicaragua 46,920  0.024%  29 46,891  
Niger 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 15 - 
 
  Member 2014 
Contribution  
CHF 2014 
Contribution  
% Interest1 
earned in 2012 
for 2014  
CHF 2014 
Net 
Contribution 
CHF 
Nigeria 752,675  0.385%  0 752,675  
Norway 1,657,840  0.848%  922 1,656,918  
Oman 328,440  0.168%  121 328,319  
Pakistan 349,945  0.179%  311 349,634  
Panama 199,410  0.102%  111 199,299  
Papua New Guinea 44,965  0.023%  0 44,965  
Paraguay 99,705  0.051%  1 99,704  
Peru 375,360  0.192%  241 375,119  
Philippines 666,655  0.341%  627 666,028  
Poland 2,207,195  1.129%  1,847 2,205,348  
Portugal 922,760  0.472%  559 922,201  
Qatar 551,310  0.282%  336 550,974  
Romania 713,575  0.365%  643 712,932  
Russian Federation 4,226,710  2.162%  0 4,226,710  
Rwanda 29,325  0.015%  1 29,324  
Saint Kitts and Nevis 29,325  0.015%  7 29,318  
Saint Lucia 29,325  0.015%  10 29,315  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Samoa 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of 2,326,450  1.190%  131 2,326,319  
Senegal 44,965  0.023%  0 44,965  
Sierra Leone 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Singapore 4,508,230  2.306%  4,295 4,503,935  
Slovak Republic 782,000  0.400%  635 781,365  
Slovenia 357,765  0.183%  263 357,502  
Solomon Islands 29,325  0.015%  24 29,301  
South Africa 1,069,385  0.547%  1,003 1,068,382  
Spain 4,590,340  2.348%  726 4,589,614  
Sri Lanka 140,760  0.072%  27 140,733  
Suriname 29,325  0.015%  26 29,299  
Swaziland 29,325  0.015%  16 29,309  
Sweden 2,365,550  1.210%  2,211 2,363,339  
Switzerland 2,873,850  1.470%  2,562 2,871,288  
Chinese Taipei 3,032,205  1.551%  2,769 3,029,436  
Tajikistan 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Tanzania 78,200  0.040%  0 78,200  
Thailand 2,207,195  1.129%  1,831 2,205,364  
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  58,650  0.030%  0 58,650  
Togo 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Tonga 29,325  0.015%  29 29,296  
Trinidad and Tobago 119,255  0.061%  50 119,205  
Tunisia 244,375  0.125%  58 244,317  
Turkey 1,908,080  0.976%  1,633 1,906,447  
Uganda 46,920  0.024%  0 46,920  
Ukraine 809,370  0.414%  561 808,809  
United Arab Emirates 2,385,100  1.220%  1,707 2,383,393  
United Kingdom 7,954,895  4.069%  8,746 7,946,149  
United States of America 22,298,730  11.406%  839 22,297,891  
Uruguay 103,615  0.053%  0 103,615  
Vanuatu 29,325  0.015%  0 29,325  
Venezuela, Bolivari an Republic of 725,305  0.371%  0 725,305  
Viet Nam 856,290  0.438%  582 855,708  
Zambia 62,560  0.032%  29 62,531  
Zimbabwe 39,100  0.020%  0 39,100  
TOTAL 195,500,000  100.00%  124,712 195,375,288  
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 16 - 
 
  3  BUDGET PROPOSALS BY SECTION 
3.1.  The Budget is divided into three parts: (a) Staffing Resources, including expenditure for 
regular and short-term staff, (b) Other Resources, including all administrative expenditure, missions and capital expenditure and (c) Operating Funds & ITC, including the contribution to the 
ITC as well as the two operating funds. 
3.1  WTO SECRETARIAT 
3.2  Part A - Staffing Resources 
3.2.  Part A of the budget comprises expenditure for re gular staff related to salary, pension, health 
insurance, death and invalidity insurance, staff be nefits and expenditure related to travel, removal 
and installation. Expenditure for short-term staff, consultants and panellists is also included under this item. The WTO Conditions of Service are applied since 1 January 1999. 
3.2.1  Staff Expenditure 
Table 8. Section 1: Staff Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Staff Remuneration 88,373  88,231  88,055 -142 -177  
ii) Staff Pension & Post-Employment Benefits 21,232  21,467  21,440 235 -27 
iii) Staff Health & Invalidity Insurance 5,600  5,713  5,917 113 204  
iv) Staff Family & International Benefits 11,154  10,948  10,948 -206  
v) Other Staff Expenditure 1,562  1,562  1,562   
1. Staff Expenditure Total  127,921  127,921  127,921 0 0 
 
3.2.1.1  Staff Remuneration 
3.3.  Staff Remuneration covers the expenditure for salaries of regular staff as well as overtime 
paid to fix-term staff and untaken leave paid at termination. At year-end, the provision for annual leave is also booked on that account. 
3.4.  The salary scale of the WTO staff and its annual adjustment is based on WTO Staff Regulation 
6.2. For 2014, the decrease of CHF 142,000 reflects the salary cost for 630.5 work years for the WTO Secretariat and comprises an adjustment of the staff profile based on the salary structure in 
2013, a zero adjustment of the salary scheme in accordance with the established methodology 
(WT/GC/M/63), a provision for the Performance Appraisal System (WT/GC/M/80) amounting to 2% of the budgeted base salary and a re-valuation of  the vacancy factor of 12 posts. No promotions 
have been budgeted for. 
3.5.  For 2015, the same assumptions apply, except for the number of vacant posts, which have 
been increased in order to meet the target of zero nominal growth for the budget of 2015. 
3.2.1.2  Staff Pension and Post-Employment Benefits 
Table 9. Staff Pension and Post-Employment Benefits  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
ii) Staff Pension & Post-Employment Benefits      
 Staff / Pension 18,727 18,862 18,835 135 -27 
 Staff / Retiree Health Insurance 2,505 2,605 2,605 100  
Grand Total 21,232  21,467  21,440 235 -27 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 17 - 
 
  3.6.  Staff Pension and Post-Employment Benefits relates to the WTO's pension contribution for 
regular staff as well as the health insurance contributions for retired staff. The WTO pension contributions amount to 23.7% of the pensionabl e remuneration and are shared between the WTO 
and the WTO Pension Plan participants by two thir ds to one third, respectively. No changes are 
foreseen in the way these contributions are calculated. 
3.7.  In 2014, the premiums for the health insurance of retirees have been adjusted, due to the 
increase in the overall medical premiums as well  as the increasing number of retirees. Pension 
premiums for regular staff have also been adju sted according to the staff profile in 2013. The 
decrease in pension premiums in 2015 is due to the management of staff positions of the Secretariat in order to cope with the increase in dispute settlement within the same budgetary envelope. 
3.2.1.3  Staff Health and Invalidity Insurance 
Table 10. Staff Health and Invalidity Insurance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
iii) Staff Health & Invalidity Insurance      
 Death and Invalidity Insurance 615 615 615   
 Staff / Health Insurance 4,985 5,098 5,302 113 204 
Grand Total  5,600  5,713  5,917 113 204 
 
3.8.  Staff Health and Invalidity Insurance relates to the health insurance contributions for 
fixed-term staff and their dependen ts as well as to the death and invalidity insurance premiums for 
WTO staff and the service incurred accident premiu m. For 2014, an increase in medical premiums 
of 4% has been projected. For 2015 a further increase of 4% is assumed. 
3.2.1.4  Staff Family and International Benefits 
Table 11. Staff Family and International Benefits  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
iv) Staff Family & International Benefits      
 Staff / Child Allowance 3,286 3,286 3,286   
 Staff / Education Grant 3,833 3,833 3,833   
 Staff / Home Leave 1,768 1,768 1,768   
 Staff / Rental Subsidy 202 297 297 95  
 Staff / Secondary Dependence 
Allowance 260 270 270 10  
 Staff / Spouse Allowance 1,804 1,494 1,494 -311  
Grand Total  11,154  10,948  10,948 -206  0 
 
3.9.  Staff Family and International Benefits comprises child allowance, spouse allowance, 
secondary dependence allowance for fix-term staff, rental subsidy for non-local fixed-term staff as 
well as the international benefits home leave and education grant. The allocations for 2014 and 2015 have been adjusted according to the 2013 staff profile. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 18 - 
 
  3.2.1.5  Other Staff Expenditure 
Table 12. Other Staff Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
v) Other Staff Expenditure      
 Staff / Installation Grant & Medical 
Examinations 432 432 432   
 Staff / Negotiated Termination Indemnity 300 300 300   
 Staff / Separation Grant 440 440 440   
 Staff / Travel and Removal 265 265 265   
 Staff / US Taxes 125 125 125   
Grand Total  1,562  1,562  1,562  0  0  
 
3.10.  Other Staff Expenditure includes the accounts for the installation grant and medical 
expenditure of fix-term staff at recruitment, the negotiated termination indemnity, the separation 
grant for fix-term staff, the expenditure for travel and removal at appointment and termination of fixed-term staff and dependents, and the expend iture linked to unreimbursed US taxes for staff 
liable to US taxes. The allocation w ill not be adjusted for the biennium. 
3.2.2  Temporary Assistance 
Table 13. Section 2: Te mporary Assistance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec  
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Short-Term Staff 8,033  8,124  8,074 91 -50  
ii) Consulting 7,825  7,925  7,925 100  
iii) Panellists  265  315 365 50 50  
2. Temporary Assistance Total 16,123  16,363  16,363 241  0 
 
3.2.2.1  Short-Term Staff 
Table 14. Short-term Staff  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec  
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Short-Term Staff Short-Term Staff / Salary 1,841  1,931  1,881 91 -50  
 Short-Term Staff / Pension 425 425 425   
 Translators / Daily and Monthly 2,000  2,000  2,000   
 Translators / Special Service 
Contract 1,640  1,640  1,640   
 Interpreters 1,755  1,755  1,755   
 Interns 373 373 373   
Grand Total  8,033  8,124  8,074 91 -50  
 
3.11.  Under Short-Term Staff, the gross salary of te mporary staff as well as related pension and 
health contributions, untaken leave at terminatio n and overtime are accounted for. Furthermore, 
translators, interpreters and interns are booked under that category. 
3.12.  For 2014, an increase in temporary assistance of CHF 91,000 is foreseen in order to partly 
cover the cost of the rise in dispute settlement ac tivity. For 2015, the allocation is reduced in order 
to meet the target of zero nominal growth. Howeve r, funds would still be needed to cover for the 
increased needs due to dispute settlement activity. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 19 - 
 
  3.2.2.2  Consulting 
Table 15. Consulting  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
ii) Consulting Consulting Firms & Employment 
Agencies 3,501  3,501  3,501   
 Special Service Agreement 1,444  1,444  1,444   
 Translators / External Translator 
Contract 2,879  2,979  2,979 100  
Grand Total  7,825  7,925  7,925 100  0 
 
3.13.  Consulting includes temporary assistance provided by companies such as employment 
agencies and consulting firms, special service agr eements with individuals and external translator 
contractors paid by the word translated. The appropriation under consultants mainly includes the budget for IT consultants as well as the allocation for the Human Resources Training Programme. 
3.14.  It is proposed to increase the budget fo r 2014 by CHF 100,000 in the area of External 
Translators in order to partly cover the increased need in the translation of dispute settlement reports. 
3.2.2.3  Panellists 
Table 16. Panellists  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec  
2015 
iii) Panellists  Panellist Fees 265  315 365 50 50  
Grand Total  265 315 365 50 50 
 
3.15.  Panellist Fees comprises special service agreements with panellists and related experts. An 
increase of CHF 50,000 for panellists is proposed for each year of the biennium due to the 
increasing number of panels in the area of disput e settlement. This will partly cover the expected 
increase in this area. 
3.3  Part B - Other Resources 
3.16.  Part B of the budget relates to expenditure for general services, travel and hospitality, 
activities jointly funded by the WTO and third parties, as well as capital and financial expenditure. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 20 - 
 
  3.3.1  General Services 
Table 17. Section 3: General Services  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Telecommunication & Post      
 Post & Freight 1,011 978 978  -34  
 Telecommunication 668 668 668   
ii) Contractual Services & Maintenance      
 Building Maintenance 428 528 528 100  
 Contractual Services 7,041 6,941 6,741 -100 -200 
 Equipment Maintenance 1,910 1,990 1,990 80  
 Insurance 294 294 294   
 Rental of Premises 78 78 78   
iii) Energy & Supplies Electricity 625 625 625   
 Gas & Fuel 211 311 311 100  
 Supplies 1,326 1,346 1,346 20  
 Water 39 39 39   
iv) Documentation & Publication      
 Books 90 90 90   
 Media & Public Relations 300 300 300   
 Printing 140 140 140   
 Publications 641 641 641   
 Subscriptions 500 500 500   
 Advertising 40 40 40   
v) Other / Miscellaneous      
 Other / Miscellaneous 22 22 22   
 Membership and Registration Fees 155 155 155   
3. General Services Total 15,518  15,685  15,485 167 -200  
 
3.3.1.1  Telecommunication and Post 
3.17.  Telecommunication and Post includes telecommunication expenditure relating to fixed and 
mobile lines, subscriptions and postal and shipping  expenditure of mail and freight. No changes are 
foreseen in these budget lines. A reduction of CHF 34,000 is proposed under Post & Freight. 
3.3.1.2  Contractual Services and Maintenance 
3.18.  Contractual Services and Maintenance refers to the maintenance expenditure of the building 
such as painting, electricity, small renovations and the elevator maintenance contract. Due to the new administrative building, the allocation for maintenance has been increased by CHF 100,000. 
3.19.  Contractual Services includes the outsourced labour intensive services such as the cleaning 
contract, the contract for the outsourced security provider and the contribution to the International Computing Centre (ICC). Due to the new security pe rimeter scheduled to be finalised by the end of 
2013 and the equipment of the WTO site with new security equipment between 2012 and 2013, it 
is proposed to reduce the allocation for the ex ternal security provider by CHF 100,000 and to 
finance the increase of the equipment maintena nce budget by CHF 80,000 and budget for supplies 
by CHF 20,000 with that amount. For 2015, a furt her reduction of the budget for the external 
security provider by CHF 200,000 is foreseen du e to the reduced number of guards required to 
monitor a single site with modern technology. 
3.20.  Equipment maintenance refers to all maintenance and repair expenditure not related to the 
building such as vehicles, computer equipment, software, printing and other equipment. The major 
part of the budget is allocated to the maintenanc e of IT equipment, the switchboard and security WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 21 - 
 
  equipment. As mentioned above, it is proposed to increase the allocation by CHF 80,000 in order 
to provide for the maintenance of the additional security equipment. 
3.21.  Insurance includes all building, vehicle, IT equipment, inventory and third-party insurance 
expenditure. The line rental and premises concerns the rental of offices, parking conference rooms 
and storage facilities. The main part of the expendit ure in this line is realised under archives. No 
changes are foreseen in this budgetary allocation. 
3.3.1.3  Energy and Supplies 
3.22.  This line includes electricity, gas and fuel, su pplies and water expenditure. The allocation for 
gas and fuel has been increased by CHF 100,000 du e to the higher heating expenditure for the 
new building. 
3.3.1.4  Documentation and Publications 
3.23.  Documentation and Publications relates to the purchase of books, subscriptions to 
magazines and newsfeed, the outsourced printing a rrangements for publications, the cost of sales 
for publications and expenditure linked to the rental of photography and filming services. 
3.3.1.5  Other/Miscellaneous 
3.24.  Other/Miscellaneous refers to the expenditure for the advertising regarding recruitments, 
membership and registration fees for staff traini ng events and other expenditure that cannot be 
associated to another account such as the fees for laissez-passer paid to the UN, funeral 
expenditure for staff and certain HR events. The main expenditure under this budget line is realised under Membership and Registration Fees, which comprises a part of the Human Resources Training Programme. 
3.3.2  Travel and Hospitality 
Table 18. Section 4: Travel and Hospitality  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Travel Air & Rail Transportation 5,211  5,211  5,211   
 Insurance / Participants 130 130 130   
 Other Travel Related Expenditure /  
Out of Pocket 1,854  1,854  1,854   
ii) Hospitality Hospitality & Meeting Refreshments 235 235 235   
4. Travel & Hospitality Total 7,430  7,430  7,430  0  0  
 
3.25.  Travel includes the expenditure (travel, per diem and travel insurance) for official missions, 
technical missions, trade-related technical assistance, as well as travel related to the Human Resources Training Programme, dispute settlement, recruitment and external auditors. The 
detailed allocations for trade-related technical assistance, the Human Resources Training 
Programme and dispute settlement are explained in part 4 Budget Proposals by key outputs and 
projects  below. 
3.26.  Hospitality covers the divisional hospitality budget as well as hospitality related to technical 
assistance training courses and the Human Resources Training Programme. The allocation for 2013 
is maintained for the biennium 2014-15. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 22 - 
 
  3.3.3  Implementing Partners 
Table 19. Section 5: Im plementing Partners  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec  
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Implementing Partners Implementing Partners 273  273 273   
5. Implementing Partners Total 273 273 273  0  0 
 
3.27.  Implementing Partners covers activities or events partly or jointly funded by the WTO but 
executed by a third party organization such as the WTO's share in the running costs of the 
Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization and the International Service for Remunerations and Pensions
 of the Coordinated Organisations and the UN Joint Purchasing Unit. It 
also includes the contribution to the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) for the 
publishing of the ISO/WTO Directory of Standardizing Bodies Accepting the WTO Code of Good 
Practice, as well as the contribution to the WTO Staff Assistance Fund. 
3.3.4  Capital Expenditure 
Table 20. Section 6: Capital Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Procurement of Fixed Assets      
 Audio Visual & Telecommunication 
Equipment 50 50 50   
 Computing Hardware 820 820 820   
 Computing Software 300 300 300   
 Office Furniture and Equipment 60 60 60   
 Security Equipment 435 235 235 -200  
 Vehicles 20 20 20   
 Reproduction Equipment 0 0 0   
ii) Rental & Leasing of Equipment      
 Rental and Leasing of Equipment 1,408 1,442 1,442  34  
6. Capital Expenditure Total 3,093  2,927  2,927 -167  0  
 
3.28.  Capital Expenditure comprises the purchase of audio-visual and telecommunication 
equipment, computing hardware and software, o ffice furniture and other equipment, security 
equipment, vehicles and reproduction equipment. 
3.29.  The allocation for security equipment has been reduced by CHF 200,000 following the 
renovation of the CWR in 2012 and the construction of the security perimeter in 2013. 
3.30.  Under Reproduction Equipment, no purchases of new reproduction equipment are foreseen 
for the biennium. The item rental and leasing of  equipment primarily includes the rental of 
reproduction equipment (four printing machines and two scanners), security equipment for fire 
protection, photocopiers and sanitary equipment. It is proposed to increase this allocation by 
CHF 34,000 in order to fully finance the rental of photocopiers, which has been unfunded and therefore financed by savings up to now. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.3.5  Financial Expenditure 
Table 21. Section 7: Financial Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Bank & Interest Charges      
 Bank charges 30  30 30   
ii) Building Loan Reimbursement      
 Building Loan Reimbursement 1,200  1,200  1,200   
7. Financial Expenditure Total 1,230  1,230  1,230  0   0 
 
3.31.  Financial Expenditure refers to bank fees and charges as well as to the reimbursement of 
the building loan. 
3.32.  In 2012, the WTO completed its new administrative building, hosting 200 work stations and 
an underground parking with 200 spaces. Since December 2012, the WTO is now located on a 
single site. The Organization has received a CHF 60 million loan from the Swiss authorities, which 
includes CHF 20 million for the south and north courtyards transformations and CHF 40 million for 
the new administrative building. The loan is in terest-free and the WTO started the reimbursement 
in 2013 of the principal only. The duration of the loan is 50 years. 
3.4  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC 
3.33.  Part C of the budget is related to the contribu tions to the International Trade Centre and the 
two operating funds. 
Table 22. Section 8: Contribution s to ITC and Special Reserves  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Contribution to ITC Contribution to ITC 18,911  18,470  18,470 -441  
iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund 600 600 600   
8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves 19,511  19,070  19,070 -441  0  
 
3.34.  The provision under ITC relates to the contribution to the International Trade Centre 
UNCTAD/WTO which was established in accordance with a decision taken by the contracting 
parties on 22 November 1967 (SR.24/14) and Re solution 2297 (XXII) adopted by the United 
Nations General Assembly on 12 December 1967, effective 1 January 1968, to the effect that the ITC would be operated jointly by UNCTAD and GATT on a continuing basis and in equal 
partnership. The WTO has since assumed the re sponsibilities of the GATT in this respect 
(WT/GC/M/3, item 6). Details of the ITC budget proposal for 2014 and 2015 are prepared and examined separately by the Committee on Budget,  Finance and Administration. In June 2011, the 
Committee approved some changes in the ITC reporting process including the submission of the 
full budget fascicle in the United Nations format. The allocation for the year 2014 has been 
reduced by CHF 440,550 following a resolution by the United Nations. 
3.35.  The Ministerial Conference Operating Fund (MOF) was established in 1999 (WT/BFA/44) to 
reduce the burden of the costs associated with a Ministerial Conference by spreading its costs over 
several years with an annual appropriation funded  through the WTO Secretariat. Before 1999, this 
type of expenditure had been covered by extra-bu dgetary funds. Since 2005, the yearly allocation 
of CHF 600,000 to the MOF has remained unchanged. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
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  3.5  APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT 
3.6  Part A - Staffing Resources 
3.36.  The same factors as mentioned under the WTO Secretariat pertain to Part A of the budget 
for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat. As in the WTO Secretariat, the WTO Conditions of 
Service are applied since 1999. 
3.37.  The overall allocation of staff resources between the WTO Secretariat and the Appellate 
Body Secretariat might be reviewed during th e execution of the budget with respect to the 
development of needs related to dispute settlement activity at the appeal level. 
Table 23. Section 1: Staff Expenditure  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i)  Staff Remuneration 2,483  2,483  2,478  -6  
ii) Staff Pension & Post-Employment Benefits 520 520 520   
iii) Staff Health & Invalidity Insurance 146  152 157 5 6  
iv) Staff Family & International Benefits 301 296 296 -5  
v) Other Staff Expenditure 43  43 43   
1. Staff Expenditure Total 3,494  3,494  3,494  0  0 
 
3.6.1  Staff Expenditure 
3.38.  As in the WTO, salaries have not been increased, and the staff profile has been adjusted 
according to the salary structure in 2013. Medica l premiums have been increased by 4% in each 
year. All positions increased are absorbed by savings in other lines in order to comply with the 
target of zero nominal growth. 
3.6.2  Temporary Assistance 
Table 24. Section 2: Te mporary Assistance  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec  
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
i) Short-Term Staff 45  45 45   
iii) Appellate Body Members Fees 759 759 759   
2. Temporary Assistance Total 804  804 804  0  0  
 
3.39.  Short-Term Staff relates to an intern budget for 2 interns for 12 months each. The Appellate 
Body Member Fees refer to the monthly retainer, daily fees and communication fees paid to Appellate Body Members. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 25 - 
 
  3.7  Part B - Other Resources 
Table 25. Part B - Other Resources  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
3. General Services i) Telecommunication & Post 41  41 41   
 ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance 18 18 18   
 iii) Energy & Supplies 20  20 20   
 iv) Documentation & Publication 10 10 10   
 v) Other / Miscellaneous 27  27 27   
4. Travel & Hospitality i) Travel 50 50 50   
 ii) Hospitality 1  1 1   
6. Capital Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed Assets 25 25 25   
 ii) Rental & Leasing of Equipment 15  15 15   
Part B - Other Resources Total 207 207 207  0  0 
 
3.40.  No changes compared to the 2013 budget have been applied to the years 2014-2015 under 
Part B of the budget. Item Other/Miscellaneous includes CHF 25,000 of training budget for the 
Appellate Body Secretariat. 
3.41.  The travel budget also provides for the costs a ssociated to internal sessions of the Appellate 
Body. 
3.8  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC 
Table 26. Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
ii) Special Reserves Appellat e Body Operating Fund 1,600  1,800  2,000 200 200  
8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves 1,600  1,800  2,000 200 200 
 
3.42.  The Appellate Body Operating Fund (ABOF) includes the variable cost expenditure of the 
Appellate Body consisting of the number of case s brought before the Appellate Body and their 
duration. Due to the increased activity in Dispute Settlement and its projected impact at the appeal level, it is proposed to increase the allocation for the Appellate Body Operating Fund by 
CHF 200,000 in 2014 and CHF 200,000 in 2015. Given th e high workload expected on the appeals 
level, this amount might not be sufficient to cover the expected expenditure under this item for the biennium. 
4  BUDGET PROPOSALS BY KEY OUTPUTS AND PROJECTS 
4.1.  This part provides the explanation of the budg et proposals by key projects and outputs. Due 
to the new structure adopted in 2012, all expenditure is now allocated against one of the eight 
main outputs of the Organization. This is a preparatory step in order to implement a new 
additional view of the expenditure by output for the biennium 2016-17. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 26 - 
 
  4.1  Outreach 
Table 27. Public Forum Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
2. Temporary Assistance       
 i) Short-Term Staff Interpreters 90 90 90   
  Short-Term Staff / Salary 10 10 10   
3. General Services       
 ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance Contractual Services 30 30 30   
 iii) Energy & Supplies Supplies 30 30 30   
 iv) Documentation & 
 Publication Media & Public Relations 40 40 40   
  Publications 20 20 20   
4. Travel & Hospitality       
 i) Travel Air & Rail Transportation 90 90 90   
  Other Travel Related 
Expenditure / Out of Pocket 20 20 20   
 ii) Hospitality Hospitality & Meeting 
Refreshments 20 20 20   
Grand Total  350  350 350  0  0  
 
Table 28. Open Day Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
3. General Services       
 ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance Building Maintenance 8 8 8   
  Contractual Services 5 5 5   
  Rental of Premises 18 18 18   
 iii) Energy & Supplies Supplies 21 21 21   
 iv) Documentation & 
 Publication Media & Public Relations 20 20 20   
  Printing 10 10 10   
Grand Total  82 82 82  0  0 
 
4.2.  The two main outreach activities of the WTO are the Public Forum and the Open Day. The 
Public Forum was established in 2001. It is now recognized as the most relevant international 
platform for in-depth dialogue and reflection on  past, present and future developments and ideas 
that determine the shape and direction of the mult ilateral trading system. It is the WTO's biggest 
and most important outreach event, each year attracting more than 1,000 participants from 
around the world, representing WTO Members and Observers, parliamentarians, non-governmental 
organisations, academics, media and the business community. The Public Forum was financed from extra-budgetary funds from its inception in 2001 to 2007. In 2008, WTO Members recognised 
the importance of the event and approved it s sTable funding from the regular budget. 
4.3.  The second outreach event, the Open Day, was introduced in 2009 in order to strengthen the 
link with the local community in Geneva. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 27 - 
 
  4.2  Security 
Table 29. Security Budget 
 (in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015  
3. General Services       
 ii) Contractual 
Services & Maintenance Contractual Services 3,963
 3,863  3,663 -100 -200  
  Equipment Maintenance 170 250 250 80  
 iii) Energy & Supplies Supplies 5  25 25 20  
4. Travel & Hospitality       
 i) Travel Insurance / Participants 130 130 130   
6. Capital Expenditure       
 i) Procurement of 
Fixed Assets Security Equipment 435  235 235 -200  
Grand Total  4,703  4,503  4,303 -200 -200  
 
4.4.  The security enhancement project related to th e building project is to be completed by the 
end of 2013. The new security perimeter, current ly under construction, will lead to economies 
across the entire security budget as from 2014. The number of staff needed to monitor a single site with modern technology will be reduced comp ared to the former open site with six different 
entries to monitor. However, the camera system gradually installed over the last two years is 
leading to an increase in the maintenance expenditure. A new contract with an external security provider is also currently under negotiation. The new contract as well as a further reduction of 
guards due to the security perimeter is expected to lead to an additional reduction of CHF 200,000 
of the budgetary envelope for the external security provider. 
4.3  Information Technology 
Table 30. Information Technology Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description  2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015  
2. Temporary Assistance       
 i) Short-Term Staff Interns 6  6 6   
  Short-Term Staff / 
Salary 40 40 40   
 ii) Consulting Consulting Firms & 
Employment Agencies 2,633  2,633  2,633   
3. General Services       
 i) Telecommunication & Post Telecommunication 674 674 674   
 ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance Contractual Services 1,600  1,600  1,600   
  Equipment 
Maintenance 1,625  1,625  1,625   
 iii) Energy & Supplies Supplies 270  270 270   
6. Capital Expenditure       
 i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets Audio Visual & 
Telecommunication 
Equipment 50 50 50   
  Computing Hardware 830  830 830   
  Computing Software 300 300 300   
 ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment Rental and Leasing of 
Equipment 99 132 132  34   
Grand Total  8,126  8,160  8,160  34 0 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 28 - 
 
  4.5.   Three quarters of the Information Technology (IT) budget relate to costs for keeping the 
existing services running, including telecommunication expenditure for fixed and mobile communication, the contribution to the International Computing Centre (CHF 1.6 million), equipment maintenance, as well as hardware and software acquisitions and maintenance. Despite 
the increase in maintenance cost for applications built in the past few years, the overall 
expenditure in these areas has been lowered due to savings under telecommunication, consulting and hardware cost. It is proposed to increase the budget for the rental of photocopiers under 
Rental and Leasing of Equipment by CHF 34,000, as this line has been funded by savings in other 
areas up to now. 
4.6.  The savings realised under fixed costs are reallocated in order to finance the critical projects 
taking place in the biennium such as the ERP upgrade (Oracle) and the replacement of the 
document management solution, the platform supporting translation and publication of all WTO 
documents. 
4.7.  In the core trade-related area, projects such as i-Tip and dispute settlement registry will 
carry on while new trade knowledge will be made available in the areas of government 
procurement, intellectual property and agriculture.  A project to optimize the notification process 
and the resources required to administer them within  the WTO will also be launched. In the area of 
security, the solutions against security threats w ill keep improving. The Secretariat will also 
transform the way Members access the secretariat resources electronically. 
4.4  Technical Assistance 
Table 31. Technical Assistance Related Training Courses by Expenditure Line 
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Part Section Line 2013 2014 2015 Inc/
Dec 
2014 Inc/
Dec 
2015 
A Staffing 
Resources 2. Temporary 
Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 12 12 12     
    ii) Consulting 235 235 235    
A Staffing Resources Total   247  247 247  0   0 
B Other 
Resources 3. General 
Services i) Telecommunication & 
Post 87 87 87     
    iv) Documentation & 
Publication 33 33 33    
  4. Travel & 
Hospitality i) Travel 4,061 4,061 4,061     
    ii) Hospitality 50 50 50    
  5. Implementing 
Partners i) Implementing 
Partners (Moot Court 
Competition) 70 70 70     
B Other Resources Total   4,301  4,301  4,301  0   0 
Grand Total     4,548  4,548  4,548  0  0 
 
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 29 - 
 
  Table 32. Technical Assistance Rela ted Training Courses by Course 
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Title Budget 
2013 Budget 
2014 Budget 
2015 
Advanced Trade Policy Course - Applied (English) 584 450 450 
Advanced Trade Policy Co urse - Applied (English) 584 450 450 
Advanced Trade Policy Course - A pplied (Spanish/French) 0 450 450 
Development of E-Learning courses 74 74 74 
28th Geneva Week and 30th Geneva Week 199 150 150 
29th Geneva Week and 31st Geneva Week 199 150 150 
Introduction and Focus Activities for Geneva-based delegates 10 20 20 
Introduction Course for LDCs (English/French) 210 210 210 
Advisory Role on Legal Issues (Art. 27.2 of DSU) 60 60 60 
National seminars  and workshops 1,106 886 776 
National seminars and workshops (Accessions related) 0 70 70 
Advanced Thematic Course on WTO Dispute Settlement  70 70 70 
Joint WIPO/WTO Advanced Course on Intellectual Property for 
Government Officials 82 82 82 
Advanced Thematic course on TBT  180 0 180 
Follow-up activities related to the 2013 and the 2014 Advanced 
Thematic Course on SPS 159 159 159 
Advanced Thematic course on SPS  256 256 256 
Advanced Thematic Course on Regionalism  130 110 110 
Thematic workshop on SPS related market access challenges and 
opportunities 188 0 0 
Advanced Thematic Course on Rules  137 0 0 
Thematic Course on Practical Guide for Trade Policy Analysis  0 110 110 
Intermediate Thematic Course for LDCs  0 110 110 
Advanced Thematic course  Trade and Environment 0 180 0 
Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills for Geneva-based 
delegates 0 2 2 
Advanced Workshop on Agricu lture Notifications (English) 0 90 0 
Advanced Workshop on Agricultur e Notifications (French) 0 90 0 
Advanced Workshop on Agricu lture Notifications (Spanish) 0 0 90 
Advanced Thematic course on Agriculture  0 0 110 
Advanced Thematic course 0 0 90 
Support to Regional African Round of University Competitions on 
WTO Law and participation in Final Competition (Moot Court Competition) 70 70 70 
Academic support semi nars in co-operati on with academic 
institutions 155 170 170 
The donation of WTO publications to Universities and groups of 
scholars 25 10 10 
Monitoring and Evaluation 70 70 70 
Total Technical Assistance Related Training Courses 4,548 4,548 4,548 
 
4.8.  In the area of technical assistance related training courses, the programme has evolved 
compared to the biennium 2012-13. The conceptual focus shifts, for example, in the move towards 
an innovative case-based Advanced Trade Polic y Course (ATPC) for generalists, which will 
concentrate on horizontal systemic themes. Thre e Geneva-based ATPCs will be held annually, 
compared to two in the previous biennium, and thei r duration will be eight weeks rather than the 
historical 12 weeks. This is in light of a streamlining and rationalisation process ensuring that the participants in the ATPC already benefit from a solid intermediate knowledge base prior to their 
arrival coupled with the reorientation of the su bstantive and conceptual focus. The three-week 
basic LDC Introduction Course remains. 
4.9.  For specialists, the Geneva-based curriculum will include more traditional (e.g. Dispute 
Settlement, Agriculture, SPS, TBT, TRIPS jointly with relevant organizations) and new (e.g. Trade 
and Environment, RTAs, Accessions) themes, as we ll as augmenting the substantive scope of the 
curriculum to innovative advanced thematic courses on particular WTO-related topics. Based upon WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 30 - 
 
  lessons learned and recent developments, the Geneva-based curriculum will include a specialized 
course focusing on the particular needs and interest s of LDCs offered at the intermediate level, as 
well as a new course on the Practical Guide to Trade Policy Analysis. Furthermore, and again responding to the needs expressed by Members, a new Trade Negotiations Course will be offered 
for Geneva-based delegates The option will be retained for an additional advanced thematic 
activity to be designed and delivered on a topic to  be determined, taking into account the evolving 
needs of the Membership. 
4.10.  Finally, in response to the long-standing demands of Members, cost-effective Introduction 
and Focus activities for Geneva-based delegates will be doubled (to six days annually). Introduction activities allow for the dissemination of information about the WTO, its basic principles, its functioning and current issues, as well as about ways to access WTO-related 
information through the WTO Library and Internet. Introduction and Focus activities may also be 
designed to target particular WTO Agreements or issues, and to allow for more in depth focus and exchange of views and perspectives, as well as networking. 
4.11.  In light of needs and priorities expressed by Members, and the constraint of zero nominal 
growth budgeting, the Secretariat proposes, as a ge neral rule, to maintain the current 25 funded 
spaces for participants in Geneva-based courses. In some cases, additional spaces may be made 
available on a self-funded basis. 
4.5  Documents Reproduction 
Table 33. Documents Reproduction and Distribution Budget 
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account 
Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
2. Temporary Assistance       
 i) Short-Term Staff Short-Term Staff / 
Salary 170 170 170   
3. General Services       
 ii) Contractual 
Services & 
Maintenance Equipment 
Maintenance 90 90 90   
 iii) Energy & Supplies Supplies 479 479 479   
6. Capital Expenditure       
 ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment Rental and Leasing 
of Equipment 1,281 1,281 1,281   
Grand Total  2,020 2,020 2,020  0  0 
 
4.12.  The budget for documents reproduction an d distribution has been decreased by 
CHF 300,000 over the last biennium following the introduction of the streamlining measures in 
2012. It is proposed to maintain the 2013 allocation for the biennium 2014-15. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.6  Human Resources Training Programme 
Table 34. Human Resources Training Budget  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
2. Temporary Assistance       
 ii) Consulting Consulting Firms & 
Employment Agencies 795 795 795   
  Special Service 
Agreement 200 200 200   
3. General Services       
 v) Other / 
Miscellaneous Membership and 
Registration Fees 180 180 180   
4. Travel & Hospitality       
 i) Travel Air & Rail Transportation  250 250 250   
 ii) Hospitality Hospitality & Meeting 
Refreshments 100 100 100   
Grand Total   1,525  1,525  1,525  0  0 
 
4.13.  The Human Resources Training Programme is a ke y priority for staff development in order to 
achieve the Director General's objective of ensuri ng that the WTO remains a centre of excellence, 
at the forefront of organization-ns servicing the international community. In this regard, training is essential to the continued development of staff an d high quality employee output. To achieve this, 
continued emphasis needs to be placed on exec utive leadership development, enhanced core 
technical and professional skills as well as rigorous performance management. 
4.14.  It is proposed to maintain the envelope of CHF 1,525,000 for the biennium 2014-15. This 
allocation has remained unchanged since 2010. The main training activities foreseen for the 
biennium are in the area trade-related learning programs, management training, emerging leaders program, project management, business process im provement, code of conduct workshops and e-
learning, as well as any corporate training requirements which may be deemed necessary by the 
new WTO senior leadership. 
4.7  Dispute Settlement 
Table 35. Dispute Settlement Budget – Panels  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account 
Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
2. Temporary Assistance       
 iii) Panellists Panellist Fees 240  290 340 50 50  
3. General Services       
 i) Telecommunication & 
 Post Post & Freight 17 17 17   
4. Travel & Hospitality       
 i) Travel Air & Rail 
Transportation 730 730 730   
Grand Total   987 1,037  1,087 50 50 
 
4.15.  Dispute settlement activity is expected to rise  over the biennium. As at 25 September 2013, 
there are 16 active panels/arbitrations, 7 panels in composition, 3 requests for the establishment 
of a panel pending before the Dispute Settlement Body and 15 requests for consultations pending. 
This will also have an impact on the biennium 2014-15, where it is proposed to increase the allocation for panellist fees by CH F 50,000 in each year in order to cover at least a part of the 
increased expenditure. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 32 - 
 
  Table 36. Dispute Settlement Budget – Appeals  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account 
Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc 
/Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015  
2. Temporary Assistance       
 iii) Appellate Body Member 
 Fees Appellate Body 
Member Fees 759 759 759   
3. General Services       
 i) Telecommunication & 
 Post Post & Freight 35 35 35   
8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves       
 ii) Special Reserves Appellate Body 
Operating Fund 1,600 1,800 2,000 200 200 
Grand Total   2,394  2,594  2,794 200 200  
 
4.16.  Dispute Settlement Panels and Appeals are clos ely linked. Based on the experience with 
dispute settlement proceedings since 1996, by average two-thirds (67 %) of all panel reports 
circulated are appealed. In addition, since the early years of the WTO dispute settlement, it can be observed that the average length of WTO panel re ports that have been appealed has more than 
doubled to an average of approximately 364 pages. Moreover, some panels in recent years have 
involved two or three complaining parties, and disputes have involved a growing number of third 
parties. This multiplies the number of written and oral panel and appeal submissions as well as exhibits to be considered. In addition, the num ber of claims raised per panel request and the 
number of issues raised on appeal has increased significantly, often rising to double digits. 
Requests for preliminary and procedural rulings have also become a common feature of panel and appeal work. The increase in the workload of panels translates into an increase in the Appellate 
Body's workload given that all panel reports, as we ll as relevant parts of the panel record, must be 
thoroughly read by Appellate Body Members and lawyers of the Appellate Body Secretariat, in 
order to prepare for an upcoming appeal. 
4.17.  Taking into account the number of panel proceedings currently in progress or about to begin 
and based on the experience that statistically about two-thirds of all panel reports will be 
appealed, the Appellate Body can expect to receive around 20 appeals during the biennium 2014-15 including several of massive size. Such an incr ease in the number of appeals, on top of the 
increasing complexity and size of the average appeal, will put a huge strain on the resources of the 
Appellate Body and its Secretariat in the course of the next biennium. 
4.8  Ministerial Operating Fund 
Table 37. Ministerial Conference Operating Fund  
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Section Line Account Description 2013 2014 2015 Inc/ 
Dec 
2014 Inc/ 
Dec 
2015 
8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves      
 ii) Ministerial 
Operating Fund Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund 600 600 600   
Grand Total   600  600 600  0  0  
 
4.18.  The Ministerial Conference Operating Fund (MOF) has been established in 1997 in order to 
provide the financial envelope for the Ministerial Conference, traditionally taking place every two 
years. The annual allocation of CHF 600,000 allows  the establishment of a biannual envelope of 
CHF 1.2 million for the Ministerial Conference. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 33 - 
 
  5  KEY ORGANIZATIONAL EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 
5.1  Budgetary Evolution 
Table 38. Budgetary Evolution 1995-2015 
Year Appropriation in CHF Total % Increase 
WTO Appellate Body Budget 
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%  
Figure 1 Evolution of Budget (1995 - 2015) 
105.4
115.7115.7
116.0
122.2
127.7
134.1
143.1
155.0
161.8
168.7
175.0
182.0
184.9
189.3
194.0
196.0196.0
197.2197.2197.2
100.0120.0140.0160.0180.0200.0220.0
1995
1996199719981999200020012002200320042005
2006
200720082009201020112012201320142015in Million CHF
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 34 - 
 
  5.2  Evolution of Contributions 
Table 39. Evolution of Contributions 1995-2015 
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% 
 
Figure 2 Evolution of Contributions 1995-2015  
(in million CHF) 
  WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 35 - 
 
  5.3   Staff Evolution 
Table 40. Staff Evolution 1995-2015 
Year Appropriation in CHF New Consolidations  Total % change 
WTO AB WTO AB   
1995 445 0 0    445  
1996 513 0 68   513 15.3%  
1997 507 6 0    513 0.0%  
1998 507 6 0   513 0.0%  
1999 524 9 17  3  533 3.9%  
2000 530 9 6 0  539 1.1%  
2001 539 13 9  4  552 2.4%  
2002 547 13 8 0  560 1.4%  
2003 577 13 6  0 24 590 5.4%  
2004 594 14 1 1 16 608 3.1%  
2005 593.5 15 -5.5  1 5 608.5 0.1%  
2006 620.5 15 3 0 24 635.5 4.4%  
2007 622.5 15 2    637.5 0.3%  
2008 624.5 15 2   639.5 0.3%  
2009 624.5 15 0    639.5 0.0%  
2010 626.5 15 2   641.5 0.3%  
2011 630.5 15 4    645.5 0.6%  
2012 631.5 17 1 2  648.5 0.5%  
2013 630.5 15  -1   -2  645.5 -0.5%  
2014 630.5 15 0 0  645.5 0.0%  
2015 630.5 15 0  0  645.5 0.0%  
 
Figure 3 Staff Evolution 1995 - 2015 
440490540590640
1995
1996
199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008
2009
201020112012201320142015Number of staff
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Table 41. Table of 2013 Regular Staff Positions By Division 
(in work-years, as at 1st September 2013) 
Secretariat Division Grades  
1 - 10 Grades 
11 - 12 Senior 
Management Grand 
Total 
WTO Senior Management 6 0 5 11 
 Accessions Division 6.8 1 0 7.8 
 Administration and General Services 
Division 71 1 0 72 
 Agriculture and Commo dities Division 17.6 1 0 18.6 
 Office of the Director-General 10 1 0 11 
 Council and TNC Division 12 1 0 13 
 Development Division 18 1 0 19 
 Economic Research and Statistics 
Division 39.8 2 0 41.8 
 Human Resources Division 20.9 1 0 21.9 
 Institute for Training and Technical 
Co-operation 33.8 1 0 34.8 
 Intellectual Property Division 15.1 1 0 16.1 
 Legal Affairs Division 16 2 0 18 
 Market Access Division 10.8 1 0 11.8 
 Rules Division 20.8 1 0 21.8 
 Trade and Environment Division 9.8 1 0 10.8 
 Trade in Services Division 16.8 1 0 17.8 
 Trade Policies Review Division 53.4 2 0 55.4 
 Office of Internal Audit 1 1 0 2 
 Information and External Relations 
Division 29.8 1 0 30.8 
 Languages, Documentation and 
Information Management Division 146.3 1 0 147.3 
 Information Technology Solutions 
Division 46.8 1 0 47.8 
Sub-total  602.5 23 5 630.5 
Appellate Body Appellate Body Secretariat 14 1 0 15 
Grand Total  616.5 24 5 645.5 
 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 37 - 
 
  6  WORKLOAD INDICATORS 
6.1.  The following graphs indicate the evolution of workload in several key areas of the WTO 
activities financed under the regular budget. 
6.1  Translation and Documentation 
Figure 4 Translation and Documentation: Nu mber of Words in Original Language for 
Translation 
(January - August) 
 
6.2  Meetings 
Figure 5 Meetings: Number Of Form al, Informal And Private Meetings 
(January - August) 
1,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,5005,0005,5006,000
Number of meetings
 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 38 - 
 
  Figure 6 Meetings: Days of freelance interpreters 
(January - August) 
 
6.3  Dispute Settlement Panels 
Figure 7 Dispute Settlement Panels - Expenditure 
(January - December) 
*Estimate based on actual expenditure as at 31 August 2013. 
 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 39 - 
 
  Figure 8 Dispute Settlement Panels : Average Expenditure per Month 
(January - December) 
*Estimate based on actual expenditure as at 31 August 2013. 
 WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 40 - 
 
  7  PROJECTED BUDGET PERFORMANCE 2013 
Table 42. Expected Consolidated  Performance against Budget 2013 
(in thousand Swiss Francs) 
Part Section Line Budget 
2013 Estimated 
Exp. 
until 
31/12/13 Estimated 
Balance % Exp 
to 
Budget 
A Staffing Resources      
 1. Staff Expenditure i) Staff Remuneration 90,856 86,529 4,328 95.2% 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
 Post-Employment Benefits 21,752 20,731 1,021 95.3% 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
 Insurance 5,747 5,178 569 90.1% 
  iv) Staff Family & 
 International Benefits 11,455 10,888 567 95.1% 
  v) Other Staff Expenditure 1,605 2,406 -801 149.9% 
 1. Staff Expenditure Total 131,415 125,732 5,683 95.7% 
 2. Temporary Assistance i) Short-Term Staff 8,078 14,138 -6,061 175.0% 
  ii) Consulting 7,825 6,697 1,128 85.6% 
  iii) Panellists & Appellate 
 Body Members Fees 1,024 1,248 -224 121.8% 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total 16,927 22,083 -5,156 130.5% 
A Staffing Resources Total  148,342 147,815 527 99.6%  
B Other Resources      
 3. General Services i) Telecommunication & Post 1,720 1,450 270 84.3% 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
 Maintenance 9,769 10,125 -356 103.6% 
  iii) Energy & Supplies 2,221 2,509 -288 113.0% 
  iv) Documentation & 
 Publication 1,681 1,745 -64 103.8% 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous 244 207 37 84.8% 
 3. General Services Total 15,634 16,036 -402 102.6% 
 4. Travel & Hospitality i) Travel 7,245 6,913 332 95.4% 
  ii) Hospitality 236 236 0 100.0% 
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total 7,481 7,148 332 95.6% 
 5. Implementing 
Partners i) Implementing Partners 273 273 0 100.1% 
 5. Implementing Partners Total 273 273 0 100.1% 
 6. Capital Expenditure i) Procurement of Fixed 
 Assets 1,710 1,788 -78 104.6% 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
 Equipment 1,423 1,322 101 92.9% 
 6. Capital Expenditure Total 3,133 3,110 23 99.3% 
 7. Financial Expenditure i) Bank & Interest Charges 30 30 0 100.0% 
  ii) Building Loan 
 Reimbursement 1,200 1,200 0 100.0% 
 7. Financial Expenditure Total 1,230 1,230 0 100.0% 
B Other Resources Total  27,751  27,798 -47  100.2%  
C Operating Funds & ITC     
 8. Contributions to ITC & 
Special Reserves i) Contribution to ITC 18,911 18,911 0 100.0% 
  ii) Appellate Bo dy Operating 
 Fund 1,600 1,600 0 100.0% 
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
 Operating Fund 600 600 0 100.0% 
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total 21,111 21,111 0 100.0% 
C Operating Funds & ITC Total 21,111  21,111 0  100.0%  
Grand Total  197,204  196,723 480 99.8%  WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 41 - 
 
  7.1.  For 2013, the appropriation was comprised of CHF 191,099,300 for the WTO Secretariat and 
CHF 6,104,600 for the Appellate Body and Its Secret ariat, amounting to an overall budget of 
CHF 197,203,900. 
7.2.  The Secretariat estimates at that point that the rate of implementation of the 2013 budget 
will reach 99.8% at the end of the year, which corresponds to a potential overall budgetary saving 
of CHF 480,000. 
7.1  Part A - Staffing Resources 
7.3.  This part 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. 
7.4.  The saving under section 1 - Staff Expenditure is partly offset by an overspending under 
Temporary Assistance. This over-expenditure is primarily due to the hiring of 15 Dispute 
Settlement lawyers during 2013 for a period of tw o years to work on the on-going disputes, the 
hiring of consultants for the building project, the replacement of regular staff on leave without pay 
or on long-term sick leave and the replacement for staff positions which have become vacant until 
the recruitment of new staff. Currently, several vacant positions are being filled. An over-expenditure under panellists is expected due to the rise in dispute settlement activity. 
7.2  Part B - Other Resources 
7.5.  Part B of the budget relates to expenditure for general services, travel and hospitality, 
activities jointly funded by the WTO and third parties, as well as capital and financial expenditure. It is expected that 100% of the budget allocated to Part B will be expensed. 
7.6.  Under Telecommunication and Post, a saving is expected due to the reduction of postal 
delivery as a result of the streamlining measures as well as the increase of electronic solutions for 
the delivery of documents in the area of technical assistance training courses. 
7.7.  The over-spending under Contractual Services and Maintenance is primarily due to the 
increased maintenance budget for the building, the increased equipment maintenance for the new equipment purchased following the renovation and the building project and expenditure related to 
the equipment of the new building (electrical installations, equipment of conference rooms with 
optical fibres, maintenance of the new elevators). The cleaning budget has also increased due to the rising number of events taking place in the new building. A saving is expected under insurance, where the whole policy has been re-negotiated, resulting in lower premiums. 
7.8.  Under Energy and Supplies, an over-spendin g is expected due to the higher heating 
expenditure for the new building. The expenditure for electricity and water remains sTable. 
7.9.  Expenditure under Documentation and Publication, which also includes the account for media 
and public relations, is expected to result in a slight overspending due to the increased 
expenditure for media and public relations projecte d around the time of the Ministerial Conference. 
7.10.  The travel budget, including all expenditure for official missions, technical missions, 
trade-related technical assistance as well as travel related to the Human Resources Training 
Programme, recruitment, external auditors and disput e settlement travel, is expected to result in a 
saving. This is primarily due to the lower expend iture for airfare under the technical assistance 
training courses and the reduced number of technical missions. 
7.11.  A small overspending is projected under procurement of fixed assets, linked to furniture 
expenditure for the building. 
7.12.  Financial Expenditure includes bank charges and the reimbursement of the loan for the new 
administrative building over 50 years. The budget for these lines is expected to be fully expensed. WT/BFA/W/309 
 
- 42 - 
 
  7.3  Part C - Operating Funds & ITC 
7.13.  Part C comprises the contributions to the International Trade Centre, the Ministerial 
Operating Fund and the Appellate Body Operating Fund. The whole allocation under Part C will be expensed. 
 
__________