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WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
23 October 2017  
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Committee on Trade and Development    
 
 
BIENNIAL TECHNICAL A SSISTANCE AND TRAINI NG PLAN  
2018–19 
Revision  
Table of Contents  
ACRONYMS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  3 
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 1  
 INTR ODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 2  
 FUTURE DIRECTIONS FR OM THE TA PLAN 2016 -17 AND THE EXTERNAL 3  
EVALUATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
3.1   Key Achievements of the TA Plan 2016 -17 ................................ ................................ ...... 6 
3.2   Lessons from the TA Plan 2016 -17 ................................ ................................ .................  7 
3.3   Recommendations by the External Evaluation and Management Response  ..........................  7 
3.3.1    TA and gender issues  ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
3.3.2    Language Mix  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
3.3.3    Assessment of the Advanced Trade Policy Course  ................................ ........................ 10 
3.3.4    Fee-paying Training Scheme  ................................ ................................ ..................... 11 
3.3.5    Follow -up to Trade Policy Reviews ................................ ................................ .............. 11 
 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  PRIORITIES  ................................ ................................ ....... 12 4  
 STRATEGIC APPROACH F OR TECHNICAL ASSISTA NCE IN 2018 -19 ............................  14 5  
5.1   Managing for Results Strategy  ................................ ................................ ...................... 14 
5.2   Progressive Learning Strategy  ................................ ................................ ...................... 15 
5.3   Implementation of WTO Agreements  ................................ ................................ ............. 17 
5.4   Use of e -Learning  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......17 
5.5   Use of appropriate pedagogical methods  ................................ ................................ .......17 
5.6   Use of partnerships  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....18 
 EXPECTED TECHNICAL A SSISTANCE KEY RESULT S ................................ ....................  19 6  
6.1   Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully 
realising Members' rights and obligations  ................................ ................................ .............. 20 
6.1.1    Output 1.1: Enhanced Knowledge of WTO Agreements, policy formulation and 
negotiations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 21 
6.1.2    Output 1.2: Establishment of effective partnerships  ................................ ..................... 25 
6.1.3    Output 1.3: Members' needs and priorities identified annually  ................................ .......25 
6.1.4    Output 1.4: WTO data accessed and used by Members  ................................ ................. 25 
6.2   Key Result 2: Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations  ................. 26 WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  6.3   Key Re sult 3: Academic institutions and other stakeholders are analysing WTO 
issues and reaching out to policy makers.  ................................ ................................ ............. 27 
6.4   Key resu lt 4: Non -governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware of and 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues  ................................ ................................ ........... 29 
 FUNDING  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  30 7  
7.1   Regular Budget for TA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .32 
7.2   Extra -budgetary funds for TA  ................................ ................................ ....................... 32 
ANNEX 1. WTO TRTA LO GFRAME 2018 -19 ................................ ................................ ...... 33 
ANNEX 2. ACTIVITY MA TRIX  ................................ ................................ ..........................  39 
 
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  ACRONYMS  
AIP Accessions Internship Programme  
ATPC Advanced Trade Policy Course  
CBFA Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration  
DDAGTF  Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund  
e-BTOR  Electronic Back-to-Office Report  
GPA Government Procurement Agreement  
ITPC Intermediate Trade Policy Course  
ITTC Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation  
LDCs Least developed countries  
FIMIP French & Irish Mission Internship Programme  
MTS Multilateral Trading System  
NTP Netherlands Trainee Programme  
PLS Progressive Learning Strategy  
RBM Results -Based Management  
RCs Reference Centres  
RCI Regional Coordinator Internship  
RTPC Regional Trade Policy Course  
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary  Measures  
TA Technical Assistance  
TA Plan  Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan  
TAME  Technical Assistance Monitoring & Evaluation  Unit 
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade  
TFA Trade Facilitation Agreement  
ToT Training of Trainers  
TPR Trade Policy Review  
TRIPS  Trade -related Aspects of Intellectual Property  Rights  
TRTA Trade -related Technical Assistance  
WCP WTO Chairs Programme  
WTO World Trade Organiz ation 
YPP Young Professionals Programme  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  1  
1.  Trade -related Technical Assistance (TRTA) is a core function of the WTO.  Its main purpose is 
to enhance the human and institutional capacities of beneficiaries to take full advantage of the 
rules-based Multilateral Trading System (MTS), meet their obligations and enforce their rights as 
Members, and  deal with emerging trade -related challenges.   
2.  This Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan (TA Plan) defines the strategy and 
priorities that will be followed by the Secretariat in this domain over 2018 -19. The TA Plan is 
principally a policy framework that identifies priorities, anticipated resu lts, mechanisms for 
implementation and sources of funding.  The TA Plan  for 2018-19 is design ed to deliver technical 
assistance in line with the provisions of paragraph 38 of the Doha Declaration  (and the 2001 TA 
strategy).  
3.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 also aims to give continuity to and build on the work carried out under 
previous TA Plans while adapting the TA offer to the evolving needs of the MTS and its Members. 
As before, the overall design of this Plan is mainly guided by WTO's  managing for results and 
progressive learning strategies. Reflecting this, the TA Plan 2018 -19 is structured around the 
following Key Results that TA should contribute to achieve:  
 Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and  fully realising  Members' rights  
and obligations;  
 Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations ; 
 Academic institutions and other stakeholders are analysing WTO issues and reaching out to 
policy makers ; and  
 Non-governmental stakeholders are aware of and k nowledgeable about WTO work and 
issues . 
4.  This TA Plan explains how the above four Key Results will be pursued over the 2018 -19 
biennium, taking into account Members’ needs and the outcome of the 11th Ministerial Conference. 
In particular, the TA Plan 2018 -19 identifies the performance indicators and targets that will be 
used to measure the attainment of Key Results. To ensure the availability of comprehensive data, 
the Secretariat will continue working towards a fuller implementation of its m onitoring and 
evaluation  framework and tools.  
5.  The TA Plan was developed in the context of a WTO Regular Budget that has been static in 
nominal terms since 2009, and of generously provided but weakening voluntary extra -budgetary 
resources. Taking this into account, the TA Plan 2018 -19 assumes that TA resources will be stable 
during the next biennium, allowing maintaining approximately the same level of TA activity as in 
previous years. In support of this, the Secretariat will continue its efforts to improve the efficiency 
of the TA programme while enhancing its quality and benefits to recipients. These efforts will be 
guided by the lessons learnt during earlier years, as well as by the priorities identified by 
beneficiaries for the next biennium.  
6.  During the 2018 -19 biennium , the Secretariat will continue promoting TA activities that focus 
on the implementation of WTO Agreements, review its internal Results -Based Management  (RBM) 
tools and related business processes , and apply more comprehensively the Progressive Learning 
Strategy (PLS). The Secretariat will also seek to make further improvements to the e -Learning 
programme, its pedagogical methods and Training of Trainers (ToT) scheme,  and its use of value -
adding partnerships and Trade Policy Review (TPR) follow -ups.  
7.  Under t he guidance of Members, the Secretariat will also seek to carry out the actions outlined 
in its response to the TRTA  External Evaluation conducted in 2016 . This will include looking into 
the link between TA and gender issues, addressing the  availability of  course -offerings in all three 
languages and revising the Advanced Trade Policy Course (ATPC). In parallel, the Secretariat will 
continue to engage with Members on issues brought to light by the External Evaluation requiring 
further action, s uch as conside ring the eventual introduction of a WTO certification system and  
alternative approaches to Reference Centres, examining the TA needs to cover new trade issues, 
and expand ing the assessment of trainees' learning and their use of the skills gained through TA . 
The Secretariat will also redouble its efforts to address the constraints arising from the limited WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  training infrastructure  available  in the WTO campus, setting up if possible a second training room 
appropriate for hosting the type of interactive courses promoted by the TA Plan.  
INTRODUCTION  2  
8.  WTO’s TRTA activities aim to help beneficiaries build their human and institutional capacities so 
that they can participate more effectively in the MTS. In this respect, at WTO's Ministerial 
Conference in Nairobi in 2015, Ministers declared that: “We note the substantial progress in WTO's 
technical assistance and capacity building, which focus on th e needs and priorities of beneficiary 
Members. We recognize that dedicated facilities such as the Standards and Trade Development 
Facility and the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility are making an important contribution towards 
assisting developing count ry Members and LDCs to implement relevant WTO agreements. We also 
reiterate the importance of targeted and sustainable financial, technical, and capacity building 
assistance programmes to support the developing country Members, in particular LDCs, to 
imple ment their agreements, to adjust to the reform process, and to benefit from opportunities 
presented”.  
9.  Ministers also said that: "We will work jointly on the expeditious completion of current 
accessions. We remain committed to efforts to facilitate accessions and provide technical 
assistance to acceding countries, including in the post -accession phase".  
10.  In the preparation of this TA Plan for 2018 -19, the Secretariat worked closely with 
beneficiaries to articulate needs and to ensure the relevance of the TRTA activities offered. 
Starting points for the preparation of the TA Plan 2018 -19 were the information gathered through 
a questionnaire submitted to TA beneficiaries and a series of follow -up consultations with 
Members. This information was complemen ted by the lessons drawn from the implementation of 
the previous TA Plan, the recommendations of the TRTA  External Evaluation  conducted in 2016, 
and the Management Response to the Evaluation.1 
11.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 maintains the overall strategy and organiza tion adopted by the previous 
TA Plan and, hence, continues to give priority to supporting Members' efforts to implement WTO 
Agreements, addressing their TRTA priorities, and promoting better TA results. Likewise, the 
activities included in the TA Plan 2018 -19 have been designed to achieve similar overall results as 
those included in the previous Biennial TA Plan. The results expected for 2018 -19 are elaborated in 
section 6 and in the detailed logframe included in Annex 1. This Annex is an integral component  of 
the TA Plan and must be read together with the main body of the text in order to have a complete 
vision of the TA strategy for the next biennium.  
12.  The TA Plan  for 2018-19 is design ed to deliver technical assistance in line with the provisions 
of paragra ph 38 of the Doha Declaration  and the 2001 TA strategy which also outlines the TA 
beneficiaries .2 As in the previous TA Plan, the TA activities to be delivered will depend on Members' 
identified needs particularly at the national level. The main TA activit ies and programmes 
associated with the TA Plan 2018 -19 are listed in Annex 2.  
13.  The rest of this document comprises the following sections: a summary of the main lessons 
from the previous implementation of TA activities and the recommendations by the Externa l 
Evaluation,  the TA priorities identified by Members, the strategies and actions to respond to 
Members' priorities, the overall results expected from the delivery of this TA Plan, and the funding 
requirements to implement it.  
                                                
1 In this TA Plan, all mentions of the TRTA  External Evaluation , or the External Evaluation for short, 
refer to WTO document WT/COMTD/89, 2 December 2016 , while all mentions of the Management Response to 
the External Evaluation of the WTO TA, or Management Response for short, refer to WTO document 
WT/COMTD/90, 13 December 2016.  
2 The Doha Declaration is contained in WTO document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, 20 November 2001, while 
the 2001 TA strategy is described in WTO document WT/COMTD/W/90, 21 September 2001.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  FUTURE DIRECTIONS FR OM THE TA PLAN  2016-17 AND THE EXTERNAL E VALUATION  3  
3.1  Key Achievements of the TA Plan 2016 -17 
14.  As noted, the lessons learnt from the ongoing implementation of the TA Plan 2016 -17, and 
before, have helped guide the design of the TA Plan 2018 -19. The Annual Performance R eport on 
TA and Training for 2016, or TA Annual Report for 201 6 for short, analysed in detail the TRTA  
provided by the WTO during the first year of implementation of the TA Plan 2016 -17.3 The report 
shows that, in the areas for which results could be measu red, the TA Plan 2016 -2017 was 
generally achieving its planned results in 2016. The initial results for the following year indicate 
that the implementation of the TA Plan remained on track in 2017. The following paragraphs 
describe a selection of results f or 2016 that help give context to the TA Plan.  
15.  In 2016, the Secretariat carried out 274 TA activities, in Geneva and elsewhere, and 
participated in 40 TA -related activities mainly organized by partner institutions. Counting 
e-Learning and face -to-face acti vities, around 18,600 participants were trained during the year. 
LDCs continued to be a priority for the WTO TA offer. Data for both e -Learning and face -to-face 
activities show that participants from LDCs accounted for one third of WTO TA beneficiaries 
in 2016. In addition, four of the 27 global activities held in Geneva were specifically designed for 
LDCs,4 and LDC nationals represented 56% of total participants in the long -term internship 
programmes in Geneva.  
16.  Similar to previous years, in 2016 over 60% o f the TA was provided in English, 15% each in 
French and Spanish, and the balance in more than one language. This mirrored approximately the 
language preferences of Members and Observers in the WTO. Overall, women represented 
approximately 45% of the parti cipants in WTO activities, with this share marginally lower in 
face-to-face activities than in online courses.  
17.  In 2016, a large majority of TA activities (approximately 84%) contributed to Key Result 1 in 
the TA Plan 2016 -17 (government officials are imple menting WTO Agreements and making full use 
of Members' rights); this proportion was close to 100% for e -Learning courses. That TA Plan’s Key 
Result 4 (outreach to non -traditional governmental audiences such as legislators, journalists, civil 
society and ac ademia) was next with some 10%, followed by Key Result 3 (access to information) 
with about 5%, and finally Key Result 2 (accessions) with about  2%. The concept of Key Result is 
explained in section 5.1 below.  
18.  The balance between the three levels of traini ng in WTO’s PLS was as follows in 2016: 14% 
introductory level , 58% intermediate level, and 18% advanced  level activities .5 In 2016, a 
majority of the TA was provided at an intermediate level while m ost advanced level activities were 
delivered through global or regional activities.  Overall, 38% of the activities were for generalists 
against 54% for specialists.  The PLS is explained in section 5.2 below.    
19.  The TA Annual Report for 201 6 also noted that work continued to improve the TA offer in 
terms of bo th quality and adequacy to the actual needs of Members. In particular, one new online 
course on patents was introduced and several existing ones were revised to increase their 
interactive and multimedia content; new face -to-face advanced courses on service s statistics for 
LDCs and on services for acceding countries took place in Geneva; and efforts were made in a 
number of areas to better tailor TA to the needs of beneficiaries. Several activities focused on the 
implementation of the WTO Agreements in field s like SPS, TBT, TRIPS and government 
procurement, with some introducing new e -tools to facilitate Members' notification and their better 
compliance with specific provisions of the Agreements concerned.  
20.  Likewise, progress was made towards the full implemen tation of a TA management system 
based on results adopted at the end of 2012. This included the introduction of significant 
improvements to the reporting on TA activities, leading to almost complete records, and the 
                                                
3 WTO document WT/COMTD/W/225, 11 July 2017.  
4 The four activities comprised an i ntroductory trade policy course for LDCs, an intermediate course on 
issues related to trade and  development, an advanced  course on  trade in services  statistics , and a workshop on 
intellectual property rights . 
5 The unaccounted residual stems from some activities having  no PLS level assigned  to them.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  performance of an external audit of TA d elivery processes. Steps were also taken towards the full 
implementation of a TA management system.  
3.2  Lessons from the TA Plan 2016 -17 
21.  A number of relevant lessons can be  drawn from the implementation of the TA Plan for 
2016-17 and earlier years . These lesso ns are mainly related to the implementation of the 
Secretariat's RBM approach and the PLS . 
22.  The methodology used for the RBM of TA activities requires, among other things, defining 
indicators, targets and assumptions for each Key Result and Output.  The imp lementation of the 
TA Plan 2016 -17 has shown that  a number of performance indicators need to be made more 
credible.  In particular indicators related to Key Results  should be made more realistic so as to 
allow the Secretariat to collect the  relevant data , taking a more pragmatic account  of the limited 
capacity of many developing and LDC Members and Observers to provide reliable information on 
the results of TA at the national level.  
23.  Another lesson from the implementation of the TA Plan 2016 -17 is that,  even though the 
proportion of targets met increased in 2016 , some  particular  targets need to be reconsidered as 
they proved to be  overly  ambitious. This will involve reconsidering also the relevant  assumptions , 
for example those made in relation to  the Reference Centre programme or the  processes of 
accession  to WTO, whose assumptions  did not materialize , or at least not to the extent initially 
anticipated . 
24.  Further efforts are also required to implement more thoroughly the PLS (explained in section 
5.2 below). In particular, steps are needed to improve the still incomplete understanding of the 
concepts underpinning  the different  training levels , especially by being  more precise about the 
knowledge, concepts and principles that have to be acquired at e ach level.  Moreover, the concept 
of progressivity needs to be applied to a wider array of TA activities, for example by bringing in 
new means to test participant's knowledge at the end of face -to-face TA activities. As well, further 
work is needed to devel op a more coherent combination of face -to-face and online TA activities  to 
respond to the identified needs of beneficiaries , and to support the design of face-to-face activities 
that assist Members in the implementation of WTO A greements . The latter would be effectively 
complemented by face-to-face activities  with a broad  scope that allow participants to gather a 
well-rounded understanding of related issues ( e.g., combining SPS, TBT and trade facilitation 
subjects ). 
3.3  Recommendations by the External Evaluatio n and Management Response  
25.  By and large, the External Evaluation  conducted in 2016  validated the approach adopted  by 
the Secretariat  to manage TA activities , while at the same time putting forward 28 specific 
recommendations for improving WTO’s TA . In the M anagement Response, the Secretariat indicated 
its agreement or otherwise with each of the specific recommendations made by the External 
Evaluation.6 Members were apprised of the contents of the External Evaluation and Management 
Response, and had the oppor tunity to discuss the two at the meeting of the Committee on Trade 
and Development  held on 27 January 2017.7 
26.  In the Management Response, the Secretariat proposed a number of actions to be carried out 
in the short and medium term to respond, in one way or a nother, to the recommendations of the 
External Evaluation. Several of those proposals made reference to steps to be taken as part of 
preparing or putting into effect the TA Plan 2018 -19. Specifically, the Management Response 
indicated that, in the preparat ion of the TA Plan 2018 -19 and in close consultation with and under 
the guidance of Members, the following matters  would be flagged, studied or given renewed 
consideration or impetus  – the number of the relevant recommendation by the External Evaluation 
and whether the Secretariat agreed or only partially agreed with the recommendation are shown 
between parentheses : 
                                                
6 The Secretariat took no explicit position concer ning Recommendations 2 and 4 as it deemed that these 
would be more appropriately addressed by Members.  
7 Committee on Trade and Development, 101st Session, Note on the meetings of 27 January and 14 
March 2017, WTO document WT/COMTD/M/101, 15  June 2017.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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   general commitment, vision and approach to TA  (1, agreed);  
 engaging more local trainers  or other means to s trengthen training capacities within  
countries and regi ons (3, partially agreed);  
 opening up some TA courses or topics to wider audiences, perha ps on a fee -paying basis  (9, 
agreed);  
 changing  the selection process to ensure  a more uniform participant  level in TA courses (10, 
partially agreed) ; 
 engaging private sector actors in WTO -related issues affecting them (12, agreed);  
 whether to maintain  the ATPC, and revise it as appropriate (14, partially agreed);  
 responding to requests for follow -up on TPRs (15, agreed);  
 alternative approaches to Refe rence Centres (17, agreed);  
 incorporating gender issues in TA activities, according to Members' requests (19, agreed);  
 looking into TA needs to cover new trade issues (20, agreed);  
 promoting courses based on action plans and coaching (24, agreed);  
 enhancin g the "buy -in" of RBM across the Secretariat (26, agreed); and  
 measuring  and tracking of TA results  (26, agreed).  
 
27.  Other issues identified in the Management Response for action during the 2018 -19 biennium 
included the following (the recommendation number i s shown between parentheses):  
 carrying out an external evaluation of the WTO Chairs Programme (18, partially agreed);  
 greater implementation of a system of training of trainers  (ToT) (21, agreed);  
 expand ing the use of exams and other  methods  to assess  learning in all TA courses (22, 
agreed);  
 follow -up of trainees to establish how they use the skills gained through TA training (22, 
agreed);  and 
 examining the a vailability of course -offerings in French  and Spanish (23, agreed).  
 
28.  It is important to note that th e type of action to be taken will depend not only on the nature 
of a specific recommendation but also on the Secretariat's responses (see the Management 
Response document for details).  A number of actions are therefore incorporated in the TA Plan on 
the b asis of the consultations held with Members, of the lessons learnt from the TA Plan for 
2016-17, and of the initial work the Secretariat undertook on selected issues raised by the 
External Evaluation.  
29.  It is worth mentioning that a number of the issues iden tified in the External Evaluation and 
mentioned in the Management Response were already or are being addressed, at least partially, 
during the 2016 -17 biennium. Thus, for example, the Management Response pointed out that the 
recommendation on the follow -up of TPRs was already included in the TA Plan 2016 -17, and that a 
number of such follow -ups had been carried out during the current biennium. Likewise, the 
implementation of a coherent system of ToT was foreseen in the TA Plan 2016 -17 and is currently 
work in progress by the Secretariat. Moreover, for several years the Secretariat has been reporting 
on the a vailability of course -offerings  by language, and promoting courses based on action plans 
and coaching.  
30.  As part of the preparation of the TA Plan, the Sec retariat conducted an initial examination of 
the following issues raised in the recommendations by the External Evaluation:  
 TA and gender issues,  
 language mix  of the three official languages,  
 review of the ATPC,  and 
 fee-paying training scheme.  
 
31.   These and other issues raised by the External Evaluation were taken into consideration in the 
formulation of the TA  aims and  of the results  to be pursued during the 2018 -19 biennium, as  
detailed in section 6. The Secretariat plans to fine tune and adapt t he TA Plan as the biennium 
progresses to take into account the feedback it receives from Members, and the further work it 
intends to carry out in order to gradually attend to issues brought to light by the External 
Evaluation.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  32.  The following sub -sections de scribe the initial examination of issues carried out by the 
Secretariat as well as its approach to the follow -up to TPRs, which was also the subject of a 
recommendation by the External Evaluation.  
3.3.1   TA and gender issues  
33.  The External Evaluation, in Recommendation 11, suggested that the participation of women 
and men continue to be  monitor ed and report ed on with a view to addressing remaining gender 
imbalances of participation in WTO TA . Additionally, Recommendation 19 prop osed that e very 
opportunity  be taken  to integrate issues of gender equality and the empowerment of women into 
TA programmes and training material in the context of emerging initiatives on social and poverty 
implications of trade.  
34.  In the Management Response , the Secretariat indicated that it would continue to report and 
monitor the participation of women in WTO TA activities for the foreseeable future. In addition, 
reflecting the great importance it attaches to gender issues, the Secretariat would maintain i ts 
efforts to ensure gender balance in WTO TA participation, with e -Learning continu ing to address  
gender issues through social media. The Management Response also indicated that special 
attention would be given to women's participation in the introduction  course whose completion is a 
pre-requisite to register for most intermediate -level courses.  
35.  The approach on gender issues outlined in the Management Response and adopted for the TA 
Plan 2018 -19 reflects the Secretariat’s conviction that more needs to be done to close the gender 
gap, including through the provision of training to build the necessary knowledge and skills.  
Among others, reasons that justify actions in this sphere include the fact that women's economic 
empowerment has a positive impact on ec onomic growth and helps to reduce poverty.  Although 
trade has increased job opportunities for women and expanded their access to training, women 
still participate less in trade because they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including extra 
hurdles i n acquiring trade -related knowledge. Thus, the importance the Secretariat is giving to 
using capacity -building programmes to empower women.  
36.  In the context of implementing the TA Plan 2018 -19, the Secretariat, while recognising that 
there are other interna tional actors with specific mandate on gender, will also explore the 
possibility of introducing gender and trade modules in TA courses. The actions in this area will be 
aligned with the mandate of the WTO TA and focus on policy makers in line with Key Resu lt 1. The 
focus will be on trade policy with the aim to raise awareness and enhance the aptitude of policy 
makers to incorporate gender considerations in their analysis and trade policy development or 
negotiations.    
37.  In the short term,  in addition to its ongoing e -Learning efforts, the Secretariat will pilot a 
module on trade and gender in the face to face courses that are of a duration of more than a 
month.  This will be done in partnership with other organizations to leverage value addition and 
avoid dup licating efforts. The Secretariat will monitor the feedback from participants which will 
inform the next steps.  
3.3.2   Language Mix  
38.  The WTO o ffers training  in the three official languages ( English, French and Spanish ) and 
individual participants in TA activities may follow TA in any of these languages.  Recommendation 
23 by the External Evaluation asked for regular reviews and reports on the availability of course -
offerings in French, Spanish and other languages. As a response, the Secretariat conducted an 
analysis  and its findings on this subject  were presented to Members .8 The analysis determined that 
the language mix arises as an issue mostly in relation to face -to-face global activities offered in 
Geneva, since by design they are targeting a world -wide, multilin gual audience. In particular, the 
analysis found that a significant portion of the WTO advanced TA was available in English only.  
39.  The paper identified two solutions that could be considered to improve the current language 
mix of Geneva -based TA activities:  (i) to offer the same course in French and Spanish or (ii) to 
offer interpretation into French and Spanish during the courses held in English. In relation to the 
                                                
8 WTO document WT/COMTD/W/229.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  second solution, the paper considered preferable to offer interpretation into one single lang uage at 
a time in order to keep as much interactivity in the activities concerned as possible.  Thus, this 
solution would involve a succession of English -French and English -Spanish courses. To the extent 
allowed by human and financial constraints, courses with interpretation will be pilot -tested on a 
course -by-course basis to find the best delivery format. This will initially involve delivering two 
courses with interpretation in English and French during autumn 2017. 
40.  The choice between the two solutions mentioned above depends on a number of factors, 
including the level of demand for the courses in the three languages as well as the cost 
implications and technical feasibility of each solution. Taking also into account the preferences 
expressed by Members during the relevant consultations and, eventually, the lessons to be learnt 
from trying out different solutions, the TA Plan 2018 -19 will aim to increase the language diversity 
of the face -to-face training activities to be offered in Geneva during the next  biennium.  
41.  As indicated in the Secretariat’s paper, taking in hand the language gap will also require 
creating new training facilities to accommodate the expanded offer. Importantly, increasing  the 
available training infrastructure  would also support impro ving the pedagogical methods used in 
Geneva -based courses (see section 5.5 below),  and play a role in eventually closing the gap 
between the demand and offer of places in the ATPC (see next).  
3.3.3   Assessment of the Advanced Trade Policy Course  
42.  The External Evaluation, in Recommendation 14, proposed to "Examine and report on the pros 
and cons of discontinuing the 'Advanced Trade Policy Course ' (ATPC) in favour of expanded 
advanced offerings at the regional level, allowing for wider participation and deeper 
contextualisation.  Also consider the possibility of short executive courses suitable for the 
ministerial or permanent secretary levels. " This is an option that the Secretariat had tried several 
years ago but which did not work. In responding to the recommendation, the Secretariat indicated 
that it would reassess Members' need for an advanced course for generalists, reconsider its 
parameters if the course were to continue, and consider alternatives in case it were to be 
discontinued.  
43.  As a follow -on, the Secretariat carried out an assessment of the ATPC in 2017 that show ed 
that this course remain ed a valued and unique element of WTO's TA  by allowing participants to 
examine the horizontal linkages between different WTO Agreements, between their legal  aspects 
and economic effects, and their combined implications for the formulation and implementation of 
national trade policies .9 Other distinctive features of the ATPCs included its applied nature, its 
focus on developing participants' capacity to think through complex problems, and the unmatched 
access it offers participants to the deep pool of experts available at WTO headquarters in Geneva.  
44.  In parallel with its positive review of the ATPC as a whole, the assessment also identified 
particular aspects o f the course’s implementation in practice that need improvement. These 
included a better identification of participants’ knowledge gaps and their individual learning 
achievements, the rationalization of certain elements of the syllabus, greater coherency w ith other 
TA courses for generalists, better monitoring and measuring of its results, closing the gap between 
the demand and supply of places, and enhancing the available training infrastructure.  
45.  The Secretariat’s assessment of the ATPC concluded that the  available evidence upheld the 
continuation of this course within its present overall methodological framework but that 
operational improvements were necessary to deal with the issues mentioned in the previous 
paragraph. This proposed course of action rece ived consensus support from beneficiaries during 
the consultations conducted for the preparation of the TA Plan. At the same time, the consultations 
brought to light the need for better monitoring and measuring of results. Thus, the TA Plan intends 
to pay particular attention to monitoring and measuring during the 2018 -19 biennium in order to 
allow a more rigorous evaluation of the ATPC’s benefits to Members (see also section 6.1.1.2 
below). A better measurement of results should also make it possible to de termine the extent to 
which an eventual expansion of places to respond to the currently unmet demand would be 
justified. Such an expansion would also depend on the availability of a second training room 
appropriate for an interactive, hands -on course like the ATPC.  
                                                
9 WTO document WT/COMTD/W/228.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 11 - 
 
  3.3.4   Fee-paying Training Scheme  
46.  Recommendation 9 by the External Evaluation proposed to "consider and propose options for 
opening up at least some WTO training courses or topics (e.g. e -Learning) to wider audiences in all 
countries, perhaps on a fee -paying basis." The External Evaluation argued that restricting TA to 
the current target audience may limit the ability of the WTO to achieve an increase of global 
awareness regarding WTO agreements. As a follow -up to this recommendation, the Secretariat 
circulated a paper on the findings of a study conducted by an outside consultant on this subject.10   
47.  The paper commissioned by the Secretariat noted that the fee -paying training scheme would 
apply only to the non -traditional audience of the WTO and not to th e "traditional" audience of the 
WTO TA (i.e., individuals nominated by their national authorities).  "Non -traditional” audiences 
would include, among others, government officials from developed country Members, academics, 
non-government organizations, the private sector, legislators and journalists. These audiences 
have only limited access to TA activities under Key Result 4 of that TA Plan (see section 6.4 
below).  
48.  Taking into account the paper's recommendations and the related consultations with 
Members, the TA Plan 2018 -19 envisages seeking opportunities to make existing e -Learning 
materials more widely accessible to traditional and non -traditional audiences at no cost to 
participants. The TA Plan 2018 -19 includes no specific actions concerning certificat ion or expanding 
into non -traditional market segments, although the Secretariat will remain open to exploring 
proposals in these areas provided that this does not impinge on its core TA functions and 
development cooperation assistance aims.  
3.3.5   Follow -up to Tr ade Policy Reviews  
49.  The TPR exercise is a unique opportunity for the Member concerned to consider in a holistic 
way the many components of its trade policy.  During the  fifth appraisal of the TPR mechanism 
conducted in 2013,  
Members also considered it impor tant to enhance, where required, the role of the 
TPRM in making available TA to developing -country Members, and in particular to LDC 
Members (in accordance with Annex 3  of the Marrakesh Agreement ).  Members 
agreed that there could be further follow -up to r eviews of those Members, at their 
request.  This follow -up could involve a workshop/seminar to discuss and disseminate 
the results of the review, as well as to identify the TRTA and capacity -building needs 
of the reviewed Member(s).11 
50.  Recommendation 15 by t he External Evaluation proposed that new training options be 
identified on the basis of proposals from TPRs. The Management Response agreed to this  
recommendation, noting that it was already being  put into effect. However, the Management 
Response also poin ted out that  the Secretariat did not have the resources to increase the number 
of TPR follow -ups and, thus, o nly part of Members' requests was likely to be satisfied in the future 
if there was to be a surge in such requests.  
51.  Concerning the above, it should be noted that activities designed to follow -up on the findings 
and recommendations of TPRs have been organized by the Secretariat, at the request of a 
Member,  for many years. Such TPR follow -ups have aimed to disseminate the  results of the review 
to national stakeholders, to identify the TA needs of the country in support of the implementation 
of the WTO obligations, and/or help a Member identify areas in need of reform and mobilize the 
required sources. Experience shows that  TPR follow -ups have been valuable exercises in these 
respects, which led to the undertaking in the 2016 -17 TA Plan to  accommodate TPR follow -ups 
more systematically.  
52.  As foreshadowed by the Management Response, during the 2018 -19 biennium the Secretariat 
will continue responding to Members' requests for  TPR follow -ups to the maximum extent allowed 
by its resources.  
                                                
10 WTO document WT/COMTD/W/226.  
11 Paragraph 2.4 in document WT/MIN(13)/5 approved by the 9th Ministerial Conference.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  PRIORITIES  4  
53.  As part of the preparation of the TA Plan 2018 -19, following past practice, the Secretariat held 
consultations w ith Members in order to identify their TA priorities. An online questionnaire in the 
three WTO working languages was circulated to WTO Permanent Missions, inviting feedback on a 
number of issues namely their TA needs and priorities, the TA  challenges  they faced , the 
involvement  of various stakeholders  in training activities , and ways to access TA information . The 
responses received were analysed and used as the basis for the consultation on needs and 
priorities that took place between the Secretariat and Me mbers in 2017.  
54.  In total, the Secretariat received responses from 85 beneficiaries, representing approximately 
60% of total potential beneficiaries. The information gathered can thus be considered as fairly 
representative of beneficiaries’ views concerning their TA priorities and desired outputs for the 
next biennium. As shown in Chart 1, the r esponses on TA needs and priorities were generally 
similar to those provided for the preparation of the previous TA Plan, with Trade Facilitation ranked 
at the top fol lowed by services , SPS and, some distance behind, "Other", "Trade Policy Advice", 
General Capacity Building and TBT.  
Chart 1. Beneficiaries reported TA priorities for 2018 -19 
 
 
55.  According to the responses to the questionnaire, some of the  challenges faced by beneficiaries 
to address their TA needs  included:  insufficient human and financial resources, mobility of trained 
officials and lack of institutional memory, weak institutional capacity, poor coordination at the 
national level , and lack of specialized WTO courses in French and Spanish.  
56.  Recommendations 9  and 12 of the External Evaluation were incorporated in the questionnaire 
and the responses suggested that, in general, beneficiaries considered necessary  the involvement 
of “other ” stakeholders in TA activities in order to support domestic policy making a nd 
implementing a Member’s rights and obligations under  the WTO Agreements . Those “other” 
stakeholders could include the business sector, legislators , academics , researchers, civil society 
and media . However, as shown in Chart 2, beneficiaries expressed a range of views on which other 
stakeholders should actually be involved in TA activities.  
WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Chart 2. Involvement of non -government stakeholders in TA activities  
 
Note: number out of 85 replies to the questionnaire . 
 
57.  In relation to Recommendation 17 by the E xternal Evaluation, the questionnaire asked 
beneficiaries to identify their preferred  approaches to access ing trade-related information, 
documents and data , in view of the r apid IT developments and improving connectivity  experienced 
in recent years. T he responses indicated that beneficiaries preferred  the use of the E -Newsletter, 
the WTO public website, the Members' WTO website and, last, WTO R eference Centres.   
58.  With respect to proposing new issues for inclusion in the TA programme, beneficiaries 
suggested topics such as: electronic commerce, climate change and sustainable development, 
trade and security, global value chains and trade in value added, trade and investment, trade and 
gender, and the Information Technology Agreement. On the other hand, several beneficiaries 
indicated that no new issues should be included in the TA Programme.  
59.  The questionnaire also asked beneficiaries about the way they would like to use TPR follow -up 
workshops to address the ou tcome of a TPR of their countries. The responses in dicated that 
beneficiaries recognized the usefulness of such an exercise and its importance to help them meet 
their WTO obligations.   
60.  As part of their discussion of the questionnaire, Members also made the following suggestions 
for the TA Plan 2081 -19, so me of which had also been recommended by the External Evaluation:  
 avoid  duplication in TA delivery , bearing in mind the comparative advantage of different 
international organizations and the current context of tightening resources ; 
 improve  the selection p rocess for intermediate and advanced courses to ensure the level of 
participants is more uniform;  
 increase the offer of specialized courses in French and Spanish ;  
 reduce  remaining gender imbalances of participation in TA  activities; and  
 strengthen  sustain able training capacities within ben eficiary countries and regions.  
WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  61.  The priorities and suggestions mentioned in the above paragraphs have been taken into 
account in the design of the TA Plan 2018 -19, as explained in the following two sections.  
STRATEGI C APPROACH FOR TECHNIC AL ASSISTANCE IN 201 8-19 5  
62.  The TA Plan 2107 -18 aims to give continuity to and build on the work carried out under 
previous TA Plans while adapting the WTO TA offer to the evolving needs of the MTS and its 
Members. For this, the TA Plan 20 18-19 will seek improvements in the quality and effectiveness of 
the TA offer by prioritizing activities with the highest potential to produce results for beneficiaries. 
At the same time, the TA Plan 2018 -19 will maintain stable the volume of the TA offer,  consistent 
with the assumption that TA human and financial resources will remain unchanged during the 
2018-19 biennium.  
63.  As mentioned, this TA Plan is based on the TA priorities identified and through consultations 
between the Secretariat and Members. The  TA Plan 2018 -19 also takes into account the lessons 
learnt in previous years as well as the outcome of the recent External Evaluation  of the TRTA, and 
the Management Response to such Evaluation (see section 3.3).  
64.  The overall strategic approach for the des ign of this Plan was mainly established by two 
components: WTO's Managing for Results Strategy and PLS. Similar to the previous TA Plan, those 
two strategies were complemented by the following complementary considerations: 
implementation of WTO Agreements,  use of e -Learning,  use of appropriate pedagogical methods, 
and use of partnerships.  The next sub -sections elaborate on the just mentioned strategies and 
complementary considerations.  
5.1  Managing for Results Strategy  
65.  The TA Plan 2018 -19, like previous TA Plans, was designed taking into account the 
Secretariat’s managing for results strategy. This strategy is framed by the concepts and terms 
defined within the Result -Based Management (RBM) approach, which focus es on ach ieving 
measurable results through improve d planning, decision -making, t ransparency and accountability. 
This results -driven strategy  was endorsed by Members in 2013.  Accordingly  the TA Plan  2018-19 is 
structured around four key areas.  
66.  Under the  RBM methodo logy, Key Results feed into a  higher  result level, termed Impact . 
However , in the context of the TA Plan,  no causal link can be expected to be established between 
TA activities and any observable result in TA beneficiaries at the global Impact  level. In vi ew of 
this limitation, the TA Plan 2018 -19 focus es on defining and measuring the Secretariat contribution 
towards Outputs and the achievement of Key Results while only treating the global Impact as a 
notional construct . In this context, clear objectives of  what needs to be achieved are set together 
with a number of sound indicators for measuring progress and making sure that the various TA 
activities all contribute to reach ing the set objectives.   
67.  Since the adoption of the managing for results strategy, TA  Plans have presented the two 
result levels and their causal relationships by using a Logical Framework Matrix or Logframe. This 
matrix provides in detail the performance indicators, baselines, targets , evidence and assumptions  
that guide the  design and  implementation of the TA Plan and that also help measure its 
achievements . For the TA Plan 2018 -19, the relevant logframe matrix is presented in Annex 1, 
which is an integral component of the TA Plan. The Outputs, Key Results and other components of 
the logframe for 2018 -19 are discussed in section 6 below.  
68.  The logframe serves as the foundation to monitor and evaluate progress towards the expected 
results during the implementation of the  TA Plan , which is essential for an efficient utilis ation of TA 
resou rces. The T A Monitoring & Evaluation Unit ( TAME ) in the ITTC is responsible for coordinat ing 
the Institute's  monitoring, e valuation  and quality assurance  functions, and for producing at the 
end of each year an annual report on implementation of TA activiti es. TAME will produce a 
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and will continue its efforts to fine tune where necessary the 
existing tools for measuring results and managing the quality of TA  while taking into account the WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  resources constraints faced by the Secre tariat and other practical limitations for the application of 
the RBM methodology .12  
69.  The External Evaluation noted that the Secretariat  had made significant progress in  initiating a 
system of RBM  to bring clearer direction and acco untability to its TA acti vities. At the same time, it 
also observed that the implementation of RBM  in relation to TA remained a work in progress with a 
number of elements not yet in place.13 Hence, the recommendation for the Secretariat to engage 
in problem solving around managing TA for results, streamlining procedures wherever possible, 
and helping find agreed solutions to IT problems . In addition, the Evaluation  recommended that 
measures to track and improve results  be strengthened, working on getting a better  "buy-in" 
across the Secretariat  for a clear logical framework and mean ingful indicators to guide the TA 
programme . The External Evaluation also recommended that a  practicable Monitoring and 
Evaluation plan be spelt out.  
70.  In its Management Response to Reco mmendations 5 and 26, the Secretariat indicated that 
consultants were already reviewing the internal RBM tools and business processes with a view to 
proposing a simplified and more user -friendly model that could serve as a basis to develop a new 
TA databas e going forward. These improvements, together with the outcome of the External 
Evaluation, are expected to lead to a better "buy -in" of RBM by Secretariat divisions. Moreover, 
the Secretariat indicated that, as part of the discussions on the External Evalu ation and the TA 
Plan 2018 -19, it would engage donors and consider with them how to better respond to their 
expectations on reporting.  
71.  The review of the internal RBM tools and business processes was completed in March 2017;14 
it involved an assessment of th e TRTA activities delivery process and the underlying IT solution 
and the TRTA database. The review made the following recommendations: register participants 
sooner in the process to ensure the compatibility with time limits and improve budget estimates; 
use budget statistics to accelerate estimates and reduce over -budgeting; reduce the number of 
low-added value tasks; and adapt the evaluation phase to the type of TA activity and align 
accounting plans. The review also identified requirements for an improve d information system to 
support the TA a ctivity delivery process , and recommended that a new system be implemented, 
rather than trying to overhaul the existing TRTA database.  
72.  Following the completion of the review described above, the Secretariat started to work on  
improvements to  the TA activity delivery process  to simplify and streamline its requirements . The 
TA Plan 2018 -19 envisages additional work to improve the TA activity delivery process. In 
addition, the TA Plan will be tied in with the developmen t of a new  information system to support 
the TA a ctivity delivery process, including a new RBM TA database and improved RBM Tools. The 
aim is to have this new system in fully operational before the end of the 2018 -2019 period.  
73.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 also for esees the Secretariat formalizing a practicable Monitoring and 
Evaluation Plan and resuming its internal evaluation of TA activities. As in the past, the TA annual 
reporting to Members will continue to focus on TA results as outlined in the TA logical fram ework 
with m onitoring conducted by the programme managers, organizers and trainers focusing  on the 
immediate results or Outputs  of the various TA activities .   
5.2  Progressive Learning Strategy  
74.  The other major component of the overall framework for the TA Plan  is the PLS endorsed by 
Members in 2011. The PLS has made it possible to tailor the WTO training offer more closely to the 
widening and evolving needs of Members while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of WTO's 
TA offer. The PLS has also allowed m aking a more efficient use of TA resources by building on the 
knowledge and understanding previously acquired by participants, and progressively taking them 
                                                
12 The previous TA Plan elaborated on a number of caveats related to the applica tion of the RBM to 
WTO's TA activities, such as TA activities not being projects as such, the large number and variety of TA 
programmes and beneficiaries, data gathering constraints faced by Members, and the limited buy -in of RBM 
within the Secretariat.  
13 This paragraph is based on paragraphs 5.120 -5.127 and Recommendations 5 and 26 of the Final 
Report of the External Evaluation, WTO document WT/COMTD/89, 2  December  2016. 
14 TRTA Activity Delivery Process and Information System, Assessment Report, BPMS Suiss e, 
24 March  2017. WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
  in training activities to a higher level. This avoids participants trying to improve their knowledg e by 
simply repeating the same course, and ensures a better use of training time by creating more 
homogeneous groups.  
75.  Under the PLS, WTO training activities are defined by two criteria: level and target audience. 
The PLS comprises three progressive levels,  namely: introductory (Level 1); intermediate 
(Level  2); and advanced (Level 3). In parallel, the PLS includes two types of target audiences: 
generalists and specialists. Chart 3 illustrates the configuration of the PLS framework.  
Chart 3. WTO's Progressiv e Learning Strategy  
 
76.  The introductory  level offers,  to both generalists and specialists,  basic knowledge about the 
WTO and the MTS, their principles and functioning. Training at this level provides participants with 
the minimum knowledge of the system to work on basic WTO -related issues and on which to build 
on at the next level, whether specialising in a subject or not.  
77.  The intermediate level consists of two training strands, one for generalists and another for 
specialists. Training for generalists offers a comprehensive understanding of the main provisions of 
the WTO Agreements. The need to cover a large number of WTO Ag reements means that this 
training is relatively long, typically lasting eight weeks. For specialists, the intermediate level offers 
a thematic approach focused on one WTO Agreement/subject or on a limited number of related 
WTO Agreements/subjects.  Courses for specialists generally run for one or two weeks . 
78.  The advanced level is also made up of a strand for generalists and another for specialists. For 
generalists, training at this level takes a horizontal approach to deal with trade policy issues on 
which on e or several WTO Agreements may have a bearing. The need to cover a large number of 
issues means that, like intermediate level courses, advanced training is relatively long, usually 
lasting eight weeks. For specialists, the advanced level offers participan ts the opportunity to focus 
on one sub -sector or one particular aspect of a WTO Agreement, or to concentrate on one or 
several implementation issues. The duration of the courses for specialists is generally one or two 
weeks . 
79.  The Secretariat has developed guidelines on the content of each of the three training levels, 
subject by subject, to define the substantive elements that should be mastered by generalists and 
specialists at the end of each training activity. The training p rogramme has been progressively 
revised over time in order to provide beneficiaries with a more clearly defined progressive training 
path, both for generalists and specialists.  
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1Generalists Specialists
Advanced 
ATPC
GenevaAdvanced 
Thematic Courses
Geneva, Regions
Intermediate 
ITPCs
Regions, e-LearningIntermediate 
Thematic Courses
Geneva, Regions, e -Learning
Introductory 
Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs
e-LearningWT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  80.  The revision of the PLS was confirmed by the External Evaluation as being a pe dagogical 
change that " has been largely successful in making training more structured and targeting needs 
better . Hence, Recommendation 22 by the External Evaluation proposed that the Secretariat 
"Continue work to apply the PLS and consider introducing pre -tests and examinations in all 
training courses, in addition to following up with a sample of trainees in appropriate courses after 
6-12 months to establish how they are using the skills gained.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 will thus 
maintain previous efforts to br ing more TA activities within the PLS framework . 
5.3  Implementation of WTO Agreements  
81.  An important consideration in the design of the TA Plan 2018 -19 was to continue promoting 
TA activities designed specifically to assist Members in the implementation of the W TO 
Agreements, for example  training activities on  agriculture notifications , trade facilitation,  
government procurement , intellectual property,  SPS or TBT. An approach focused on the 
implementation of Agreements, as pursued in recent years, has demonstrate d to be a good 
practice that produces significant and concrete long -term results for beneficiaries. Experience has 
shown that factors that contribute to the success of this approach, and are considered as good TA 
practices include problem identification, d evelopment of an action plan, coaching and follow -up 
over one year .  
82.  Consistent with the above, Recommendation 24 by the External Evaluation proposed that 
good TA practices be shared across more TA activities. The Management Response agreed to this, 
noting  that this was an ongoing recommendation and that the Secretariat had encouraged such 
good TA practices internally since the launch of the preparation for the TA Plan 2016 -17. In 
keeping with this, the 2018 -19 TA Plan will continue to support the use of go od TA practices that 
assist Members in the implementation of the WTO Agreements. As part of this, the WTO staff will 
be encouraged to acquire the skills necessary to play the role of coaches and/or hire outside 
consultants as coaches to the extent necessar y.  
5.4  Use of e -Learning  
83.  E-Learning has played a critical role in the provision of TA activities in recent years, proving to 
be a cost -effective way to train large numbers of individuals around the world  in a multiplicity of 
WTO topics. The 2016 TA Annual Report noted that the catalogue of e -Learning courses had 
further expanded during the year, and that additional progress had been made to improve the 
presentation and interactivity of the online courses.  Further still, the same report also pointed out 
that in teractivity , such as the availability of trainers, news forum, chat sessions and social media, 
had constituted  an important element of online courses, playing a critical role in clarifying issues 
and keeping participants engaged in their online learning .  
84.  On its part, the External Evaluation , in Recommendation 13, suggested  that the staff capacity 
to service the interactive requirements of e -Learning courses be reinforced, including by providing 
services across time -zones. The reinforcement had already take n place and any further action to 
service different time -zones would require a more precise assessment of beneficiaries’ needs as 
this would have budgetary implications.  
85.  Therefore, the TA Plan 2018 -19 foresees updating the content of e -Learning courses an d 
upgrading the e -Campus platform to increase interactivity, handle more participants and facilitate 
the implementation of e-Learning courses  within the limits imposed by available staff resources.15  
The e -Campus platform is "open" 24h for registration , discuss ions in the News Forum and to 
access the training material and take tests. The platform will remain a tool to help applicants to 
identify their needs and learning paths up the PLS ladder . See also the discussion on Key Result 1 
of the logframe in sect ion 6.1 below.  
5.5  Use of appropriate pedagogical methods  
86.  The Secretariat has continued its efforts to reduce the use of instructor -led training in favour 
of more appropriate pedagogies, in particular interactive training methods like Q&A sessions, case 
                                                
15 The e -Campus platform is accessible at http://ecampus.wto.org/ , where up -to-date information on 
the e-Learning offer may be consulted.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
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  studies, small group discussions and active summaries. In view of the importance of using the 
right training methods to create an effective learning environment, for many years the ITTC's 
TAME has closely monitored  the use of the different training methods used  by trainers  when 
delivering TA . However, the TA Annual Report for 201 6 established that the general trends pointed 
towards a return to a lower level of interactivity overall, with the number of activities based on 
lectures rising.  
87.  The External Evaluation,  as part of Recommendations 16 and 25 also established a link 
between improving the learning experience and increasing interaction and interest for course 
participants. It also raised the possibility of blending e -Learning and in situ participation, and 
mentioned the need  to consult with beneficiaries to ensure that presentations are tailored to their 
specific priorities. The Management Response stated that some online tools, like virtual 
classrooms, were already regularly used in face -to-face activities. T he Secretariat agreed to 
consider the further use of a wider range of online tools in more face -to-face activities while 
pointing to the difficulties previously encountered in trying to blend e -Learning and in situ 
participation.  
88.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 inten ds to maintain the practice of having advance consultations with 
beneficiaries ahead of regional and national activities to  tailor TA activities to the specificities of 
the local contexts to the extent possible. Among other things, this will help identify the most 
appropriate pedagogical approach to organizing a TA activity, and tailor the substance to the 
particular needs of the activity. For Geneva -based courses, efforts will be redoubled to encourage 
trainers to make a greater use of interactive methods and thus reverse recent trends to the 
contrary. This will require addressing the constraints currently arising from the availability of only 
one room in the WTO campus appropriate to host interactive courses. The TA Plan will also 
continue to encourage tra iners to mix instructor -led and  interactive training  with other methods 
such as hands -on training and computer -based training in those cases where this helps 
participants to  learn and retain knowledge.  
89.  To help ensure that trainers know how to select and us e the appropriate pedagogy and 
training methods that best fit an activity, during the 2018 -19 biennium the Secretariat plans to 
expand its current programme of ToT to cover all staff members delivering TA. This is in line with 
Recommendation 21 by the Exte rnal Evaluation that calls for a coherent system of training for all 
trainers to be put in place. In this respect, the Management Response already indicated that, 
funding permitting, the required system would be implemented in phases, with the first one 
starting in 2018. Nonetheless, a good number of WTO staff participated in the reintroduced ToT 
courses introduced in 2017.  
5.6  Use of partnerships  
90.  The WTO has enter ed into numerous partnerships to deliver TA throughout the years.  The TA 
Annual Report for 2016 i ndicated that 54% of the TA activities which the WTO organized or in 
which it participated in 2016 had involved a partnership.  To that effect, as one of the strategic 
approaches  for 2018 -19, the Secretariat will continue to focus on the four areas  below in which 
partners c ould add value to the TA provided by the WTO:  
a. Substance : whether the cooperation is mandated by a WTO Agreement or not, the 
partner adds value to the content of the TA activities by bringing on board their 
specialize d knowledge on a par ticular subject, a local context or the institutional role it 
plays in an area.  Such partnerships would typically involve a joint preparation and 
delivery of the programme of the activity, or of part of it.  
b. Cost-sharing : the partner share s the costs assoc iated with the organization of a 
particular TA activity.  The contribution of the partner may be limited to some of these 
costs, defined in terms of percentage of the total or as a lump sum.  
c. Field support / Logistics : the partner takes care of part of the logistics related to the 
TA activity.  This may involve tasks such as the identification of a venue for the activity, 
booking the hotel, preparing travel itineraries, sending invitations, organizing 
interpretation or local transportation, providing support  staff on site, setting up and WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  maintaining a virtual classroom, or distributing the D aily Subsistence Allowance  (DSA) to 
participants, where applicable.  
d. Outreach : cooperation with certain institutions may give the WTO an access to a 
different public or may  increase its visibility in non -traditional circles.  
91.  The 2016 External  Evaluation concluded  that WTO's work with partners in TA was important 
and valuable , and Recommendation 3 proposed that TA activities be used to strengthen 
sustainable training capaciti es within beneficiary countries and regions including by engaging more 
local trainers. The Management Response agreed only partially with this recommendation. It 
observed that, in consultation with Members, the Secretariat already used local experts when 
relevant but that strengthening training capacities within beneficiary countries and regions was not 
part of the core mandate for WTO TA. A decision to change this part of the mandate would have to 
be carefully assessed as it would have an impact on the hum an and financial resources of the 
Secretariat.  
92.  In view of the above, the TA Plan 2018 -19 intends to continue analysing the parameters of 
different partnerships, as well as promoting those that are more valuable. Moreover, the use 
regional experts in its r egional activities particularly the ITPCs, will be encouraged  whenever 
relevant . The Secretariat will consult further on the possibility of strengthening training capacities 
within beneficiary countries and regions as addition to existing activities that t arget academia.  
EXPECTED TECHNICAL A SSISTANCE KEY RESULT S 6  
93.  One of WTO's main functions is building the capacity of developing -country government 
officials to deal with international trade matters. Consonant with this, the WTO TRTA is aimed at 
enhancing the capacities  of government officials in terms of knowledge and skills so that: (i) 
Members participate effectively  in the core areas of the WTO work and its respective Bodies ; (ii) 
Members implement their WTO obligations; and (iii) are able to defend their rights . In line with 
this, the TA Plan 2018 -19 will maintain government officials as its main target group, consistent 
with the fact that WTO is an intergovernmental organization financed by its Members. The TA Plan 
2018-19 will provide TA to government of ficials through a mixture of online training and 
face-to-face activities organized at national, regional and global level ; global level activities in the 
three official WTO languages will be held in Geneva (see also the discussion on languages in 
section 3 .3.2 above).  
94.  Additionally, the TA Plan 2018 -19 takes into account the fact that trade policy has a 
multiplicity of actors stretching beyond government officials. Hence, like in the past, the TA Plan 
will target other audiences such as academics, legislator s, journalists and private sector operators, 
in particular in national face -to-face activities and specific outreach activities.  
95.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 has been designed to target four Key Results indicated in Chart 4, which 
are in the main similar to those included in the previous TA Plan.  The TA offer over the 2018 -19 
biennium , will aim to achieve these  four Key Results . As in the past, achieving  the Key Results in 
the TA Plan will require  a close cooperation between the Secretariat, beneficiary governments , 
donors,  and partner  institutions . WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 4. TA Key Results for 2018 -19 
 
Note:  the chart is not drawn up with the intention of showing hierarchical levels among Key Results . 
96.  Note that, as is conventional in the standard RBM methodology , Chart 4  identifies  an overall  
Impact  as the highest level of result to which the WTO related work contributes jointly with other 
stakeholders. It is not an exclusive attribution to WTO TA, but an indication of the contribution the 
WTO is making to a common goal. In view of this, the Secretariat, like in the previous TA Plan, will 
focus on measuring Outputs and progress  towards Key Results, which are discussed in detail in the 
subsequent parts of this section .  
97.  The log ical frame work in Annex 1 provides details on the indicators and targets  associated 
with each of the Key Results in Chart 4. Those indicators and targets constitute the markers that 
will guide  the implementation of the TA Plan 2018-19 at the operational level  and will help 
measure its achievements .  
6.1  Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully 
realising  Members' rights  and obligations  
98.  Key Result 1, which aims to enhance Members' capacity to comply  better  with WTO 
Agreements and make full use of their rights , represents  the bulk of the TA provided by the WTO 
to Members and Observers (see section 3.1 above) . The goal is to ensure that government officials 
have enhanced knowledge about the WTO Agreements and trade issues , and are able to 
participate effectively in the MTS to strengthening it while stimulating economic development.   
99.  The External Evaluation found strong evidence that WTO training had been effective in 
contributing to the development of beneficiaries' capacity to work with multilateral trade rules and 
negotia tions over the 2010 -15 period.16 It concluded that the WTO TA had been highly relevant 
and well -attuned to the professional needs, priorities and responsibilities of the individual 
beneficiaries and their national system, reflecting its demand -driven nature . According to the 
External Evaluation, there were plausible chains of contribution to the effect that WTO TA in the 
aggregate produced sustainable benefits in beneficiaries in terms of enhanced capacity to engage 
in the MTS.  
                                                
16 Paragraph based on Executive Summary and Section 7 , WTO doc ument WT/COMTD/89, 
2 December  2016. 
WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  100.  To achieve Key Result  1, the Secretariat will work closely with missions and capital -based 
focal points responsible for WTO issues. Attaining this Key Result will also entail allocating t ime 
and resources to the design of  new courses on  the basis of Members' identified needs and PLS 
guidelines.  In addition, it will require the support from beneficiaries , such as measures taken to 
retain trained participants in appropriate functions, the ability to impart the knowledge acquired 
across relevant ministries, as well as effective communicat ion between the missions in Geneva and  
the capitals.   
101.  Details on indicators, baseline, target, evidence and assumptions associated with this Key 
Results are included in Annex 1. As shown there, Key Result 1 targets, among other things, to 
increase benefici aries' submissions to WTO bodies and a decrease in the number of outstanding 
notifications.  
102.  To achieve  Key Result 1, the Secretariat will aim to achieve the four Outputs identified in 
Chart 5. The Secretariat will be responsible for the effectiveness and e fficiency with which Outputs 
are achieved, while accountability for achieving the overall Key Result 1 will be shared with TA 
beneficiaries.  
103.  It is expected that a total of approximately CHF 13.5 million per year in 2018 and 2019 will 
be available to implement the planned activities contributing to Key Result 1, which represent 
about 88% of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results taken together in 2018 and 
2019 (see Table 1 in section 7).  
Chart 5. Key Result 1: Outputs  
 
 
6.1.1   Output 1.1: Enhanced K nowledge of WTO Agreements, policy formulation and 
negotiations  
104.  Output 1.1 – Government officials have enhanced knowledge of the WTO Agreements, policy 
formulation  of trade policies  and conduct of trade negotiations  –  has historically been the m ain 
item under the Key Result 1 of the Logframe.  The objective is to offer generalists and specialists 
progressive learning paths that help them improve their knowledge and effectiveness in 
performing their work.  
105.  The indicators, baseline, target, evidence and assumptions associated with this Output are 
detailed in Annex 1. The indicators related to the use  of interactive teaching methods deserve 
WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
  explicit mention here as the External Evaluation  remarked  that WTO training activities could 
benefit from applyin g a greater share of more innovative and interactive techniques – see section 
5.5 for a discussion of appropriate pedagogical methods in TA activities.  
106.  As in the past, the majority of the TA  activities  under Output 1.1  will seek to enhance  the 
WTO-related knowledge of  junior to senior level government officials from eligible Members and 
Observers through generalised or specialize d and targeted assistance. A description of the wide 
range of TA activ ities under Output 1.1 can  be structured around  the followi ng three training 
modalities, each of which is discussed in the following sub -sections:  
 e-Learning,  
 face-to-face activities , and 
 internships . 
 
6.1.1.1   E-Learning  
107.  E-Learning is one of the most efficient training methods of the WTO, covering most major 
WTO areas in  all three WTO working languages. The e -Learning  courses seek  to strengthen the 
knowledge and understanding of  the WTO Agreements and WTO -related subjects. The e -Learning 
approach aims to increase the number of government officials who move to higher levels of 
learning  by providing a flexible and  cost-efficient training which also serves as a selection tool with 
a wide reach.   
108.  E-Learning courses are  highly rated  by stakeholders and have become an indispensable 
entry portal  to many TA ac tivities , giving  large numbers of learners the necessary basic 
information on WTO, its legal texts and other key trade -related issues . The External Evaluation 
found that  the e -Learning courses were among  the TA instruments with the  stronge st evidence of 
effectiveness. Section 5.4 provides additional information on e -Learning.  
109.   In view of the above, under the TA Plan 2018 -19 the Secretariat will update and maintain 
current the content of e -Learning courses to the maximum extent made possible by its resource s.  
The online material will also be upgraded by  incorporating more multimedia content, interactivity 
exercises and other improved pedagogical methodologies.  An appropriate focus on the use of 
social media and blended learning will also be maintained.  New courses will be introduced, with a 
priority being the introduction of an online course on the Trade Facilitation Agreement . The use of 
blended learning  combining face -to-face and online sessions  will be explored  as a way to increase 
the efficiency  of tradi tional TA activities.   
110.  Within the e -Learning offer, t he online course " Introduction  to the WTO"  will continue to be 
used to provide  the basic training required to understand the structure and functioning of the 
WTO, giving  an overview of  the WTO main legal principles and a greements.  This course will also 
serve  as a prerequisite for participation in more advanced online or face -to-face activities. On their 
part, i ntermediate e-Learning courses for generalists will allow participating g overnment o fficials to 
enhance their understanding of the WTO Agreements and the MTS, while the courses for 
specialists will permit participants to  acquire expertise on particular WTO Agreements or specific  
topics.  
111.  Achieving the  targeted e-Learning o utput s will requi re Secretariat -wide support among 
divisions , the contribution of partners in the development of course material , and appropriate 
human resources . The TA Plan 2018 -19 targets increasing the rate of success of participants in e -
Learning courses and stability  in their  rate of drop -out, which is fairly low.  
6.1.1.2   Face -to-face training  
112.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 aims to provide f ace-to-face training at the national, regional or  sub-
regional and global level s at any of the three PLS levels depending on the specific needs of 
beneficiaries. The face -to-face training offer for generalists includes trade policy courses at the 
introductory, intermediate and advanced PLS levels. These courses, held in Geneva and in the 
regions, aim to provide a strong general knowledge of the MTS a nd of the main provisions of the 
WTO Agreements, which should enable participants to work in a large variety of WTO -related areas 
or develop a more specialized expertise. The TA Plan 2018 -19 will maintain a suitable accent on WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 23 - 
 
  candidates complying with the prerequisites set to take part in an activity i n order to ensure the 
effectiveness of the PLS . 
113.  At the introductory level, the TA offer for generalist will comprise t he Geneva -based 
Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs, which will continue to be offere d once a year as it has 
proven to be in demand by beneficiaries. This course will be delivered in English and/or French.  
114.  Face-to-face courses for generalists will also carry on including the  Intermediate Trade Policy 
Course s (ITPCs) .17 These eight -week courses, held in different  regions , will target government 
officials working on trade -related issues who have completed an introductory WTO training.18 As in 
the past, ITPCs will seek to deliver a comprehensive syllabus  covering the MTS and the WTO 
Agreements through pedagogical  methods  that can help strengthen participants' knowledge of 
these Agreements, and their autonomy to use WTO resources and conduct WTO -related work.  
Participants' progress will be regularly monitored and they will have to sit a  final graded exam.  
ITPCs will continue to be organized in c ollaboration with a local academic institution.  
115.  The eight -week ATPCs, the most advanced training for generalists, will be maintained but 
the Secretariat will implement the improvements mentioned in Sectio n 3.3.3, including a better 
monitoring and measuring of results that makes possible a more rigorous evaluation of its benefits 
to Members. In the meantime, the existing arrangement of three ATPCs per year will be 
maintained, with one course delivered in Sp anish in 2018 and one in French in 2019.  
116.  In addition, the TA Plan 2018 -19 intends to offer a  comprehensive range of advanced 
thematic  training activities  for specialists  in Geneva . Reflecting the lessons learnt in previous 
years, some of these activities w ill seek to focus on implementation challenges, including through 
the development of action plans and coaching participants after an activity ends. Budgetary 
provisions have been made for implementing approximately 18 advanced thematic activities per 
year.  
117.  The Geneva -based TA offer will also comprise symposia or seminars held at the request of 
WTO Committees,  the Geneva Weeks and Focus Activities. The TA Plan 2018 -19 provides for two 
Geneva Weeks per year  for the benefit of Members and Observers without a permanent 
representation in Geneva. The aim is to give representatives from the targeted beneficiaries the 
latest information about the work of the WTO and its various Committees. The TA Plan 2018 -19 
will also continue accommodating Focus Activities  for Ge neva-based delegates, NGOs , WTO  staff 
members, interns working in the Secretariat and officials from international organiz ations. The aim 
of Focus Activities is to cover in depth a  narrowly defined  WTO subject over one or two days.  
118.  At the national level, f ace-to-face n ational activities  will aim to contribute to building trade -
related local capacities . Each national TA activity will be guided by its own specific objectives 
addressing the priority needs of the beneficiar y. To achieve this , beneficiaries will  continue to be 
asked to articulate their specific needs  in a national TA request form (available online) .  The TA 
Plan 2018 -19 includes b udgetary provisions to implement  up to 135 national activities per year , 
depending on demand.  
119.  At the r egional and sub-regional levels, the TA Plan 2018 -19 includes face -to-face activities 
for capital -based officials, mostly at intermediate level, focusing  on areas identified as priorities  by 
the beneficiaries concerned. Geography or common interests will guide the in clusion of a 
beneficiary in a region or sub -region. Where relevant, such activities will be conducted in 
collaboration with partner institutions to ensure that local considerations are incorporated into the 
training. The TA Plan 2018 -19 includes budgetary provisions for implementing some 3 0 regional or 
sub-regional activities per year.  
120.  Reflecting the wide range of face -to-face training activities, these activities are associated 
with several different indicators and accompanying targets, baseline values, ev idence and 
                                                
17 ITPC corresponds to  the name  also used in the previous TA Plan for  the 8 -week Trade Policy Courses 
organized for certain regions, also  known as Regional Trade Policy Courses ( RTPCs ). This name is used 
because, i n the context of the PLS , it is more relevant to refer to the level of such courses than to their 
geographical scope . 
18 Commensurate professional experience in the area concerned may also, in exceptional circumstances, 
be taken into consideration.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 24 - 
 
  assumptions. As shown in the logframe, the targets for face -to-face activities seek further 
improvements in a number of areas, such as decreasing the share of instructor -led lectures, 
further enhancements to the courses' syllabus and greater rat es of satisfaction by participants.  
121.  The TA Annual Report for 2012 to 2016 noted that t he performance indicators available to 
monitor the results of most face-to-face activities remain less precise than in the case of e -
Learning because a final exam to mea sure the performance of the participants  is not the norm . In 
this same respect, t he External Evaluation recommended  to improve the means used by the 
Secretariat to measure the immediate results of its TA activi ties in a more objective manner. 
Taking into c onsideration this, the TA Plan 2018 -19 envisages the introduction of a final exam for 
the ATPC, as recommended in the internal assessment of this course (section3.3.3). Once  this is 
done, the trade policy courses for generalists offered at all PLS levels w ill be profiting from the use 
of a final exam. Moreover, the experience thus gained will also inform future efforts to extend the 
use of final exams to other face -to-face courses.  
6.1.1.3   Internship Programmes  
122.  The WTO operates four long -term internship programmes  focused on  "learn ing-by-doing" . 
These programmes give beneficiaries an opportunity to acquire in -depth knowledge on WTO 
matters under  the guidance of staff in WTO or permanent missions . The External Evaluation found  
strong evidence of the effectiveness of  internship programmes, although with variations between 
them.  
123.  Therefore, the TA Plan 2018 -19 will include the following four internship programmes:  
a. AIP  Accession Internship Programme, financed by China;  
b. NTP   Netherlands Trainee Programme, financ ed by the Netherlands;  
c. FIMIP  French and Irish Mission Internship Programme (formerly known as  
   Mission Internship Programme), financed by France and Ireland; and  
d. RCI   Regional Coordinator Internship programme, financed through the  
   DDAGTF.  
 
124.  The beneficiaries of the AIP are students  from LDCs and developing Members. These i nterns 
work primarily on accessions issues in the Accessions Division of the Secretariat under the 
supervision of one staff member of that division. The intake of interns is a djusted annually 
according to the workload of the Accessions Division. AIP interns will be evaluated by their 
supervisor based on the objectives set individually at the beginning of the internship. As indicated 
in the logframe in Annex 1, up to five AIP in terns will be recruited annually for a maximum period 
of ten months.  
125.  Participants in the NTP are mid -level public officials from LDCs, low income countries and 
small and vulnerable economies. They work in areas of interest to them assigned to a Secretariat  
division under the supervision of a WTO staff member for a maximum period of ten months. As in 
the past, attention will be given to having interns involved in the work of one division for the full 
duration of the internship. NTP interns will be evaluated by their supervisor based on the 
objectives set individually at the beginning of the internship. Up to 15  NTP interns will be recruited 
annually.  
126.  FIMIP interns are mid -level public officials from LDCs and economies in transition posted in 
the Geneva -based mission of their country where they work as delegates. The internship has a 
maximum duration of ten months, and involves working under the supervision of the permanent 
representative to the WTO, who should evaluate the intern's work at the end of the inter nship 
based on the objectives agreed at its beginning. The programme targets primarily Members with a 
small mission whose capacity to follow WTO matters is very limited. Up to 15  FIMIP interns will be 
recruited annually.  
127.  RCI participants are mid-level pub lic officials from  a TA beneficiary Member selected to 
coordinate a regional grouping.  These i nterns are posted in the Geneva -based mission of the 
eligible Member acting as coordinator . The RCIs  work as delegates under the supervision of the 
head of the m ission , who should evaluate the intern's work at the end of the internship based on 
the objectives agreed at its beginning. A RCI internship has a duration of  six months  which can be WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 25 - 
 
  extended according to the terms of the tenure of the Member as group coor dinator. The allocation 
of an intern is entirely demand driven and depends on the request received from those acting as 
coordinator for a region or group of Members that are eligible. Therefore, the number of RCI 
interns to be recruited annually  is depende nt upon those requesting for an intern . Up to seven  RCI 
will be recruited annually.  
128.  Details on the relevant targets and baseline values, evidence and assumptions for the four 
internship programmes are included in the logframe in Annex 1.The work carried ou t by interns 
will be used as a proxy for their learning  during their internship.  
6.1.2   Output 1. 2: Establis hment of effective partnerships  
129.  Under this Output , the Secretariat  will continue to seek partnerships that add the most value 
to its TA activities according to the four parameters defined in its effective partnership strategy, 
namely: substance, cost -sharing, logistics and outreach (see section 5.6 for additional 
information).   
130.  As detailed in the logframe in Annex 1, the TA Plan 2018 -19 foresees maintaining the 
proportion of activities with involvement of a partner while increasing the proportion contributed 
by partners to particular TA activities. As also indicated in the logf rame, attaining Output 1.2 
assumes that interested partners will be available with appropriate  resources to complement WTO 
expertise  or financial resources.  
6.1.3   Output 1. 3: Members' needs and priorities identified annually  
131.  This Output relates to the need to as sess on a regular basis the TA needs of beneficiaries to 
ensure that the  WTO TA offer meets the ir priorities . With this aim,  needs assessments will be 
conducted periodically to identify beneficiaries'  needs and match ing these to  the most effective 
and effi cient TA product .  
132.  As described in section 4 and illustrated in Chart 1, t he consultations held in preparation of 
this TA  Plan indicated  that beneficiaries' priority needs were, in  order of decreasing importance : 
Trade Facilitation, s ervices , SPS, "Other",  "Trade Policy Advice", General Capacity Building and 
TBT. As the 2018 -19 biennium progresses, this information will be  confirmed through additional 
formal and informal consultations between the Secretariat and beneficiaries, to take place on an 
individual  or regional basis. A t the national level , the needs assessment s will be complemented by  
the National TRTA Request Form (available electronically ).  
133.  Details on the indicators relevant to this Output are detailed in the logframe in Annex 1. The 
TA Plan 2018-19 target s an increase  in the number of needs identified and needs assessments 
conducted annually.  As in the previous Plan the TPR follow -ups will also continue to contribute to 
the identification of specific needs and necessary actions. The 2016 Annual TA Report states that 
the TPR follow -ups have incorporated an analysis of needs and priorities taking into account the TA 
they had received since the previous review. However, there seems to be an absence of a 
comprehensive record of all the initiatives an d actions of the Secretariat.  To attain this target, it 
will be necessary to improve the  record of the actions carried out by  the Secretariat in this 
domain .   
6.1.4   Output 1. 4: WTO data accessed and used by Members  
134.  The aim is to make WTO statistical tools and data bases available to government officials 
dealing with trade -related issues as well as to other interested parties so as to improve the 
analysis of trade developments and trade negotiating positions. In previous years, the RCs were 
considered as a tool to enable Members to access and use WTO –related information to raise 
awareness of WTO matters with all stakeholders but this was found to be ineffective by the 
External Evaluation.    
135.  According to the responses from the TA questionnaire, the WTO website is the main source 
of information to most beneficiaries and, hence, it will continue to be reviewed and improved.  In 
recent years, the Secretariat has introduced a course to train offic ials on what and how to collect 
data on services trade and will continue to incorporate within existing courses sessions to explain WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
  the WTO databases, their contents and how to retrieve data from these databases.  The logframe 
in Annex 1 shows that the rel evant indicators include visits to the WTO website, the number of 
officials trained as well as to the intensity of use of WTO's existing Reference Centres.  
136.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 foresees limited support to existing Reference Centres . This will be 
provided mainly in LDCs  and non-resident Members  given that the Reference Centres also serve as 
a hub where online courses are taken .  The designated RC manager will continue to be required to 
provide the Secretariat with information about the Centre's activities, i ncluding by responding to 
periodic questionnaires. The Secretariat will continue to consult with Members with a view to find 
more effective tools to use  going forward.  
6.2  Key Result 2: Acceding governments are participating  in accession negotiations  
137.  This Key Result aims to ensure that a cceding governments are participating  effectively  in 
accession negotiations , in line with WTO accession processes and procedures . This reflects the 
strategic priority WTO gives to a ccessions -related activities , with 21 governmen ts at various 
stages of the accession process  as of 1 September 2017 . Key Result 2 seeks to support these 
ongoing efforts by helping a cceding governments to define their long -term domestic reform 
agendas and strategies. In this context, the TA provided to acceding governments is designed to : 
(i) enhance their understanding of WTO rights and obligations; (ii) support  a WTO -relevant 
domestic policy and legal framework; and (iii)  facilitate the accession process.  In addition, this key 
result area  includes the support the Secretariat provides to those seeking to accede to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). This TA support will continue  as in previous years . 
138.  The External Evaluation found  that TA support for accessions was  appreciated and effective , 
and among the TA instruments with strong evidence of effectiveness. Therefore, the External 
Evaluation did not make any specific recommendations in this area.  
139.  Under the TA Plan 2018 -19, the Secretariat will seek to support acceding governments by 
working with them on the design of accession -specific start -up roadmaps and endgame plans as 
appropriate.19 In addition, t he "China Programme" will continue to assist acceding LDCs through 
the Accessions Internship  programme, the follow -up to the ir TPRs, annual  WTO Acce ssion Round 
Table Meeting s, and support for their  participation in WTO meetings . This is in line the  priority 
given to the accession of LDCs by the  agenda set out at the Doha Ministerial Conference in 2001 . 
140.  Key Result 2 includes the two Outputs shown in Ch art 6. Outputs  2.1 and 2.2  are guided by 
the same considerations mentioned in the previous paragraphs for the overall Key Result 2 .  
                                                
19 The Secretar iat also makes  available an Accession Transparency Tool Box, available at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/attb_e.htm . WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Chart 6. Key Result 2: Outputs  
 
 
141.  Output 2.1 is a carry -over from the previous TA Plan. On the other hand, Output 2.2 has 
been added to the TA Plan 2018 -19, in recognition of the growing visibility and expertise 
increasingly demanded on matters related to the GPA . This new Output also makes more 
transparent the TA support that the Secretariat has been providing for a ccession t o the GPA  for 
many years . Reflecting this experience, the TA Plan 2018 -19 focus will be on general compliance 
with the GPA and on empowering government officials to work with stakeholders in order to realize 
the benefits from the new procedures and market access possibilities to which they commit 
themselves in joining the Agreement. A significant amount of this support is expected to be 
provided in partnership with other organizations.  
142.  The targets during the next biennium are to increase the number of work ing party meetings 
while keeping stable other indicators of accessions activity at the WTO and GPA levels. This 
assumes that accession negotiations remain active  and that acceding governments submit the 
required document ation to their Working Parties, which implies a better performance than during 
2016.  
143.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 provides for just under CHF 0.5 million per year  in 2018 and 2019 to  
implement  the planned activities  contributing to Key Result 2 and its two Outputs, which is 
equivalent to about 3. 4% of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results for those years 
(see Table 1).  
6.3  Key Result 3: Academic institutions and other stakeholders are analy sing WTO 
issues and reaching out to policy makers.  
144.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 includes a revised Key Res ult 3 which, to enhance coherency within the 
logframe, now comprises a number of TA activities included under both Key Results 3 and 4 in the 
former TA Plan. The revised Key Result 3 in the logframe for 2018 -19 seeks academic institutions 
and other stakeho lders develop and access expertise on WTO issues and work, use it in their work 
and teaching , and reach out to policy makers . Under this Key Result, the Secretariat will support 
the work of WTO Chairs  in analysing trade policy, and expose young professiona ls to WTO issues 
and w ork. Key Result 3 includes four  Outputs as shown in Chart 7. 
2: Acceding governments are 
participating in accession negotiations.
2.1: Acceding governments are 
familiar with WTO substantive and 
procedural matters.
2.2: Interested Members have 
expertise on GPA rules, accession 
negotiations, best practices and core 
access obligations .Key Result
OutputsWT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Chart 7. Key Result 3: Outputs  
 
 
145.   In the TA Plan 2018 -19, Key result 3 and 4 have been slightly amended to separate TA 
activities for academia including the WTO Chairs prog ramme from the general WTO outreach work.  
The WTO Chairs aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the MTS among academics and 
students in developing countries through teaching, research and outreach activities in the eligible 
academic institutions.  The current four -year WTO Chairs Programme is concluding in 2018, and an 
evaluation of the programme is to be carried out in 2019 to assess its results and sustainability. 
The evaluation is expected to make recommendations on the WCP and future TA to be pr ovided to 
the academic community.  
146.  Under the TA Plan 2018 -19, the Secretariat will continue to support a limited number of PhD 
students  and the annual European Law Students Moot Court Competition . For the latter, the 
Secretariat will provide  technical supp ort through the participation of WTO staff as judges  in the 
regional rounds ; and host the final competition at  the WTO, thereby giving students an opportunity 
to interact with WTO staff.  Other activities with the academic world will be organized depending on 
their merit and the availability of resources taking into account the External Evaluation findings.  
147.  The recently introduced WTO Young Professional's Programme recruited its first six YPs 
in 2017.20  The YPP targets young professionals with graduate degre es in international trade and 
trade policy. Recruitment for young professionals takes place through a competitive process based 
on merit .21  On the basis of a positive midterm review and feedback from the young professionals, 
this Programme will continue in  2018-2019. There has been overwhelming interest in the 
programme and the TA Plan anticipates an increase in the number of YPs for 2018 and 2019. As 
in 2017, priority will be  given to professionals from LDC and developing Members not represented 
at profess ional level in the Secretariat.  
148.  Output 3.1 aims to promote research on trade  policy and WTO -related matters  by WTO 
Chairs and other academics t hrough the provision of grants.  This reflects the view that research 
once well disseminated targeting policy mak ers has the potential to influence trade developments 
and policy. Thus, the Secretariat will guide the Chairs' choice of research subjects to ensure that 
these are WTO -relevant, and may request the Chairs to contribute case studies to trade policy 
courses.  As indicated in Annex 1, the targets  included in the logframe for research by WTO Chairs 
                                                
20 Five YPs started in 2017 and one deferred to start in 2018.  
21 Details on the YPP were presented to Members in the internal d ocument INT/SUB/DDG/3,  
11 May  2015.  
3: Academic institutions and other stakeholders are analysing 
WTO issues and reaching out to policy makers. 
3.1: Research on trade 
policy and WTO -related 
matters generated by WTO 
Chairs and other academics 
through provision of grants.
3.2: Courses developed by the 
relevant academic institutions have 
WTO content and students are 
being trained on WTO -related 
subjects by the WTO and its Chairs.
3.3: The WTO Chairs are reaching 
out to other stakeholders and 
key decision -makers.Key Result
Outputs
3.4: YPPs are exposed to 
WTO issues and work.WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
  call for increases in  the number of publications in internationally peer -reviewed journals, and  in the 
quality of research papers .  
149.  Output 3.2 seeks to use WTO suppor t to help ensure that  courses developed by the relevant 
academic institutions have WTO content and students are being trained on WTO -related subjects 
by the WTO and its Chairs. The objective is t o encourage Chair holders to train the future 
generations of trade policy experts. To help attain such objective, the Chairs will continue to be 
provided with access to the Secretariat didactic material, including e -Learning and expert advice. 
As shown in the logframe in Annex 1, this Output targets an increase in t he number of students 
trained by the WTO and its Chairs.  
150.  Output 3.3 calls for WTO Chairs to reach out to other stakeholders and key decision -makers. 
The objective is to increase the dissemination and visibility of academic research, for example 
through sem inars, conferences or roundtables, with the ultimate aim of contributing to decision 
making. As indicated in the logframe in Annex 1, the target associated with this Output is to raise 
both the volume of outreach activities and the involvement of key decis ion-makers.  
151.  Output 3.4 relates to the Young Professional Programme  (YPP) introduced in 2016, which 
aims to expose young professionals to WTO issues and work. T he Secretariat aims to host a 
maximum of 15 young professionals per year, although the actual nu mber may be affected by the 
absorption capacity of the Secretariat. As YPP recruits will be side -by-side with Secretariat staff, 
their work performance will be evaluated by their supervisors following a procedure similar to 
those applied to staff members . The performance evaluation and the number of young 
professionals hosted annually will be used as indicators for this Output, as indicated in the 
logframe in Annex 1.  
152.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 provides for a bout CHF 0.9 million  in 2018 and  CHF 0.7 million in  2019 
to implement  the planned activities  contributing to Key Result 3 and its four Outputs,  which are 
equivalent to about 5.6% and 4.8% of the total TA funding planned for the four Key Results for 
2018 and 2019, respectively (see Table 1).  
6.4  Key result 4: Non-governmental stakeholders and legislators  are aware of and 
knowledgeable about WTO work and issues  
153.  The fourth and last  Key Result in the logframe of the TA Plan 2018 -19 has a similar overall 
aim as in the previous TA Plan but its mix of Outputs has bee n revised. In particular, some 
Outputs previously under this Key Result are now linked to Key Result 3, while two new Outputs 
have been added to Key Result 4, related to online self -study material and the ITTC Newsletter.  
154.  Under the TA Plan 2018 -19, Key Res ult 4 seeks that n on-governmental stakeholders  be 
aware of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues . The aim is to increase the involvement 
in trade  policy and WTO -related  issues of stakeholders other than government officials, e.g., 
legislators, journa lists and civil society. T he TA Plan 2018 -19 aims to achieve this  by strengthening  
the understanding and institutional capacities  of non -governmental stakeholders so that they can  
reinforce the results of the TA directly provided to  Members  and their offic ials. Key Result 4  
includes four Outputs as shown in Chart 8.  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Chart 8. Key Result 4: Outputs  
 
 
155.  Outputs 4.1 and 4.2 seek to organize outreach activities for, and to attain an i mproved 
understanding by legislators , journalists, civil society and businesses  of WTO issues and trade 
policies . The expectation is that  broadening the  pool of stakeholders with an appropriate 
knowledge and awareness of WTO matters will support the development of sounder trade policies. 
As indicated in the logframe in Annex 1, the T A Plan 2018 -19 foresees maintaining stable the 
number of stakeholders and activities.  As in the past, these activities will be delivered in 
collaboration with WTO's traditional partners in this domain.  
156.  Output 4.3 relates to access to online training materi al for self -study for those not eligible to 
enrol in WTO e -Learning courses reserved for  government officials from beneficiary Members and 
Observers . Under this Output, online training material is  made  freely available  to anyone  for self -
study  on the e-Campus website. Th is is intended for the general public . As indicated in Annex 1, 
the target is to maintain stable the number of downloaded training materials  over 2018 and 2019 . 
157.  Output 4.4 is related to access to trade -related TA information provided by the Secretariat, 
including through the ITTC Newsletter. This  newsletter is a n electronic publication  issued at regular 
intervals to make available  news on activities  related to training and technical cooperation 
undertaken by the Secretariat. The Newsletter is  accessible to all publics at the WTO website. As 
indicated in Annex 1, the TA Plan 2018 -19 targets stability in the number of times the ITTC 
Newsletter is viewed over the next biennium.  
158.  It is expected that a total of approximately CHF 0.5 million  per year  in 2018 and 2019 will be 
available to implement  the planned activities  contributing to Key Result 4 and its four Outputs (see 
Table 1); those amounts are equivalent to about 3.1% of the total TA funding planned for the four 
Key Results for those years.  
FUNDING  7  
159.  The implementation of the TA Plan 2018-19 will be  funded through the Regular Budget, extra 
budgetary funds coming from voluntary contributions of a selected number of Members, and cost -
sharing arrangements with some WTO partners. The management of the Regular Budget  under the 
TA Plan 2018 -19 will follow the same underlying principles as  the previous TA Plan , building  on the 
improvements  implemented  during the 2016 -17 biennium .  
4: Non -governmental stakeholders and legislators are aware 
of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues. 
4.1: Specific outreach activities 
organized for legislators, 
journalists, business and NGOs 
on WTO issues and trade policies.
4.2: Improved understanding 
by journalists, civil society 
and businesses of WTO 
issues and trade policies.
4.3: Improved access to WTO 
issues through online training 
material for self -study .Key Result
Outputs
4.4: Information on trade -
related TA provided, 
including through the ITTC 
Newsletter.WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
  160.  Table 1 provides a summary of the budget by Key Results  of the TA Plan 2018 -19, while 
Annex 2 gives detailed information on the budget per Key Result and main activities and  
programmes.  
Table 1: Costs by Key Result – 2018 and 2019  
(in thousand Swiss francs)  
 
Key results  Budget Line  -2018  
Regular 
Budget  DDAGTF1 Other 
Trust 
Funds  Total  
Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO 
Agreements and fully realising  Members' rights  and 
obligations .                  
4,270                   
7,765                   
1,491                 
13,526  
Key Result 2: Acceding governments are participating in 
accession negotiations.                         
80                         
13                       
425                       
518  
Key Result 3: Academic institutions and other 
stakeholders are analysing WTO issues and reaching out 
to policy makers.                            
8                       
856                                   
-                         
864  
Key Result 4: Non -governmental stakeholders are aware 
of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues.                         
75                       
383                                  
-                         
458  
Sub Total  4,433  9,017  1,916  15,36 6 
Other programmes costs                       
115                   
2,117                                   
-                     
2,232   
Total                   
4,548                 
11,134                   
1,916                 
17,598  
Overheads (13%)                                   
-                     
1,447                       
249                   
1,696  
Grand Total - 2018                   
4,548                 
12,581                   
2,165                 
19,294  
 
 
 
 
 
Key results  
 
 Budget Line  - 2019  
Regular 
Budget  DDAGTF1 Other 
Trust 
Funds  Total  
Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO 
Agreements and fully realising  Members' rights  and 
obligations . 4,270 7,768 1,491  13,529 
Key Result 2: Acceding governments are participating in 
accession negotiations.  80 13 425 518 
Key Result 3: Academic institutions and other 
stakeholders are analysing WTO issues and reaching out 
to policy makers.  8 722 - 730 
Key Result 4: Non -governmental stakeholders are aware 
of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues.  75 436 - 511 
Sub Total  4,433  8,939  1,916  15,28 8 
Other programmes costs  115 2,117  - 2,232 
Total  4,548  11,056 1,916  17,520 
Overheads (13%)  - 1,437 249 1,686 
Grand Total - 2019  4,548  12,493 2,165  19,206 
1 Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund  
 WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  7.1  Regular Budget for TA  
161.  The part of Regular Budget dedicated to TA stood at CHF 4.5 million per year during the 
2016-2017 period. The TA Plan 2018 -19 has been prepared under the assumption that this part of 
the Regular Budget will remain stable. A s was the case for the previous T A Plan, the Secretariat 
will continue with the practice of redirecting savings registered on any of the activities during the 
year to finance other TA programmes included in the TA Plan.  
162.  To preserve the minimum level of flexibility required to make the be st possible use of the 
approved budget, the Regular Budget for TA will continue to be grouped in four  main envelopes:  
 Geneva -based activities for generalists. They will include the ATPCs, the Introductory Trade 
Policy Course for LDCs, Geneva Weeks for non -residents, activities for Geneva -based 
delegates and any other training activity with a general scope hel d in Geneva. The TA 
Plan 2018-19 intends to allocate some CHF 1. 6 million to these activities per year.  
 
 Geneva -based thematic activities. These will include, among others, the current activities in 
the field of dispute settlement, the thematic advanced courses held in  Geneva and thematic  
activities for LDCs. Some Geneva -based symposia or workshops organized by WTO 
Committees in relation with a particular aspect of their work may also be financed as part of 
this envelope. It is proposed to allocate CHF 2.0 million to th ese activities per year.  
 
 National activities. The TA Plan proposes to set at CHF 0. 7 million the budget for this 
envelope.  
 
 Miscellaneous. This will include the funding of consultants performing the advisory role 
under Article 27.2 of the Dispute Settlem ent Understanding  and of external consultants on 
the implementation of RBM and e -Learning courses. Outreach activities for non -
governmental audiences and monitoring and evaluation activities will also be funded under 
this envelope. Limited funds will be set aside to purchase WTO publications to be donated to 
universities and distributed at outreach events. Altogether, it is proposed to set aside some 
CHF 0.3 million for these various purposes.  
 
163.  It should be noted that the budget line for hiring external e xperts will continue to be 
managed as a pool and distributed as appropriate where required without exceeding the overall 
budgetary cap for such expenses.  
7.2  Extra -budgetary funds for TA  
164.   As has been the case for many years, the main proportion of the impleme ntation of the TA 
Plan will again be funded through extra -budgetary funds during the 2018 -19 biennium. The Doha 
Development Agenda Global Trust Fund ( DDAGTF ) will continue to play a central role in this 
regard, as it is the main channel through which donor s' contributions support the TA provided by 
the WTO.   
165.  The TA resources available to the WTO (carried forward from previous years) to finance its 
TA to developing Members and Observers resumed their decrease in 2016, obliging the Secretariat 
to tap into its  financial reserves. The Secretariat appreciates and values the generous support that 
donors provided to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund  during the past years, and 
express in advance its gratitude for the support Members and in particular don ors will provide 
during the 2018 -19 biennium.   
166.  The TA Plan 2018 -19 has been prepared under the assumption that the support to the 
DDAGTF  will continue during the next biennium. This would allow the Secretariat to maintain the 
same approximate level of TA activity and expenses as during the last years. Taking these 
elements into consideration, it is proposed to set the target amount for the  DDAGTF  in 2018 and 
2019 at CHF 12.5 million .  
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 33 - ANNEX 1. WTO TRTA LOGFRAME 2018 -19 
 Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
Impact1 Developing and LDC 
Members are benefiting 
from their active 
participation in the WTO  
  Share of developing 
Members' total trade 
(imports and exports) in 
world trade   40% (2016)  > 40%  WTO Statistics (from 
ERSD)   Global economic and 
political stability or 
improvement  
 Share of LDC Members' 
total trade in the world 
trade  1.00% (2016)  > 1.00%  WTO Statistics (from 
ERSD)  
           
Key 
Result  1: Government officials 
are implementing 
WTO  Agreements and 
fully realising  Members' 
rights  and obligations   Number of documents 
submitted by developing 
and LDC Members in WTO 
Bodies   To be collected in 2017   Increase in 
participation/ 
submissions 
of documents   WTO Documents 
Online database  
 Minutes of WTO body 
meetings   Political support for 
WTO-related measures  
 Trained staff retained 
in relevant positions  
 Human and financial 
resources available   Number of outstanding 
notifications by TA 
beneficiaries Members   3,272  in 201 6 
 (20 per member on 
average)   5% decrease 
of outstanding 
notifications   Notifications database  
Output  1.1: Government officials 
have enhanced knowledge 
about the WTO 
Agreements, formulation 
of trade policies and 
conduct of trade 
negotiations   Number of participants 
completing each PLS level   In 201 6:  
 3,988 introduction,  
 11,457 i ntermediate,  
 1,674  advanced   Annual stability   TRTA Database   WTO negotiations 
remain active  
 Trained staff retained 
in relevant positions  
 Sufficient demand for 
trainings  
 Members present 
suitable candidates   Number of participants in 
WTO TRTA activities   In 2016: 18,621 
participants  
  - e-Learning: 10 ,279 
  - face-to-face: 8 ,342  Annual s tability   TRTA Database  
 Interactive training 
methods' share of time  in 
each activity (e.g. 
exercises, case studies, 
simulations, Q&A, 
presentation by 
participants, participation 
in Committee meetings, 
etc.)   In 2016:  
 45% lectures  
 22% exercises  
 20% Q&A  
 9% participants' 
presentations  
 5% miscellaneous  
   Annual decrease in 
share of lectures   BTORs  
                                                
1 In accordance with the RBM approach, the impact is the highest -level result to which WTO contributes jointly with other stakeholders.  It is not an exclusive attribution to 
WTO TA, but an indication of the contribution  the WTO TA is making to a common impact – see section 6 for further information.   
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 34 -  Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
 Spread of geographical 
coverage  and level of 
development of Members' 
participation in TA courses   In e-Learning , 32% of 
LDC participants in 201 6  Annual s tability   TRTA database  
 Large geographical 
spread in 2016   Maintain spread  
annually as indicated 
in the TA Plan  
 Success rate in 8 -week 
ITPC final exam   94% in 201 6  At least 90% annually   BTORs  
 % of participants giving an 
excellent rating to RTCPs’, 
ATPCs' and advanced 
thematic courses' overall 
content and results   In 2016: 
 - ITPCs: 93%  
- ATPCs: 100% 
- advanced  
   thematic courses:  
   91%  Annual increase   BTORs  
 Number of r evised modules 
or case studies in ATPCs   In 201 6: 2  Two per year   BTORs  
 Number of participants 
trained on trade 
negotiating skills   In 201 6: 383  Annual stability   BTORs  
 Advanced thematic courses 
focused on implementation   In 201 6: 2  Three in 201 7 and 
four in 201 8  BTORs  
 Implementation of Action 
Plans within 12 months   To be collected in 2017   Annual s tability   BTORs  
 Number of interns  in 
various TA programs   In 201 6: NTP: 16; RCI: 
7; FIMIP : 18   Per year: NTP: 15; 
RCI: 8; FIMIP: 15   BTORs  
 TRTA Database  
 Final evaluation rate of 
each intern  by their 
supervisor   To be collected in 2017   100% fully 
satisfactory   Evaluation by the 
supervisor  
   New and revised online 
courses released each year   In 201 6: 1  3 new or revised 
courses/year   Courses open for 
registration   Divisions timely 
contribution to course 
material  
 Appropriate  
e-Learning  resources  
 Timely translation of 
course material  
 Absence of external 
disturbance in  
e-Campus   % of participants rating the 
balance between theory 
and practice as good or 
excellent in online courses   93% in 201 6  70% during the 
biennium   Participants Feedback 
form 
 % of participants rating the  
quality of the  user-
friendliness of the  
e-Campus  and the rate of 
availability of the website 
throughout the year in the 
online course s as good or 
excellent   86%in 201 6  70% during the 
biennium   Participants Feedback 
form  
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 35 -  Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
 e-Learning success rate  67% in 201 6  Annual increase   TRTA database  
 BTOR  
 Participants Feedback 
form  e-Learning  drop-out rate   15% in 201 6  Annual s tability  
 e-Learning  rate of correct 
answers in the exam   85% in 201 6  Annual s tability  
 e-Learning  distinction rate   46% in 201 6  Annual s tability  
Output  1.2: Effective partnerships 
established resulting in 
substantive contributions  
of human and financial 
resources for TA activities .  Proportion of activities with 
the involvement of a 
partner   In 201 6, 54% of activities 
were carried out with a 
partner   Annual stability    BTORs  
 e-Activity Requests   Potential partners are 
interested and have 
the required resources  
 Proportion of partners' 
contribution to the TA 
activities.     Partners' 201 6 
contribution: 2 9% high, 
17% average and 26% 
low  Annual i ncrease of 
substantive 
contributions  
Output  1.3: Members' needs and 
priorities identified  Number of needs 
assessments conducted 
annually, either 
independently  or as part of 
a TPR.  71 responses in 201 5 
 
15 Needs assessments 
by interns  Increase during the 
biennium  Reports  
TPRs Members can identify 
and prioritize  their 
needs  
Output  1.4: WTO data accessed 
and used by Members to 
analyse  trade-related 
matters   Visits  by Members' logging 
in to the WTO website  
   25,518 in 2016   Annual stability   WTO Webmaster   Members' willingness 
to use available WTO 
data sources  
  
 Number of officials trained 
annually on what is 
available and how to 
retrieve the information 
from WTO databases.  
 Number  of requests for 
training on WTO Databases  To be collected in 2017   Annual i ncrease in 
the number of 
officials trained   Responses to the 
questionnaire sent to 
Reference Centre 
managers  
BTORs  
TA Annual reports   Information available 
considered useful and 
relevant  
           
Key 
Result  2: Acceding 
governments are 
participa ting in 
accession negotiations  
  Number of acceding 
governments, including 
LDCs, with a formal or 
informal Working Party 
meeting held   3 meetings in 2016 
 
 
  Annual increase    DG Annual Report on 
Accessions   Accessions are active  
 Governments submit 
required input to their 
Working Parties   
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 36 -  Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
Output  2.1: Acceding 
governments are familiar 
with WTO substantive and 
procedural matters  
  Number of participants 
from acceding 
governments attending 
Outcome 1 TA activities   In 2016: 1,101   Annual stability   BTORs  
 TRTA Database   Trained staff  are 
retained in relevant 
positions  
 Sufficient demand for 
Secretariat support  
 Willingness to use 
available tools  
 The TA -eligible GPA 
acceding member has 
received relevant TA in 
the most recent period  
 The WTO Member in 
question is negotiating 
accession to the G PA 
   Number of r oadmaps and 
endgame plans  designed   In 2016: 4  Annual s tability  
Output  2.2 Interested Members 
have expertise on GPA 
rules, accession 
negotiations, best 
practices and core access 
obligations   No. of GPA accession -
related documents 
circulated for all currently 
active GPA accessions 
involving TA -eligible 
Members   56 documents circulated 
in 2016   Annual stability   Documents online  
           
Key 
Result  3: Academic institutions 
and other  stakeholders 
are analysing WTO 
issues and reaching out 
to policy makers  
 Number of consultative 
processes in which WTO 
Chairs or young 
professionals have been 
involved   Consultative processes in 
2016: 13   Annual stability   Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 BTORs   Members' willingness 
to engage with WTO 
Chairs and other 
stakeholders  
  
Output  3.1: Research on trade 
policy and WTO -related 
matters generated by 
WTO Chairs and other 
academics  through 
provision of grants   Number of publications in 
internationally peer-
reviewed journals  
   13 in 2016   Annual i ncrease   Publications  
 Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 WCP final evaluation   Compliance with 
programme guidelines  
 Quality of research papers  
as measured by SJR and 
SNIP ratings of the journals 
in which the Chairs' 
research is published   Average SNIP rating in 
2016: .69  
 
Average SJP  
rating in 2016: .38   Annual i ncrease   Publications  
 Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 WCP final evaluation  
Output  3.2: Courses developed by 
the relevant academic 
institutions have WTO 
content and students are 
being trained on WTO -
related subjects by the 
WTO and its Chairs   Number of students in 
WTO-related courses or 
getting a degree per year   2,091 students trained 
by the Chairs in 2016  
985 students and 
academics trained by the 
WTO in 2016   
   Annual i ncrease   Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 WCP final evaluation     
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 37 -  Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
Output  3.3: The WTO Chairs are 
reaching out to other 
stakeholders and key 
decision   Number of outreach events 
per year  
   54 in 2016   Annual i ncrease   Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 WCP final evaluation    
 Involvement of key 
decision -makers  
   383 in 2016   Annual i ncrease   Chair holders’ annual 
reports  
 WCP final evaluation  
Output  3.4: YPPs are exposed to 
WTO issues and work   Number of Young 
Professionals hosted 
annually by the WTO   5 in 2017   Per year: 15   BTORs  
 TRTA Database   Trained staff retained 
in relevant positions  
 Sufficient demand for 
training  
 Members present 
suitable candidates   Final evaluation rate of 
each intern by their 
supervisor   To be collected in 2017   100% fully 
satisfactory   Evaluation by the 
supervisor  
           
Key 
Result  4:  Non-governmental 
stakeholders and 
legislators  are aware of 
and knowledgeable 
about WTO work and 
issues  Richness of debates and 
reports on trade issues.  
Diversity of WTO related 
topics covered by papers 
produced by this group of 
stakeholders   To be collected in 2017   Annual stability  Diversity of 
participants in the 
WTO Public Forum  
Media reports when 
available  
 Statements made by  
legislators, business 
associations, NGOs 
when available   Stakeholders  stay 
interested in WTO 
issues  
  
Partners interested in 
trade issues  
 
Output  4.1: Specific outreach 
activities organized for  
legislators, journalists, 
business and NGOs  on 
WTO issues and trade 
policies   Number of seminars, 
workshops conducted   In 2016:  
 24 activities   Annual stability   BTORs  
   Journalists and civil 
society stay interested 
in WTO issues  
  
Output  4.2: Improved 
understanding by 
journalists, civil society 
and businesses of WTO 
issues and trade policies   Number of k ey 
stakeholders reached 
during the year  
   Reached in 2016:   
 492 legislators  
 37 journalists  
 50 civil society   Annual stability   BTORs  
 Media reports, when 
available  
 NGOs' statements, 
when available    
Output  4.3: Improved a ccess to 
WTO issues through online 
training material for self -
study   Number of downloaded 
training materials   In 2016: 1,460   Annual stability    Online form   Public's interest in 
WTO issues   
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 38 -  Results  Indicators  Baseline  Target  Evidence  Assumptions  
Output  4.4 Information on trade-
related  TA provided 
including through the ITTC 
Newsletter   Number of views  
   In 2016: 30,300 clicks  
   Annual stability   WTO webmaster   Public interest  
  
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 39 - ANNEX 2.  ACTIVITY MATRIX  
(in thousand Swiss francs)  
Key result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully realising  Members' rights  and obligations . 
Level  Path Lan-
guage  Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other 
TF 
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  Geneva -based Courses for LDCs - Introduction and Focus 
Activities - Geneva weeks  Global  391   391   
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Applied ATPCs Global  1,185   1,185   
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Intermediate level activities for:  Africa; Middle East; Asia 
& Pacific Economies; Caribbean; Central and Eastern 
Europe, Central Asia and Caucasus; Latin America  All   3,277    3,277   
Advanced  Specialist  E/F/S  Geneva -based Advanced Thematic Courses and topic 
specific symposia for Capital -based officials  Global  1,984  813  1,984  816  
Advanced  Specialist  E/F/S  Advisory Role on Legal Issues (Art. 27.2 of DSU)  Global  60   60   
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Regional, sub-regional general capacity -building activities  All   552   552  
Intermediate 
/ Advanced  Generalist / 
Specialist  E/F/S  National seminars and workshops – Assistance to needs 
assessment  Global  650 40  650 40  
Intermediate  Specialist  E/F/S  30 (sub) regional topic -specific seminars, including Trade 
Negotiations Skills  All   2,873    2,873   
  E/F/S  China's LDCs and Accessions Programme: LDC 
participation in WTO meetings; LDCs TPR follow -ups; 
South -South Dialogue  All    Refer to 
Key Result 
2   Refer to 
Key 
Result 2 
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Internships in the framework of the NTP All    774   774 
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  Regional Coordinator Internships Programme (RCI)  Global   210   210  
Advanced  Generalist  E/F/S  French -Irish Mission Internship programme (FIMIP)  Global    717   717 
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  Online courses: Introduction Level   
Capital -
based 
officials  x   x   
Intermediate  Generalist 
/Specialist  E/F/S  Online courses: Intermediate Level (Generalists and 
Specialists)  x   x   
 Generalist 
/Specialist  E Online course:  Tailored Course - Create your own  
e-Learning Courses  x   x   
   Sub-total  4,270  7,765 1,491  4,270 7,768 1,491  
   Overheads @13%   - 1,009  194 - 1,010  194 
   Total   4,270 8,774 1,685  4,270 8,778 1,685   
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 40 -  
 
Key res ult 2: Acceding governments are participa ting in accession negotiations.  
Level  Path Lan-
guage  Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other TF  
Intermediate / 
Advanced  Generalist 
/Specialist  E/F/S  National seminars and workshops on Accessions  All        80            13           80           13    
  E WTO Accession Round Table meetings  Global            326             326  
Introduction  Generalist  E/F/S  Accessions Internship Programme (AIP)  Global              99              99  
Intermediate  Generalist  E/F/S  Online course:  Accession to the WTO  Global   x       x      
   Sub-total        80            13        425         80           13        425  
   Overheads @13%            -               2         55           -              2         55  
   Total         80           15       480        80          15       480  
 
Key result 3:  Academic institutions and other stakeholders are analysing WTO issues and rea ching out to policy makers.  
Level  Path Lan-
guage  Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other TF  
   Generalist  E/F/S  WTO Chairs programme; WCP Annual meeting; 
and, Academic support to WTO Chair holder 
institutions  All  
          134                -   
    E/F/S  WTO publications for Universities and, support 
programme for doctoral  students      8        65          8       65    
    E/F/S  Missions to Academic Institutions    Refer 
to Key 
Result 1              -       Refer 
to Key 
Result 1            -      
 Specialist  E/F/S  WTO Young Professionals' programme (YPP)             657              657    
   Sub-total          8         856            -             8         722              -    
   Overheads @13%             -          111              -              -    94            -    
   Total        8        967            -           8       816            -    
  
  WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1  
 
- 41 - Key result 4 : Non-governmental stakeholders are aware of and knowledgeable about WTO work and issues.  
Level  Path Lan-
guage  Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other TF  
    E/F/S  Outreach for legislators, journalists, civil society 
and businesses  All       75          383          75        436    
  E/F/S  Online training material for self -study  All               -                    -      
   Sub-total        75         383             -          75         436              -    
   Overheads @13%            -            50             -              -            57              -    
   Total        75         433            -          75        493            -    
Other programmes' costs: Programme staff and Monitoring & Evaluation.  
Level  Path Lan-
guage  Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other TF  
   L-Posts           2,117           2,117    
   Monitoring and Evaluation    50      50      
   Implementation of RBM and development of E -
Learning courses   65   65   
   Sub-total       115       2,117             -         115      2,117              -    
   Overheads @13%             -           275             -              -          275              -    
   Total        115      2,392              -         115  2,392             -   
Summary Grand Total  
   Title Region  Estimated cost 2018  Estimated cost 2019  
RB DDAGTF  Other TF  RB DDAGTF  Other TF  
    
Sub-total     4,548     11,134    1,916    4,548     11,056      1,916  
   Overheads @13%             -       1,447       249            -      1,437      249  
   Total     4,548    12,581    2,165    4,548  12,493    2,165  
 
 
 
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