WT/COMTD/W/200  
17 October 2013  
(13-5699)  Page: 1/42  
Committee on Trade and Development   
 
  BIENNIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN 
2014 – 2015 
Table of Contents 
ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................... 2  
1   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 4  
2   INTROD UCTION  .......................................................................................................... 6  
3   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2012-2013 TA PLAN .......................................................... 7  
3.1   Key achi evements ..................................................................................................... 8  
3.2   Lessons  learned ........................................................................................................ 8 
4   STRATEGIC CONTEXT .................................................................................................. 9  
4.1   Managing for Results St rategy .................................................................................... 10 
4.2   Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS) ............................................................................ 11 
4.3   E-Learni ng Strategy .................................................................................................. 12 
4.4   Part nerships ............................................................................................................  12 
5   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AN D TRADE CAPACI TY NEEDS ........................................... 13  
6   EXPECTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE KEY RESULTS .................................................... 15  
6.1   Key Result 1: Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and making 
full use of Memb ers' rights ................................................................................................ 15 
6.2   Key Result 2: Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations, 
in line with WTO accession processes and procedures ............................................................ 21 
6.3   Key Result 3: Members are accessing and using WTO-related information enabling 
them to raise awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders ........................................ 22 
6.4   Key result 4: WTO-supported academic institutions are applying trade policy 
and WTO-related topics and subjects in their courses and rese arch ......................................... 23 
7   FUNDING ................................................................................................................... 26  
ANNEX 1 - WTO'S TR TA LOGFRAME ................................................................................ 28  
ANNEX 2 - THE PRODUCTS MATRIX : LIST OF AC TIVITIES .............................................. 34  
 WT/COMTD/W/200 
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ACRONYMS 
Abbreviation Name 
AFT Aid for Trade 
AFR Africa 
AMEC Arab and Middle East countries 
AP-RCs Academic Progra mme - Reference Centres 
ATPC Advanced Trade Policy Course 
BTOR Back-to-the-Office Report 
CBFA Committee on Budget, Fi nance and Administration 
CEECAC Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the Caucasus  
CHF Swiss Francs 
CTD  Committee on Trade and Development 
CTS Consolidated Tari ff Schedules Database 
DDA Doha Development Agenda 
DDAGTF Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund 
DDANEGO Doha Development Agenda Negotiations 
DS Dispute Settlement 
DSU Dispute Settlement Understanding 
E English 
EIF Enhanced Integrated Framework 
EU European Union 
F French 
GPA Government Procurement Agreement 
GTAD Global Trade-Related Technical Assistance Database  
IDB Integrated Database 
ITC International Trade Centre 
ITTC Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation 
LAC Latin America and the Caribbean  
LDCs Least developed countries 
LoA Letter of Agreement 
LoI Letter of Intent 
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation 
MIP Mission Internship Programme 
MoU Memorandum of Understanding 
MTS Multilateral Trading System 
NAMA Non-agricultural Market Access 
NTP Netherlands Trainee Programme 
ODA Official Development Assistance 
PEFs Performance Evaluation Forms 
PLS Progressive Learning Strategy 
RAM Recently acceded Members 
RB Regular Budget 
RBM Results-Based Management WT/COMTD/W/200 
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Abbreviation Name 
RCI Regional Coordinator Internship 
RCs Reference Centres 
RTAs Regional Trade Agreements 
RTPC Regional Trade Policy Course 
SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound 
S Spanish 
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
STDF Standards Trade and Development Facility 
TA Technical Assistance 
TAME Technical Assistance Monitoring and Evaluation 
TBD To be determined 
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade 
TF Trust Fund 
TPR Trade Policy Review 
TRIMS Trade-related Investment Measures 
TRIPS Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights 
TRTA Trade-related Technical Assistance 
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 
UNDP United Nations Development Programme 
WCP WTO Chairs Programme 
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization 
WTO World Trade Organization 
 
 WT/COMTD/W/200 
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1  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
 
1.  The WTO's Trade-Related Technical Assistan ce (TRTA) programmes and capacity building 
efforts are an important component of the WTO's work and also contribute to the Aid for Trade 
work programme. The main purpose of the Secretaria t's trade capacity building is to enhance the 
human and institutional capacities of beneficiaries to take full advantage of the rules-based Multilateral Trading System (MTS),  deal with the emerging challenges and enforce their rights and 
obligations. The Technical Assistance and Training Plan (TA Plan) is the backbone for the delivery 
of WTO TRTA in 2014 and 2015.  
2.  The delivery of TRTA is perhaps more relevant today given the challenging economic context, 
with weak economic growth. The WTO will seek to combine efforts with institutions regionally and 
globally involved in the provision of TRTA to enhance technical assistance (TA) and capacity 
building initiatives. At the country level, effective capacity building will require the involvement of beneficiaries and other stakeholders at every stag e of the process. This will ensure a sense of 
ownership and accountability by all parties in order to achieve targeted results.  
3.  In 2012 for example, the WTO Secretariat deliv ered 343 TA activities, both in Geneva and in 
various WTO Members and acceding countries, benefiting a total of approximately 12,600 
participants. The Secretariat aims to maintain a similar or higher level of TA Outputs during this TA 
Plan provided sufficient resources (human and financial) are available and demand for TA continues. A number of key lessons learned from the implementation of previous TA Plans are 
incorporated in this TA Plan namely: improvements required in the way TA is organized and 
managed, particularly its coordination internally and externally; adjustments to the TA offer; and 
actions needed for successful implementation of Results-Based Management (RBM). In addition, a 
contingency plan to deal with both human and financial resource challenges has been incorporated 
in this TA Plan. 
4.  In line with the demand-driven approach to TRTA, a series of regional consultations were 
held in April-May 2013 to discuss the TA needs of the Members and Observers. During the 
consultations, beneficiaries appreciated and supported the increasing quality and effectiveness 
of the WTO's TRTA. However, some concerns were raised about the "zero-growth budgetary approach" adopted by WTO Members and its possible consequences on TA activities.  A range of traditional and current topics were identified as  areas of priority in 2014 and 2015, among which 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Trade in 
Services received the largest interest. The Secretariat will conduct comprehensive needs assessments in consultation with the beneficiaries on a periodic basis during the implementation of 
the 2014-2015 TA Plan, to accommodate changing needs and priorities.   
5.  The overarching objective of the TA Plan is to facilitate and support the achievement of the 
following key results: 
 Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use 
of Members' rights. 
 Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations, in line with 
WTO accession processes and procedures. 
 Members are accessing and using WTO-related information enabling them to raise 
awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders. 
 WTO-supported academic institutions are applying trade policy and WTO-related topics 
and subjects in their courses and research. 
6.  The TA Plan explains how the four identified ke y results will be realized taking into account the 
changing needs of the Members. Starting this year, the approach entails moving away from 
systematically offering regional seminars across all regions on every subject to instead respond 
to the specific needs. In line with the Doha Declaration, the least developed countries (LDCs) and Africa will continue to be given priority in the overall TRTA programme. Traditional programmes such as the internship programmes and the Geneva-based courses will continue to be priorities. To WT/COMTD/W/200 
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better serve the interests of beneficiaries, some de velopments will be introduced such as moving 
towards an innovative Advanced Trad e Policy Course (ATPC) in Geneva. 
7.  The contribution of the Progressive Learning  Strategy (PLS) will promote higher levels of 
learning and encourage the development of participants' autonomy, with a view to building and 
sustaining long-lasting human and institutional capacities of beneficiary countries and economies 
to participate more effectively in the rules-based MTS. 
8.  E-Learning, which has a critical role to play in maximizing the effectiveness of WTO's TRTA, 
will continue to function both as a training tool at all the PLS levels and as a selection tool 
to advance to higher levels of training including the internship programmes. The E-Learning programme serves as a complement - as well as an alternative - to more traditional training programmes.  
9.  With renewed emphasis on accountability, moni toring and evaluation (M&E) is an integral part 
of the TA Plan and is essential to measure pr ogress towards expected TRTA results and ensure 
efficient utilization of resources. The evaluation  therefore will focus on these key results. The 
assessment of WTO's TRTA contribution to the realization of Outcomes will be undertaken 
annually, while ex-post or thematic evaluations will be conducted as and when needed in order to optimize TRTA effectiv eness and efficiency. 
10.  With the aim to ensure that the WTO's TRTA programmes and capacity building efforts 
achieve cumulative and sustainable trade capaci ties, funding of the TRTA programmes will be 
central to the implementation of the TA Plan. The Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund 
(DDAGTF), established in order to receive extr a-budgetary contributions from WTO Members to 
finance the implementation of TA activities, is operated against periodic benchmarks. As in 
previous years, it will continue to be the main  source of funds for WTO's TRTA, and for 2014 and 
2015, about 70% of the programme's resources will be from voluntary contributions to the 
DDAGTF, with 23% coming from the Regular Budget and 7% from other Trust Funds. 
11.  In recent years however, there has been a slight decline in amount and in the timeliness of 
the contributions, a reduction in the number of  Members contributing to the DDAGTF and an 
increase in requests to earmark contributions.  To counter the decline in contributions, the WTO 
Secretariat will strive to identify ways of improving cost efficiency and focus on quality as opposed to quantity to achieve the expected key results. 
12.  The TA Plan is for the most part a TA polic y framework for identifying national and regional 
needs and priorities, planned results, mechanisms for implementation and sources of funding. The 
implementation of the planned activities at the national, regional and global level should involve all the relevant stakeholders. The TA Plan has been significantly recast in order to incorporate a RBM 
approach to TRTA management and delivery. This approach, which is widely applied in the 
international and national institutions providing development and TA, will be vigorously pursued 
with a view to enhancing decision-making, transparency, and accountability. 
   WT/COMTD/W/200 
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2  INTRODUCTION 
13.  The main purpose of the Secretariat's trade capacity building programmes is to enhance the 
human and institutional capacities of beneficiaries to take full advantage of the rules-based MTS, 
deal with the challenges emerging from it and enforce their rights and obligations. The WTO's 
TRTA programmes and capacity building efforts are an important part of the WTO's work and one 
of many delivery components in the Aid for Trade work programme. As such, they contribute to 
the broader spectrum of ongoing bilateral, regional and multilateral efforts to enhance the delivery 
of Aid for Trade and substantially improve their impact on beneficiaries. 
14.  The delivery of TRTA is perhaps even more  relevant today given the challenging economic 
context. The 2013 WTO World Trade Report has hi ghlighted the weak growth of world trade in 
2012, which accounted for 2% over the past year, down from 5.2% in 2011. World exports 
(goods and commercial services) were only 1% higher than in 2011, while world imports did not increase in 2012. The slow progress of world trade in 2012 was attributed to the still lingering 
effects of the 2008-2009 crises, weak trade growth in developed economies, uncertainties in the 
euro zone and falling trade within the European Union (EU). 
15.  A sudden decrease of exports and imports in 2012 over 2011 has also been registered in the 
developing economies and LDCs, although their pe rcentage of growth in 2012 is higher than the 
world average. Despite the growing share of developi ng countries in international trade, albeit at 
low levels, and in light of the trade developments at this critical time, policymakers everywhere need to ensure that meaningful trade flows occur,  thereby providing new and real global economic 
opportunities. Trade capacity building therefore has a role to play and in contributing to enable 
countries' trade opening, which in turn should translate into growth, development and jobs. 
16.  To this end, several key multilateral agencies involved in the provision of TRTA including 
regional organizations and development banks, in their respective areas of competence, are 
collaborating with the WTO, where feasible. The main aim of this combined effort is to ensure that WTO Members and Observers are actively participating in the rules-based MTS, to deal with the 
emerging challenges and implement their rights and obligations. 
17.  At the same time, the beneficiaries of the TRTA also have a key role to play. At the country 
level, effective capacity building requires the invo lvement of all stakeholders at every stage of the 
process. This ensures a sense of ownership an d accountability by all parties to achieve the 
targeted results. The biggest challenge has been to find the right mix and balance in providing 
technical assistance to these multiple stakeholders who should participate in articulating and implementing national trade policy. 
18.  To date, the quality and relevance of WTO's TRTA is to some extent constrained by 
inadequate needs assessments and insufficient consultations with a wide-range of beneficiaries. In other instances, constraints exist due to limited ca pacity on the part of relevant stakeholders to 
define priorities, and of the beneficiaries to particip ate actively in the design of TRTA activities. In 
a bid to address some of these limitations, the WTO Secretariat has amended the Technical Assistance National Request Form to assist countries to more accurately articulate their needs in order to ensure that the WTO's TRTA addresses identified needs. 
19.   In line with the demand-driven approach to  TRTA, during the Spring of 2013, the Institute for 
Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) held a series of regional briefings/consultations to gauge Members' and Observers' views on what TRTA offer would best address their priorities. The 
consultations were conducted on the basis of the replies received to the TRTA questionnaire that 
was sent out to them by the ITTC. The result of  these consultations with the various regional 
groupings is contained in Job/TC/6. The ITTC al so held an informal meeting with the donors 
to share the results of the consultations and canvas their views on funding possibilities for 
technical assistance activities. 
20.  Overall, beneficiaries expressed strong appreciation and support for the quality and 
effectiveness of the Secretariat's TRTA. Each region al group identified areas of priority with SPS, 
TBT and Trade in Services highlighted by all the regions as priority areas for technical assistance 
and capacity building focus for 2014 and 2015. Some concerns were, however, expressed about WT/COMTD/W/200 
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the detrimental impact of the "zero-growth budg etary approach" adopted by WTO Members on the 
quality and number of technical assistance activities that would be delivered by the WTO Secretariat.   
21.  On the basis of the outcome of the cons ultations and lessons learned during 2012-2013, 
a number of activities have been identified to address the particular needs of Members and of 
acceding governments. These are outlined in detail in Annex 2 to this TA Plan. In addition, the Plan identifies the targeted key results and explains how these key results will be realised. The 
changing needs of the Members will continue to determine the kind of TA that the WTO Secretariat 
provides, particularly at the national level. The same approach will also guide which activities will be delivered at the regional and global levels. This implies, moving away from systematically offering regional seminars across all regions on every subject to, instead, following an approach 
that responds to specific identified needs. The African region and the LDCs will continue to be 
given priority in the WTO's overall TRTA programme. Traditional programmes such as the internship programmes and the Geneva-based courses will continue to be priorities. In addition, 
some evolution to better serve the interests of beneficiaries will be introduced such as moving 
toward an improved ATPC in Geneva in the next two years. 
22.  Technical assistance and training are core elements of the development dimension of the MTS, 
as confirmed by Ministers in December 2001 at the Doha Ministerial Conference. The DDAGTF was 
established in order to receive extra-budgetary contributions from WTO Members to finance the implementation of the annual TA Plans. The impo rtance of the DDAGTF in the implementation and 
upgrading of the WTO's TRTA cannot be overstat ed. More than 70% of the current 2012-2013 TA 
Plan's financial requirements have been funded f r o m  t h e  D D A G T F .  I t  c a n  b e  f i r m l y  s t a t e d  t h a t  
many TRTA achievements since the establishment of  this Fund have been made possible thanks to 
Members' voluntary contributions. The DDAGTF will continue to be a critical financial source for the 
realisation of the 2014-2015 TA Plan. It is monitored against periodic benchmarks and closely 
supervised by the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) and the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD). 
23.  The TA Plan is divided into seven Chapters , starting with the contextual and background 
developments in which the TA Plan was prepared, followed by a brief review of the main results 
and lessons learned during the 2012-2013 TA Plan. Chapter 4 discusses the strategic context of the TA Plan with a focus on monitoring and evaluation, progressivity in training, the relevance of 
partnerships and the importance of E-Learning, as the guiding principles of the TA Plan. Chapter 5 
details the capacity needs of Members conveyed duri ng the consultations. The actions that will be 
taken to address the needs are explained in Chapter 6, which also includes the expected key 
results (Outcomes) and Outputs expected from the delivery of this TA Plan. Lastly, Chapter 7 
outlines the funding requirements in order to implement the new TA Plan.  
3  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2012-2013 TA PLAN 
24.  The WTO Secretariat undertook 343 technical assistance activities in 2012, in Geneva and in 
various WTO Members and acceding countries, training over 12,000 officials. A similar level of activities and beneficiaries is expected in 2013.  The majority of these activities were organized 
in partnership with other international and regional organizations. The topics at national level are 
usually not specifically identified in the TA Pl an but rather through the national request made 
during the period. In 2012, the activities most in demand at national level were multi-topic briefing sessions on WTO Agreements or the Doha negotiations, such as Non-Agricultural Market Access 
(NAMA), Rules, Trade in Services, Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), 
and SPS Measures. Generally, the training events focused on quality in the delivery of the TRTA and substantive content. In line with the methodologies for effective adult learning, the pedagogy 
combined practical exercises, quizzes and simulation s in pursuit of interactivity as highlighted in 
the 2012 Annual Report on Monitoring and Evalua tion of TA and Training (WT/COMTD/W/199). 
25.  In line with the Doha Declaration, facilitating the integration of LDCs into the MTS continued 
to be one of the main priorities of the TRTA prov ided by WTO. Subject-specific regional seminars 
were conducted in all regions. The LDCs were invited to 52% of the activities organized in 2012, a 
progression of 5% compared to 2011. Some specifically designed global activities such as the three-week Introduction Course for LDCs and the first Advanced Thematic Course for LDCs, were 
held in Geneva. WT/COMTD/W/200 
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3.1  Key achievements 
26.  For the first time, information on the expenses related to TRTA activities was gathered to put 
the analysis of what was achieved in perspective. The analysis pointed out that regional/global activities were comparatively more expensive than national ones, and that face-to-face activities 
were significantly more expensive than E-Learning ones. E-Learning trained 40% of the 
participants in 2012 at 4% of the TA costs leading to the conclusion that a reflection on the most appropriate balance in the WTO TA offer between these various components should be conducted. 
27.  The year was marked by shrinking resour ces but this did not impact on the number of 
activities implemented, due to tight management of both resources and TRTA activities. A number 
of adjustments were made to TA Plan acti vities for 2012 and 2013 to accommodate changing 
needs of the beneficiaries. Reforms to some programmes were introduced to improve cost 
efficiency such as the Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs), which generated some savings 
compared to the previous year. The strategic selection of partners also contributed to cost saving by encouraging a cost-sharing approach to joint TA activities. 
28.  The number of participants trained grew stea dily and the analysis of 2012 results also showed 
that the proportion of women amongst participants in the face-to-face activities was 45%, which is a progression compared to previous years. The proportion of women participants in E-Learning 
was even higher, at 49%. For the next TA cycle, the challenge remains to achieve a gender 
balance of participants from all the region s especially in face-to-face activities. 
29.  On the other hand, the analysis of the impact  of continued implementation of the PLS showed 
that the strategy was steadily leading to recasting pre-existing TA programmes and developing 
new ones to instil progressivity. The bulk of the TA was provided at an intermediate level, despite 
recent reinforcement of the advanced training offe r. Many activities were still without a clear PLS 
level for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is not feasible to allocate a level to some 
activities, e.g. Reference Centres (RCs), outreach  and academic support related activities. Efforts 
are being made to introduce benchmarks for the substantive content of each PLS level, subject by subject where feasible during this biennial TA Plan. 
30.  The monitoring and evaluation efforts showed that measuring immediate results was much 
easier to achieve with E-Learning courses than with most face-to-face activities. This is due to the fact that each participant had to take an exam at the end of the training. Accordingly exams were 
introduced in selected activities during 2012. As a result of the successful piloting of these exams, 
where feasible, all relevant TRTA activities will have exams introduced to measure the immediate 
impact of a training course or event. This w ill strengthen the reporting on TA results.  
31.  E-Learning courses were very successful in 2012, with an average success rate of 81%. 
The Mid-Term Review of the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) also showed that this programme was 
successful in stimulating academic activity on trade-related issues. As for face-to-face activities, it was a challenge to measure their performance in the absence of set performance indicators. 
However, for some areas such as the agriculture negotiations, the rate of outstanding notifications 
showed a desired downward trend. 
32.  The measurement of the longer-term results of WTO TRTA remained a challenge, for both 
methodological and practical reasons. Since 2009, the Secretariat has committed to measure the 
contribution to some of the higher level results in the domains in which it provides TRTA to 
beneficiaries. In 2012, the Secretariat initiated two pilot country reviews to assess the long-term results of the TRTA provided. In both countries some success was registered. However the reviews 
uncovered challenges relating to data availability. Additional information about the key 
achievements in 2012 is available in the report presented to Members at the CTD in July 2013.
1 
3.2  Lessons learned 
33.  A number of relevant lessons can be drawn from the implementation of the 2012-2013 TA 
Plan. These will contribute to improved pe rformance in 2014 and 2015. These lessons can be 
grouped into three main themes: 
                                               
1 WT/COMTD/W/199 WT/COMTD/W/200 
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a. improvements required in the way TA is  organized and managed, particularly 
its coordination, internally and externally; 
b. adjustments to the TA offered; and 
c. actions needed for the successful implementation of RBM. 
34.  In addition, having a contingency plan to deal with both human and financial resource 
challenges contributed to the positive outcome of doing more with less. This strategic approach should be maintained for this TA Plan. 
35.  A large part of the TA offered is funded through voluntary contributions to the DDAGTF, and 
as such, maintaining the DDAGTF as a vehicle through which financial resources for TA are channelled, should be continued while ensuring that earmarked resources do not create any additional administrative burden on the Secretariat. 
36.  In addition, the following lessons and best practises from previous years will be incorporated 
in this TA Plan: 
 Dedicate more resources to future E-Learni ng programmes to comp lement face-to-face 
training, given its cost effectiveness and its ability to reach a broad audience. 
 Focus regional seminars only on those areas where there is a specific demand. 
 Deepen and strengthen PLS implementation, in cluding re-enforcing existing benchmarks. 
 Continue monitoring and evaluation of prog rammes and participants based on credible 
performance indicators in fulfilment of RBM. Apply testing of participants' knowledge at the end of face-to-face activities taking into account the benchmarks developed for each subject at each of the three levels of progressive learning. 
 Consider methods to evaluate the longer term impact on WTO's TRTA, through Trade 
Policy Reviews (TPRs). 
37.  From these lessons and best practices, the Secretariat will continue to improve its contingency 
plans to deal with current human and financial resource challenges, while striving to do more with 
less. Priority will be given to: Benchmarking each of the three levels of progressive learning to ensure that progressivity in the training activities will receive priority attention; and improving 
needs assessment to ensure that TA activities ar e designed to better respond to the identified 
needs, while also promoting quality instead of qu antity. Other best practices identified over the 
year will be applied to requisite areas.  
38.  Given the positive contributions of partnerships, the strategy of joint delivery of WTO TRTA 
with partners will continue to be strengthened in those areas where there is added value, so as to 
leverage both human and financial resources. The WTO Secretariat will ensure that effective modes of delivery of TRTA are employed and that the Secretariat moves from measuring Outputs 
to measuring Outcomes in the next three years, with the full participation and support of the 
stakeholders. 
39.  On the basis of lessons learned and changing  needs and priorities, there will be a mix of the 
traditional and new products and focus to achieve strengthened coordination among 
all stakeholders, both in the delivery and assessment of the impact of the technical assistance. In order to better target TRTA, the needs' identification conducted by beneficiaries or by the WTO Secretariat will continue to guide and inform the Secretariat on the most appropriate support 
to be provided for demand-driven TRTA. 
4  STRATEGIC CONTEXT 40.  This Chapter presents the main actions that will guide the implementation of this TA Plan. 
These are RBM approach (or managing for results), and the PLS which will be applied across the 
three modes of delivery, namely E-Learning, face -to-face training and learning by doing (the WT/COMTD/W/200 
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Internship Programmes). The role of partnerships in  the delivery of TRTA and capacity building is 
another important strategy for the implementation of the TA Plan in 2014-2015. 
41.  Several means are used in the delivery of WTO's TRTA. They include routine advisory services 
to representatives of Permanent Missions to the WTO, in Geneva, seminars, workshops, training 
courses, and the use of modern technology for disseminating information. Technical assistance is 
integral to the WTO Work Programme. It is indispensable for the effective participation of beneficiary countries in the work of the Organization. 
4.1  Managing for Results Strategy 
42.  RBM is an approach to management that integrates strategy, resources, processes, and 
measurements, and was adopted by the Secretar iat to improve planning, decision-making, 
transparency, and accountability of WTO's TRTA management. The RBM framework was endorsed 
as an operational strategy by the CTD in March 2013. 
43.  As a result, RBM has been mainstreamed in the structure and content of the TA Plan. 
The Outcomes and Outputs become the main driver s of WTO TA, and as such, the planned results 
will guide the TA offer. The logframe in Annex 1, which provides a foundation for work planning 
and performance monitoring, has captured in its design the baselines and targets, which will assist the ITTC to monitor annually the progress toward s planned results and to evaluate biannually the 
realization of the TA Plan's key results. 
44.  Corresponding to the need to manage for result s, in this biennium, the Secretariat will target 
to progressively apply RBM in all areas of TA so  that RBM becomes a way of working and the WTO 
can achieve improved management of TA, better accountability to beneficiaries and donors, and 
stronger TRTA knowledge based on regular mo nitoring. The active involvement of all TA 
stakeholders is essential for RBM to be successfully institutionalized. While some progress was made in 2012-2013, in the long run it will require dedicated resources for RBM Monitoring and 
Evaluation (M&E) activities, to promote a results-driven and quality assurance culture 
in the Secretariat. 
45.  Following a process of consultations, the ITTC has developed four main Outcomes or key 
result areas, each with their respective Outputs. Th ese are detailed in Chapter 6. It is important to 
emphasize that the achievement of the Outcomes w ill not be done by the ITTC alone. While the 
Institute has a significant role and contribution in the process of TRTA delivery, the cooperation and input of all actors, relevant WTO divisions, beneficiary governments, donors, co-funding 
and co-implementing institutions, is equally important for the realization of the joint results. 
46.  M&E is an integral part of the TA Plan since it is essential to measure progress towards 
expected TRTA results and to ensure efficient ut ilization of resources. The logframe in Annex 1 
contains the indicators, baselines and targets whic h define the M&E requirements of the TA Plan. 
Through consultations, indicators have been developed using SMART
2 criteria while the baseline 
data has been collected from various sources, including the ITTC Database, the Economic Research 
and Statistics Division (ERSD) and records from relevant Sections. The Technical Assistance 
Monitoring and Evaluation (TAME) Unit in ITTC will coordinate the M&E activities and support TRTA quality assurance. 
47.  The limited resources available for RBM have prompted a simple but effective M&E system 
providing useful information for measuring results and managing TA quality. The methodology, 
depth and frequency of data collection differ depending on the component of the system illustrated in the diagram.  
                                               
2 Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. WT/COMTD/W/200 
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Monitoring Evaluation 
Outputs 
Monitori
Activity 
Plan Outcome 
EvaluatioAnnual 
Review/ 
Report, 
BTORs, 
Progress 
of Activity 
Plans 
 TA Needs 
Assessmen
t, TA Plan 
Evaluation, 
Ex-post/ 
Thematic 
Evaluation Needs 
AssessmMonitoring & Evaluation 48.  Monitoring, which will be 
conducted by ITTC programme managers, will focus on the TRTA activities and the 
resulting Outputs. The 
information collection on the delivery of activities and 
progress toward Outputs will 
be undertaken on a continuous basis. Data will be shared regularly in the form of 
analysis of BTORs, semi-
annual reviews/reports, and progress of individual Activity 
Plans. 
49.  Evaluation will focus on 
higher level results, such as 
Outcomes or key results. The 
assessment of the WTO's TRTA contribution to the realization of Outcomes will be undertaken annually. Ex-post or thematic evaluations will be conducted, as and when needed, and will include in their design the 
effectiveness and efficiency of TA. 
50.  Building on its experience, the ITTC aims to take full advantage of the potential of the 
evaluation function in the next biennium. There is an intention to create a dash board, which will 
provide relevant stakeholders with access to data collected by the WTO Secretariat on TRTA, and 
to the evaluation reports. This is important in the light of RBM and the need to evaluate progress 
at the Outcome level of the TA Plan. The ITTC in tends to draw on Secretariat-wide support for 
conducting regular evaluations and for strengthening the TRTA evaluation mandate. A WTO 
evaluation policy would encourage the regular implementation of evaluations including their 
planning and budgeting. 
4.2  Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS) 
51.  It is envisaged that the PLS will promote higher levels of learning and encourage the 
development of participants' autonomy, with a view to building and sustaining long-lasting human and institutional capacities of beneficiary countries and economies to participate most effectively 
in the rules-based MTS. The PLS will continue to play a key role in ensuring that government 
officials and other stakeholders have enhanced cumulative knowledge about the WTO Agreements, formulation of trade policies, the conduct of trade negotiations, and that they understand trade 
compliance obligations. In addition, the PLS is expected to contribute to ensuring that participants 
attending these training activities are more homo genous in their level of WTO knowledge, making 
the training more effective. The PLS constitutes a necessary strategic dimension which will complement RBM in the successful implementation of WTO's TRTA activities. 
52.  In this context, the introductory level (level  1) will focus on delivering basic knowledge about 
the WTO system or a particular Agreement, wherea s the intermediate level (level 2) will focus 
on providing additional and consolidating the knowledge.  The more advanced level (level 3) 
will entail applying the knowledge acquired. Taki ng into account the spectrum of the targeted 
beneficiaries, the two learning paths will be pursued one for "generalists" and another one for "specialists", with each path  consisting of three PLS levels. 
 "Generalists" being those officials that requ ire a broad knowledge of the WTO to conduct 
their work and have a general responsibility for WTO issues. 
 "Specialists" being those officials that require in-depth knowledge in a specific area 
or Agreement and working on or dealing with specific issues. 
53.  The adoption of a multi-modular progressive approach focuses on applying appropriate 
pedagogical tools and methodologies in order to foster the mutual reinforcement of progressive WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 12 - 
training activities. In parallel, the ITTC will contin ue to consolidate the flexibility and availability 
of WTO on-line learning as a vital element in the PLS. 
54.  To respond to the views expressed by Members that the PLS derives full advantage from 
information technology and the Internet for more basic training, while maximizing the 
effectiveness and interactivity of face-to-face training, the ITTC will continue to structure training 
paths on the basis of the PLS and to further de velop and define PLS guidelines and benchmarks 
for each path, level and subject. 
4.3  E-Learning Strategy 
55.  E-Learning has a critical role to play in maximizing the effectiveness of the WTO's TRTA. 
Furnishing a rich array of on-line courses in the three official languages of the WTO for government officials from the beneficiary countries  and economies, it permeates and supports all 
other TRTA products. In 2014, the E-Learning activities will largely build on the strategy developed 
in 2012, reinforcing the key role E-Learning plays in the successful implementation of both the PLS 
and RBM, to foster cumulative and sustainable capacity building in a cost-efficient manner. The 
implementation and extension of this strategy will allow the WTO to provide a comprehensive, 
diverse and increasingly flexible on-line training programme which remains dynamic, relevant, and responsive to the changing needs of beneficiaries and the broader public. 
56.  The E-Learning courses will continue to function both as a training tool at all the PLS levels 
and as a selection tool to advance to higher levels of training including the internship programmes. The E-Learning programme serves as a complement and as an alternative to the more traditional training programmes. In 2012, 4,650 participants benefited from E-Learning courses, representing 
about 40% of the total number of people  trained through WTO's TRTA programmes. 
57.  A five year E-Learning strategy adopted in 2012, outlines four main objectives going forward 
to: 
i. develop a new E-Learning platform; 
ii. expand the catalogue of E-Learning courses while augmenting flexibility 
by developing tailor-made curricula using a multi-modular course-builder; 
iii. enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of E-Learning through a greater interactivity 
with a greater involvement of operational divisions in the delivery of E-Learning courses; and 
iv. increase outreach, both geographically and to specific groupings through 
partnerships with selected organizations/institutions providing on-line courses 
on trade subjects. 
4.4  Partnerships 
58.  In view of the multiplicity of actors providing TRTA and capacity building initiatives, mutual 
information-sharing and coordination at all levels will be promoted to encourage synergies and identify existing gaps in coverage. However, coordination of all such actors would be a huge 
responsibility for the WTO to take on. Hence the introduction of the Global Trade-Related Technical 
Assistance Database (GTAD). GTAD is an inter- agency information management tool to enhance 
transparency, efficiency and coherence in approaches with partner organization providers of TRTA.  
59.  In addition, WTO TRTA regional activities are designed in such a way that they involve 
regional partners so as to include a regional perspective to WTO Agreements. To ensure a holistic 
view to issues of priority and enhance the effectiveness of TRTA, the WTO has strengthened its cooperation with regional organizations and institutions with similar trade-related capacity building 
mandate. This collaboration extends to universities and academic institutions of higher learning 
engaged in WTO-related subjects either as partners or beneficiaries of WTO's TRTA. 
60.  In the implementation of TRTA, partner and potential partner organizations will be involved 
and encouraged to collaborate with the WTO to ensure a concerted effort to addressing capacity WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 13 - 
constraints. This approach will also complement the work and initiatives undertaken by bilateral 
donors as well as other agencies while at the same time leveraging resources and building on existing synergies. To date a good number of re gional organizations and institutions have been 
identified as strategic partners for the effective implementation of TRTA in geographical regions.  
Given the prevailing global economic and financ ial challenges, there has been an increase in 
requests for partnerships with the WTO from institutions providing TRTA, which calls for a need to ensure that only those partnerships that add value are favoured. 
61.  With a strong emphasis on the value a ddition of partnerships in the provision of 
TRTA, partnerships will be encouraged and developed in all areas of technical assistance, across all regions covered by the WTO. Howeve r, as partnership arrangements expand and 
become more creative, particularly with non-traditional donors, this may raise potential issues 
such as on what basis the Secretariat decides that a particular institution or organization is an 
acceptable partner. These aspects will require more attention and revised policies and practices. For this purpose, the 2001 TRTA strategy will  be amended to take into account changes 
and provide guidance on partnerships. 
62.  The 2014-2015 partnerships will seek to make the best use of available resources, to 
integrate a regional component to the WTO's TRTA activities, and to stimulate interest in 
multilateral issues, as well as develop skills and knowledge on WTO topics. For administrative 
convenience, such partnerships will be guided by either a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), 
or an exchange of letters, or a Letter of Intent (LoI) as appropriate. 
5  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRADE CAPACITY NEEDS 
63.  From the onset of the 2014-2015 TA Plan preparation process the objective was to develop a 
Plan based on key areas that require capacity bu ilding initiatives considered in a transparent 
manner, based on the demand driven approach of WTO's TRTA, and using a participatory and 
inclusive process. For this reason, the WTO Secretariat held consultations with the beneficiaries in 
order to identify their TRTA needs and priorities for the upcoming TA cycle. A questionnaire in the three official languages of the WTO was circulated to WTO Permanent Missions inviting 
feedback on their current capacity needs and TA priorities for the next biennium. The responses 
received were analysed and used as a basis for consultation with each WTO Regional Desk
3 
and their respective constituencies during the sp ring of 2013. The result of the analysis and 
regional consultations is contained in document Job/TC/6. The document was further discussed 
in the G-90 meeting held on 5 June 2013. This chapter highlights the main TA needs 
of the beneficiaries, proposed PLS levels for activities and selected suggestions regarding 
TA delivery. 
64.  The figure enclosed shows the distribution 
of the responses to the questionnaires by region. About one third out of the 
completed questionnaires received came from 
the African region Members. 
65.  The majority of respondents could clearly 
connect their need for TA with a targeted 
result. The expected output mentioned across 
the regions was "improved understanding of the legal framework (Agreements), capacity 
to handle WTO issues and more effective 
implementation of WTO commitments (notifications, participation in committees, 
negotiations)". It is noteworthy that some respondents have mentioned the possible longer-term 
effects of TRTA and cited results such as improv ed access to markets (reduction of restrictive 
measures), better participation in international trade, or acceleration of the accession process. This demonstrates familiarity with the RBM approach, its results-chain-logic, and that the TRTA is not 
an end in itself but a means to achieve higher level objectives. 
                                               
3 The regions consulted are: Afri ca (AFR), Arab and Middle East  (AMEC), Asia and the Pacific, 
Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia  and the Caucasus (CEECAC), Latin America 
and the Caribbean (LAC). WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 14 - 
66.  From the discussions and consultations with be neficiaries, it emerged that eleven topics out 
of the thirty listed in the questionnaires re presented over 70% of all the replies provided, 
with three main topics, i.e. SPS, TBT and Serv ices, counting for more than 30% of the total 
(cf Table 1). Only two topics, SPS and TBT, reflect a significant interest from all regions, 
which is in line with the use and interest shown during recent years by WTO Members 
for non-tariff measures. 
Table 1 
  SPS TBT SERV TR 
REM TRIPS AG MA TF DS DDA 
NEGO NOTIF 
AFR 7 7 10 3 7 4 7 3 2 2 3 
LAC 7 7 7 8 2 5 3 4 4 4 3 
Asia 4 5 1 1 3 1 0 3 3 1 1 
CEECAC 5 5 0 2 3 4 0 0 1 1 3 
AMEC 5 4 4 4 1 1 3 1 0 2 0 
TOTAL 28 28 22 18 16 15  13 11 10 10 10 
 
67.  Additional topics that generated some interest, albeit lower levels, are: Trade and 
Development, Capacity Building, TPR, Accessions,  Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), Non-tariff 
measures, Trade and Environment, Aid for Trade, Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) and, Economic analysis. General Capacity Building 
was particularly interesting to Asia and Accessions to the AMEC group. 
68.  Apart from the specific topics mentioned above, other issues were suggested for consideration 
during the 2014-2015 TA Plan preparation, while those on implementation have been mainstreamed in relevant sections of this Plan. The following are the other issues suggested: 
 recognize the importance internship programmes have played over the years, and 
consider shorter or longer-term internships depending on the needs and for  these  programmes to lead to a junior professionals programme; 
 develop specific programmes for LDCs, Geneva-based delegates and acceding 
economies. Facilitate the participation of acceding governments in Working Party meetings, and give equal importance to accession and post-accession activities; 
 maintain and enhance  (when needed) the cooperation with regional institutions and 
increase the engagement in TA activities of academia, parliamentarians, business sector and civil society; and 
 provide more support to LDCs and African Members in identifying capacity needs in the 
context of the TPR exercise, including assistance for the TPR follow-up 
recommendations. Taking into account the results of TPRs in the TA planning. 
69.  In general terms, the suggestions made duri ng the consultations indicated that ITTC should 
continue to provide TA programmes on WTO Agreements and the DDA and at the same time 
design activities on new topics, such as trade in energy and climate change, taking into account the changing needs. 
70.  Furthermore, the survey results gathered from the responses to the questionnaires have 
confirmed ITTC's views regarding the PLS levels
4 and the most appropriate type of TA to use. 
Although there are minor differences between the regions, Members indicated in their responses that PLS Level 1 activities would be more efficient if organized through E-Learning and/or national 
activities; PLS Level 2 activities through national, regional or sub-regional activities; while PLS 
Level 3 would be more appropriate if held in Geneva as Geneva-based activities. 
71.  On the basis of the needs assessment consultations and the lessons learned from the 
implementation of the 2012-2013 Plan, four key results are targeted: 
                                               
4 Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS) levels 1, 2 and 3 correspond to the basic, intermediate and 
advanced activity levels. WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 15 - 
1. Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use 
of Members' rights. 
 2. Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations, in line with WTO 
accession processes and procedures. 
 3. Members are accessing and using WTO-related information enabling them to raise 
awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders. 
 4. WTO-supported academic institutions are applying trade policy and WTO-related 
topics and subjects in their courses and research. 
 
Going forward, the changing needs of the WTO Members will continue to determine the type 
and substance of TA the WTO Secretariat provides. At the national level this will be accommodated 
by the national activity requests. Global trade developments, including but not limited to possible 
evolutions at or after the Bali Ministerial Conferen ce will also guide the activities delivered at the 
regional and global level. Keeping the TA releva nt and current will be ongoing and a principle of 
ITTC's work. Chapter 6 below elaborates how these key results will be achieved. 
 6  EXPECTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE KEY RESULTS 
72.  To achieve this long-term targeted result will entail a series of concerted efforts targeting a 
range of Outcomes and Outputs described in the subsequent sections of this Chapter. The targeted 
key results will guide the TA offer. It is expect ed that capacity will be strengthened at the 
systemic, institutional and individual levels in the following areas (i) policy development and trade 
negotiations, (ii) assessing and addressing WTO obligations and exercising rights, (iii) knowledge 
of the academic community, business sector, and civil society to formulate responses to the challenges of the MTS. Government officials are the main target group for WTO TA given that 
enhancing their capacities will ensure effective pa rticipation in the core areas of the WTO work and 
its respective Bodies. The implementation of the TA  Plan will entail TA activities at national, 
regional and global level in Geneva. 
73.  The implementation of the PLS and the contribu tion of E-Learning, face-to-face activities and 
internship programmes will enable building the capacity of beneficiaries at various levels of 
complexity. As a result, the beneficiaries will be tter understand the challenges of the MTS and be 
in a position to implement their rights and meet their obligations. This Chapter discusses how 
TRTA will be approached and what results are expected, taking into account the identified needs 
and the availability of human and financial resour ces. Efficient management of resources will be 
closely monitored. 
74.  The logframe presented in Annex 1 provides de tails on indicators and targets which will guide 
the implementation of the TA Plan and help me asure the achievements. Although the log frame 
also includes the impact (the highest-level and long-term expected results), it will not be realistic to assess the contribution of the TA towards the impact in a two-year period. Usually a longer 
timeframe is required to observe changes at the impact level. Emphasis will be placed on 
measuring the contribution towards Outcomes (key re sults). In this TA Plan, the terms "key result" 
and "Outcome" are used interchangeably. 
6.1  Key Result 1: Government officials ar e implementing WTO Agreements and making 
full use of Members' rights 
75.  The expected Outcome 1 envisions that, ba sed on the identified needs of the Members 
and enhanced knowledge obtained from TA, Governments will be better equipped to comply with 
the WTO Agreements and make full use of their rights. WTO TA is mainly targeted at Government officials working on trade-related issues and other relevant stakeholders. The stakeholders include regional secretariats, parliamentarians, private sector players, civil society and the academic 
community. The goal is to ensure that government officials and relevant stakeholders have 
enhanced knowledge about the WTO Agreements and are able to participate effectively in the MTS with a view to stimulating economic development. To achieve the expected results, the Secretariat 
will work closely with missions and capital-based focal points responsible for WTO issues. WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 16 - 
76.  The strategy will be to address the identifi ed capacity building needs and promote cumulative 
and progressive knowledge transfer relating to  WTO Agreements and trade issues. The WTO will 
therefore train the targeted stakeholders and en hance their knowledge and skills to effectively 
participate in WTO work. The needs have been discussed with the Members through regional group 
consultations and will be further augmented with detailed needs assessment at national level as 
required. Partners will be encouraged to share the findings of their needs assessment in areas 
requiring joint action. 
77.  On the basis of the consultations held during the spring of 2013, the WTO Secretariat will 
ensure that there is clarity about the priorities of the beneficiary Members, effective partnerships exist to ensure concerted efforts, synergies and both human and financial resources are tapped. Time and resources will be allocated to designing relevant course curriculum and new courses 
on the basis of identified needs and PLS guidelines.  
78.  Without support from WTO Members, 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 communication between th e missions in Geneva and the capitals, the 
achievement of the expected results may not be full y realized. Furthermore, it is expected that a 
total of approximately CHF 13.8 million in 2014 an d CHF 14 million in 2015 will be made available 
to facilitate the implementation of the planned activities. 
6.1.1  Output 1.1: Government official s and other stakeholders have enhanced 
knowledge about the WTO Agreements, formulation of trade policies, conducting trade negotiations, and understanding trade compliance obligations 
79.  This is a key output and a range of activities will be undertaken to achieve this result by the 
end of the biennium. It is expected that junior to senior level government officials from eligible Members will have enhanced WTO-related knowledge from the specialized and targeted assistance 
received. The TA activities contributing to the realisation of the planned output can be structured 
in three groups: E-Learning, face-to-face activities and internships. 
80.  Ensuring the progressivity of participants in their learning curve is important because it adds 
sustainability and quality to the TA efforts and in creases the likelihood that the capacity obtained 
will lead to policy changes and other valuable actions. For this purpose the ITTC will monitor the number of participants completing the trainings at each PLS level. The target for 2015 is to accomplish 50% of level 1 participants pr ogressing to level 2, and 8-10% progressing from 
level 2 to level 3. In both E-Learning and face-to-face training activities, ITTC will aim to achieve a 
level of at least 70% of participants successfully completing a course. 
6.1.1.1  E-Learning 
81.  E-Learning modules will contribute to strengthening the knowledge and understanding 
of the WTO Agreements and an array of other WTO-related subjects. Using E-Learning as a flexible and cost-efficient training and selection tool with a wide outreach, government officials will steadily 
move to higher levels of learning. The on-line Introduction Course offers the basic training 
required to understand the structure and functi oning of the WTO, and provides an overview 
of WTO Agreements and their main disciplines. The on-line Introduction Course is also used as a prerequisite for participation in more advanced on-line or face-to-face activities. Government 
officials participating in intermediate level E-Learning courses will be able to enhance their 
understanding of the WTO Agreements and the MTS, in the generalist path, or acquire expertise on 
particular Agreements or WTO topics in the speciali st path. Starting from 2014, beneficiaries will 
have access to on-line advanced courses (level 3)  including simulations and exercises on specific 
trade-related subjects or Agreements. Level 3 will  provide the opportunity to consolidate and apply 
acquired knowledge. 
82.  From 2014 onwards, a new Internet-based platform dedicated to on-line TA – the WTO  
E-Campus – will host the E-Learning website. The target is to: i) foster outreach and provide access to a significantly larger number of partic ipants, improving both regional coverage and 
cost-effectiveness, and ii) enhance efficiency of knowledge sharing and achieve a higher rate of 
successful completion in the courses of at least 70%. The course content, the didactic 
methodologies and the interactivity in the courses will be improved. On-line courses will continue WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 17 - 
to be monitored by dedicated WTO trainers and the learning material will be enriched to include a 
greater number of short and focussed lessons, multimedia and exercises to sustain "learning by doing" and an active learning methodology. Participants will benefit from reinforced social and blended learning with a large number of interactive activities such as live webinars, chat sessions 
and on-line discussions in dedicated fora. 
83.  A blended approach combining face-to-face and on-line sessions in a training event will 
be developed to enhance the effectiveness of th e teaching methodology. This approach would 
mean for example, incorporating sessions delivered through webinars with specific experts in the 
training programme, introducing on-line exercises and tests in traditional training, proposing on-line follow-up courses or even refresher modules before a face-to-face ac tivity. The objective of 
such an approach is to apply state-of-the-art methodologies and optimize TRTA cost efficiency. 
The role of internet-based tools in the delivery of TA will also be strengthened as a result of the 
new E-Campus platform, o ffering new services to  WTO TA recipients.  
84.  The E-Campus will enable the WTO Secretariat to streamline further its TA management, 
strengthen the integration of E-Learning into WTO TA programmes, and ultimately increase the 
efficiency of the training products offered to government officials. Le vel 1 activities will be provided 
through E-Learning in most cases. There is an in tention to gradually increase the number of level 2 
and level 3 courses given the cost efficiency of E-Learning and its convenience to participants. 
6.1.1.2  Face-to-face training 85.  To complement E-Learning, face-to-face training will be provided at national, regional or sub-
regional and global level. The PLS training levels will be applied across all relevant face-to-face 
training activities, aiming to improve participants' ability to understand and absorb trade policy 
concepts and content. Ultimately, the advanced training will focus on enhancing participants' autonomy and their ability to conduct WTO-related work as a result of consolidating their 
knowledge and understanding of WTO rules and disci plines and how these might relate to the each 
participant's country's trade policy formulation and implementation. Such advanced training will enable participants to apply the acquired knowledge in WTO-related work, to formulate trade 
policy, to implement and negotiate effectively, to  prepare WTO notifications, to participate in 
dispute settlement and/or manage trade disputes. A range of intermediate level specialist thematic activities – national, regional and global – will be made available based on identified needs and priorities. 
86.  In terms of general objectives, national TA will contribute to building sustainable trade-related 
national capacities, and each national TA activity will be guided by its own specific objectives addressing the priority needs of the beneficiaries. 
87.  To better target the assistance to be delivered, beneficiaries will base their requests 
on a needs' identification, using a national TA request form available on-line. The WTO 
Secretariat's target is to implement at least 190 national activities per year based on the 
budgetary provisions made. Regional or sub-regional seminars will be held for capital-based 
officials, mostly at level 2 of the PLS. Regional seminars will increasingly move away from providing basic explanations to more advanced levels of training focusing on the areas identified as priorities. Regional seminars will be conducted in collaboration with partner institutions 
and regional secretariats where possible to ensure that a regional perspective is incorporated in 
the training. Budgetary provisions are made for implementing 40 regional seminars per year. 
88.  The WTO Secretariat aims to offer intermediate level 8-week Regional Trade Policy Courses 
(RTPCs) in each region. The intermediate regional activities will deliver a comprehensive 
curriculum covering an overview of trade policy and the MTS and provide a regional perspective to the topics. Increased collaboration with regional institutions will be pursued to create a solid 
understanding among participants of the regional economic reality. The teaching methodology will 
include a variety of didactic methods and formats to assist effective learning: co-lecturing, presentations, simulations, case studies, debates, team and individual written exercises and presentations. All of these aim to enhance the participants' capacity and consolidate their 
knowledge. Based on successful piloting of ex aminations in certain regions in 2012-2013, 
mandatory graded examinations will be applied to all regions. In addition, the institutions of higher WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 18 - 
learning hosting the RTPCs will be encouraged to co-deliver topics jointly with WTO officials to 
enhance their own academic capacities on WTO Agreements and trade policy. 
89.  During 2014-2015, the Geneva-based course curriculum will rationalize and streamline the 
activities at levels 1 and 2 and focus on designing and delivering advanced (level 3) training 
activities. An innovative case-based Advanced Trade Policy Course (ATPC) will be delivered 
for generalists. The ATPC will capture a more applie d conceptual focus, aiming to foster greater 
development of participants' autonomy and skills to conduct WTO-related work. It is anticipated 
that, three Geneva-based ATPCs will be held annually, in 2014 and 2015. The duration will 
be 8 weeks, rather than the historical 12-week du ration. This is in light of PLS rationalization 
and streamlining to ensure that participants in the ATPC already benefit from a solid intermediate 
knowledge base prior to their arrival, coupled with reorientation of the substantive and conceptual 
focus of, and pedagogical methodologies applied in, this advanced training activity, and a stronger 
and more comprehensive range of advanced specialized training activities.  In addition to the progressive Trade Negotiations modules offered in RTPCs and ATPCs, a new Trade Negotiations 
activity will be offered for Geneva-based delegate s.  For specialists, the Geneva-based curriculum 
will include more traditional (e.g. Dispute Settlement, Agriculture, SPS, TBT, TRIPS (jointly with relevant organizations)) as well as novel advanc ed thematic courses on particular WTO-related 
topics (e.g. Trade and Environment, RTAs, Accessi ons). Based upon lessons learned, the Geneva-
based curriculum will include a specialized course focusing on the particular needs and interests of LDCs offered at the intermediate level, as well as a new course on the Practical Guide to Trade Policy Analysis. 
90.  In order to ensure the effectiveness of the PLS, a rigorous competitive selection process will 
underline that prerequisites (in the form of E-Learning, other face-to-face training activities and/or commensurate knowledge or professional experience) will be obligatory to secure 
participation in more advanced level activities.  The Secretariat will continue to explore creative 
solutions to address Members' interests about the language of delivery of TRTA, within human and 
financial resource parameters.  Moreover, taking into account logistical and other relevant issues, 
the Secretariat will consider the possibility of offe ring additional spots, open to all Members on a 
self-funded basis, in appropriate activities. 
91.  The Geneva-based training programme will be rounded out by Introduction and Focus 
Activities. These are intended for Geneva-based  delegates, non-governmental organizations, 
WTO staff members, interns working in the Secretariat and interested officials from other 
international organizations. Introduction activities allow for the dissemination of information about the WTO, its basic principles, its functioning and current issues, as well as about ways to access 
WTO-related information through the WTO Library and Internet. Based on long-standing 
and increasing demand from Geneva-based WTO delegates, Introduction and Focus Activities 
may be designed to target particular WTO Agreements or issues, and to allow for more in depth 
focus and exchange of views and perspectives, as well as networking. 
6.1.1.3  Internship Programmes 92.  The beneficiaries of internships are participants from LDCs, low income countries and small 
and vulnerable economies. The internships provide mid-level public officials with an opportunity 
to learn hands-on about matters dealt with in the WTO. It is expected that the participants in the 
three internship programmes (NTP, MIP and RCI) w ill acquire in-depth knowledge on WTO matters 
with the guidance of WTO staff members or the permanent missions or regional secretariats. 
The internships are an opportunity to effectively "learn-by-doing" which enables the beneficiaries 
to contribute to the economic and social development of their respective countries. Their tasks will have specific relevance for the beneficiary country and will be defined prior to the beginning 
of the traineeship. 
93.  Apart from the NTP, MIP and RCI programmes that target government officials, there is the 
"China's LDCs and Accessions Programme" (hereinafter "the China Programme") established in July 2011. Its main objective is to develop the capacity of young students from LDCs and 
developing Members with an academic background relevant to the WTO to master the WTO rules-
based system, in particular Accessions to the WTO, so as to prepare for careers in the fields of trade law and international economy and relations.  WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 19 - 
94.  The internship programmes are funded th rough earmarked resources. To maintain and 
increase the number of interns completing the programme during the 2014-2015 TA Plan, it is important that the valuable support of donors continues. 
6.1.2  Output 1.2: Relevant TA needs of the Members are identified annually 
in coordination with WTO division s, Members/Observers and partners 
95.  Annual assessment of TA needs of beneficiaries is essential to ensure that their ever-evolving 
priorities and interests are met on a continuous and consistent basis, while fostering ownership 
and synergies. The realization of this Output cannot be underestimated for the achievement 
of planned key result 1, since a needs assessment contours the delivery of TA and achievement of 
the desired capacity in effect. To effectively address the priorities and interests in the current economic environment, coordination with other pr oviders of TRTA will be important. Within the 
WTO Secretariat, the Technical Assistance Coordinati on Task Force (TACTF) will continue to be the 
forum for internal consultations in order to identify the best modes of delivery that effectively respond to the needs. 
96.  Externally, and building on the lessons from previous TA cycles, the consultations with 
Members - either formally through the CTD or in formally - will ensure that TRTA targets the 
priorities and takes into account the changing need s of the beneficiaries. The use of the National 
TRTA Request Form available electronically will complement the needs assessments at the national 
level. 
97.  Comprehensive needs assessments will be conducted periodically with a view to identifying 
the current needs and matching these with the most effective and efficient TA product.  Apart from 
the monthly meeting of the TACTF, periodic need s assessment consultations will be carried out 
informally and formally with each regional group. 
98.  The involvement of partners in needs assessments will be a central feature in the WTO's TRTA 
programmes and, as such, the coordination with pa rtners will be paramount. The process of needs 
assessment will build on the work undertaken by  partner institutions in the context of the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the Standa rds and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and 
other regional institutions that continuously monitor and provide inputs pertaining to the specific 
multilateral, regional and national needs and interests of beneficiaries. 
99.  The planning, coordination and delivery of TA activities rely increasingly on web based, user-
friendly interfaces through which stakeholders can share information. The TRTA webpage available 
on the WTO website provides background inform ation on programmes and activities planned by 
the WTO. It gives regular updates on TRTA news and extra-budgetary contributions, explains the 
WTO mandate to carry out TA and training activities, describes the WTO's collaboration with other 
agencies, and publishes the list of WTO TA activities and other documentation. 
100.  To further promote inter-agency coordina tion while promoting the visibility of TA 
programmes, the WTO webpage has been linked to the GTAD. GTAD is an inter-agency 
information management tool that contributes to an enhanced level of inter-agency coordination 
and coherence amongst programmes. The GTAD enlarges the scope of WTO trade-related technical assistance activities by including projects from partner institutions active in the same field. 
101.  The successful identification of TRTA need s and effective response to address these needs 
is dependent upon Members'/Observers' ability to identify and prioritize their needs. 
6.1.3  Output 1.3: Effective partnerships  result in substantive contributions of 
human and financial resources, for E-Le arning and face-to-face activities 
102.  By the end of the biennium, the WTO will s eek to consolidate existing partnerships where 
there is a successful record, and at the same time create new ones where appropriate. It is expected that this will strengthen the regional co mponent of WTO activities, while also conserving 
the multilateral component, as well as facilitating the selection of appropriate candidates and 
expanding coverage to non-traditional beneficiaries (such as academics or parliamentarians). WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 20 - 
103.  With specific regard to intermediate regional  activities, in particular  the RTPCs, these will be 
conducted in partnership with institutions of higher learning or with a regional/international entity and co-delivered by officials from these inst itutions and the WTO Secretariat. The natural 
complementarity between the WTO global and region al perspective emphasizes the need to involve 
regional resources - whether they are regional academics, regional organizations or secretariats - 
in TRTA to ensure a solid grounding for the participants on issues pertaining to the economic environment in which their countries operate. 
104.  It is expected that at least 50% of region al activities will benefit from the involvement 
of a regional partner, at different levels, and different stages, of the process. This polymorphic character collaboration will be reflected in the ex tent of the regional partner's involvement. This 
could encompass one or several of the followin g elements: logistical support – during the 
preparation phase as well as during the activity – selection of candidates, delivery or co-delivery of 
some sessions, as well as partial or complete financing of the activity. 
105.  Partnerships with international, regional and academic institutions are also part 
of the WTO E-Learning strategy since they enable  TA recipients to benefit from consolidated 
institutional inter-linkages through joint activities, as well as from joint training materials targeted at specific regions, sub-regions or specific grou pings. Effective partnerships allow a wider number 
of beneficiaries to take advantage of WTO expert ise and outreach through E-Learning as well as 
benefiting from the knowledge and experien ce brought by the partner institutions. 
106.  The realization of this obje ctive assumes that the selected or ganizations or institutions are 
interested in a similar partnership approach and have the financial resources to be able to co-fund 
activities with the WTO, and the human resources to complement WTO expertise. 
6.1.4   Output 1.4: Relevant course curriculum and new courses developed based 
on identified needs and Guidelines intr oduced for implementation of the PLS 
107.  During the biennium, new course curriculu m will be developed and training materials 
will be updated to allow the delivery of relevant an d current activities contained in the TA Plan. The 
face-to-face training curriculum w ill benefit from the recent addition of new courses covering topics 
such as Trade and Environment, Regionalism, th e specific needs and priorities of LDCs, and a 
global accessions activity. Additional Geneva-based activities will also be developed, including a 
workshop on the Practical Guide to Trade Policy Analysis, as well as enhanced Introduction and Focus activities for the Geneva-based trade community. 
108.  Underpinning the new E-Learning programme  in the E-Campus is the modular approach 
of progressive learning, providing a flexible on-line curriculum and targeted training responding specifically to each participant's learning needs. Before enrolling in a course, participants have the 
opportunity to specify their learning needs - through a knowledge gap analysis or selection of a set 
of learning objectives - and are provided in response with a tailor-made learning path including a list of courses at the desired level of knowledge . This allows them to map their way up the PLS 
ladder and achieve their particular learning objectives. 
109.  To fully respond to participants' needs and cover a wide range of different types of learning 
paths, the E-Learning programme will include a larger selection of courses on WTO and trade-related subjects at different levels, from basic to advanced, for both the generalist and the 
specialist training paths. The on-line curriculum will be further enriched with new courses with a 
regional dimension. The new courses will focus on one or several issues of interest to a particular region and their interrelation with the WTO Agreements. The approach will be to explain to the 
participants the benefits, challenges and opportunities for economic development in their region or 
sub-region through globalization. 
110.  The "My Course" learning tool will continue to be available in the E-Learning domain of the 
E-Campus. "My Course" is a modular learning tool al lowing participants to build "their course" by 
selecting their own modules on various WTO subjects, at various levels of knowledge or depth. The tailor-made course can be used to study one or  several WTO issues to fill specific learning 
gaps, or simply review and brush up knowledge before attending a particular training. In 2014-
2015, "My Course" tool will be enhanced with multimedia features and learning materials. WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 21 - 
111.  As an indication of success, the WTO aims to reach at least 70% of participants rating the 
quality of the course content as "good" or "excellent". To achieve the targeted Output, the support of WTO divisions and partners in the development of course material, combined with timely translation into the WTO official languages, is essential. 
6.2  Key Result 2: Acceding governments ar e participating in accession negotiations, 
in line with WTO accession processes and procedures 
112.  Integration into the MTS is a major part of the rationale for acceding to the WTO. By the end 
of the biennium, awareness will have been raised and capacity will have been built for countries in 
the process of accession to: (i) enhance their understanding of WTO rights and obligations; (ii) develop and adopt a WTO-relevant domestic policy and legal framework; and (iii) facilitate the accession process. In respect of recently accede d Members, the objective is to assist in the 
fulfilment of all WTO-related commitments undertaken in the accession process and in the exercise 
of the rights flowing from WTO Membership. These targets will be achieved as long as the accession negotiations remain active and the acceding governments submit required 
documentation to their Working Parties. 
113.  The agenda set out by the Doha Ministerial Conference in November 2001 identified 
accession of LDCs as a priority for the Member ship. The "China Programme" aims to strengthen 
the LDCs' participation in the WTO and assist acceding LDCs in joining the Organization. The 
Programme supports and finances activities under three pillars: (i) the WTO Accessions Internship; (ii) a WTO Accession Round Table Meeting; and (iii) LDCs' participation in selected meetings which they identify as their priorities. 
114.  To measure the results, analysis will include the number of acceding governments with a 
Working Party meeting held and number of acceding governments with initial market access offers on goods and services. Assumptions have been made that accession negotiations will remain 
active and acceding governments submit required documentation to their Working Parties. 
6.2.1  Output 2.1: Acceding governme nts are familiar with WTO substantive 
and procedural matters 
115.  Accessions-related activities remain a key issue as 24 governments are still in the various 
stages of the accession process. This issue is particularly relevant to countries from Africa and the Arab and CEECAC regions. Apart from those in th e accession stages, RAMs also require targeted 
assistance in the post-accession stage. This entails designing tailor-made programmes that are 
pertinent to the specific commitments undertaken in their Protocols of Accession. Moreover, 
several RAMs have requested specific activities re lating to notification requirements and how they 
can best benefit from the MTS. The tools used in other training activities to measure effectiveness 
will also be applied for activities targeted at governments in the accession process. To enhance 
efficiency and build upon prior regional and nation al experiences, a new global activity has been 
added to the Geneva-based curriculum targeting the participation of Geneva- and capital-based 
delegates of acceding countries, and involving Working Party Chairs and other stakeholders. 
116.  These activities mainly target government o fficials, but it is equally important to organize 
outreach activities directed towards various stakeholders - such as academia/research community, parliamentarians, business sector, and civil society - in all stages of the accession process. 
Taking advantage of an enriched on-line programme in 2014-2015, as well as of an efficient  
E-Learning platform, government officials from acceding governments will have progressively 
moved to higher levels of learning on trade-related matters and acquired the necessary knowledge 
about the WTO Agreements and the accession process to effectively participate in accession 
negotiations. For this to materialize, the requisite human and financial resources will have to be made available and the specific TA will need to be requested by the governments concerned. 
117.  E-Learning will foster higher levels of learning on WTO-related subjects among acceding 
governments. Knowledge transfer on WTO substantive and procedural matters related to the accession process will be achieved through an on-line training on accession or on specific WTO subject-matters in the specialized path of the PLS. Blended learning combining 
internet-based courses and face-to-face activities for an increased number of government officials 
from acceding government is another option. E-Learning will also contribute to this output WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 22 - 
by maintaining, enhancing and administering the E-Campus website, featuring an on-line 
registration system for face-to-face activities, virtual classrooms, on-line evaluation and quizzes, as well as on-line feedback tools. 
6.3  Key Result 3: Members are accessing and using WTO-related information enabling 
them to raise awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders 
118.  The main objective of the Reference Centre s (RCs) Programme is to provide beneficiaries 
with a dedicated physical location where any rele vant information on the WTO can be accessed via 
t h e  W T O  I n t e r n e t  s i t e ,  o n  C D - R O M s ,  i n  p r i n t ,  a s  w e l l  a s  i n  e l e c t r o n i c  f o r m a t .  Establishing or 
updating RCs and developing capacity on the us e and management of their resources is the WTO 
approach for building national hubs enabling access to WTO information and for raising awareness. The aim is to achieve stronger WTO awarene ss and information sharing by the end of the 
2014-2015 biennium. 
119.  RCs are established mainly in LDCs, non-resident Members and targeted developing 
countries. WTO Members hosting RCs benefit from synergies between the E-Learning and RCs 
Programmes by addressing the digital divide. Equipping the RCs with E-Learning facilities 
reinforces the ability of the RCs to provide relevant WTO information and access to on-line training and thus face-to-face training opportunities . The information and knowledge acquired by 
beneficiaries visiting the RCs is often shared with stakeholders in their respective countries and 
used in their professional functions. 
120.  To ascertain the effectiveness of the RCs, the number of visitors to the RCs will be used as 
an indicator and the numbers will be analysed to give an indication about the use and relevance of 
the centres and of the programme overall.  It is al so expected that the RCs will be pro-active in 
organizing or hosting activities with the participation of relevant partners. The Programme also expects to see an increase of 5% in the number of RCs offering access to  
E-Learning, which is dependent on the RC s' willingness to record these numbers. 
121.  Apart from government officials who are usually the priority beneficiaries, the Secretariat will 
deliver TA activities specifically targeting parliamentarians, civil society representatives and the 
media. The initiative is important for achievin g a broader pool of WTO knowledge and awareness 
across all national players. A number of six activities benefiting parliamentarians and civil society will be delivered in 2014 and 2015, which have been specifically requested during the needs assessment consultations. The activities will be coordinated and monitored by ITTC regional desks 
depending on the regional focus of each activity. 
6.3.1  Output 3.1: WTO RCs are established or upgraded in targeted Member/Observer 
economies 
122.  Given that the main purpose of the RCs is to allow beneficiaries to access WTO-related 
information and follow WTO developments, the target is to have at least 10 RCs upgraded or established per year in selected locations. Priority will be given to LDCs and non-resident 
Members. The Programme will also focus on upgr ading obsolete materials in RCs and providing 
equipment where required.  
123.  To augment their impact in beneficiary countries, RCs will be linked to the Academic 
Programme by also establishing RCs in universities through academic support programmes which 
will contribute to facilitating the organization of events involving the academic, public and private 
sectors. 
124.  Encouraging contributions from partners to  support establishment of RCs is valuable for 
widening ownership and inclusiveness. Similar to the experience in 2012, WTO will aim to attract 
partner resources to co-fund a number of RCs planned annually during the next TA cycle. Partner contribution normally takes the form of supplying electronic equipment, with WTO experts 
providing the training. WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 23 - 
6.3.2  Output 3.2: Managers and potential users are trained in information management 
125.  In line with the WTO Secretariat's strategy to put in place clear and coherent training paths 
based on a progressive and multi-modular approach , the RCs will be a place designated to offer 
access to E-Learning opportunities and information dissemination, thus enhancing the dual 
functionality of the Centres. 
126.  The ownership and administration of the RCs is enhanced at the national level through 
the appointment of RC managers who receive training on the management, organization 
and access to WTO information (including websites and trade-related software). Extensive training 
will be provided on accessing "Documents Online" and WTO technical databases (Integrated Database (IDB) and the Consolidated Tariff Schedules database (CTS). A charter comprising the guide on the use and functioning of the Cent res will be implemented by the beneficiary 
institutions. It is expected that the information and learning functions will give the RCs an 
important role in supporting beneficiaries' involvement in the MTS. 
127.  WTO targets to train around 250 beneficiaries a year on, use and management of RCs to 
ensure that Members are accessing and using the facility to raise awareness on WTO matters.  
6.4  Key result 4: WTO-supported academic  institutions are applying trade policy 
and WTO-related topics and subjects  in their courses and research 
128.  WTO aims to increase the involvement of acad emic institutions in trade issues by supporting 
the development of their institutional capacities and promoting academic contribution to trade policy making. The role of educational institutions can have multiplying effects on strengthening capacities, which complement and reinforce the results from the direct TA provided to Members by 
the WTO Secretariat. 
129.  The targeted result will be achieved using three main programme pillars: research, 
curriculum development and outreach activities. Associated academic institutions are expected 
to progressively reach higher levels of institutional capacity in the three pillars. The support 
to Academic institutions is divided into two main components the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) and the general Academic Support component together constituting the Academic Support 
Programme (ASP). 
130.  Additional support, such as academic suppor t missions, review of papers, donation of WTO 
publications and pedagogical materials and othe r substantive support will also be provided 
and monitored by the ITTC. Annual review meetings will be organized involving relevant 
stakeholders in order to examine the progress of the programme, discuss research Outputs 
generated by the WTO Chairs, and enhance the vi sibility of the programme and linkages with 
policy-making. 
131.  The WTO will continue involving academic institutions from develo ping countries in the 
implementation of the 2014-2015 TA Plan.  This is a strategy aimed at both enhancing their 
capacities and developing regional synergies. This will be achieved by involving academic 
institutions hosting a WTO Chair or a RTPC in the implementation of selected national or regional 
activities. In addition, WTO Members and Observers have the possibility to invite other academic institutions to regional or national activities either as audiences or as associated partners. 
132.  WTO support to academic institutions will be implemented through provision of grants to a 
group of seven universities selected through an open and competitive process for a limited period 
of four years. The submissions proposed for WTO support will include sustainability elements to 
ensure their continuation over time, beyond the WTO support period. The selection will be done 
with the assistance of the WCP Advisory Bo ard. The WCP Advisory Board assists the WTO 
Secretariat on decisions regarding the functioning of the Programme, the selection of Chairs and the assessment of the performance of the WTO Chai rs in the implementation of their projects. 
133.  The success in achieving the expected result (Outcome 4) will be assessed by collecting 
information on the number of students who participated in and completed a WTO-related course or degree offered by the academic institutions. In ad dition, the data regarding the research papers 
published in journals, books and periodicals will give an indication of the quality and potential WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 24 - 
impact of the research work. The academic institutions are also expected to interact with policy 
makers, with a view to encouraging the incorporation of relevant research Outputs into policymaking. It has been assumed that there will be firm commitment from the hosting institutions and sustainable strategies put in place by the academic institutions so that they can 
continue once the WTO finance support is withdrawn. 
6.4.1  Output 4.1: Research on trade policy and WTO-related matters generated 
by WTO Chairs through provision of grants 
134.  Research is widely viewed as an engine of knowledge and capacity building, and has the 
potential to influence trade developments. Theref ore it is proposed to increase the research 
generated on trade policy and WTO-related matters in the 2014-2015 biennium. The WTO Chairs programme comprises a grant scheme, which will support deserving research initiatives. 
135.  It is expected that more research and academic discourse on relevant trade topics will 
strengthen the knowledge base, which in turn will guide the policy actions of the trade decision-
makers. The role of the academic community in preparing the future trade professionals should 
also be acknowledged, and it is for this purpose that WTO supports the development of trade 
courses, degree programmes and curriculum update. 
136.  Following the evaluation of the WCP in 2013, the programme was extended for another 
phase starting in 2014, which coincides with the be ginning of the TA Plan. The evaluation was an 
opportunity to measure the results and fine-tun e the programme design to reinforce quality 
assurance of the expected researches in the new ph ase. Although quality will be the main thrust, 
the programme also targets a 20% increase in the quantity of research products by 2015. 
137.  Since peer review of research is important for strengthening research skills and professional 
development of Chair holders, a WCP working paper series similar to the WTO research series will 
be produced by the Secretariat and posted on the WTO and the WCP websites to give 
an opportunity for wider debate on the issues covered in the research. In addition, 
a common cover page for research papers will be created and posted on the website to increase the visibility of the WCP. 
138.  To ensure the quality and reach of the research findings, the WTO Chairs will be encouraged 
to publish the most prominent papers in internationally recognized journals. A number of assumptions have been made that there will be commitment from the academic institutions to fully participate in the Programme and adhere to the guidelines of the WCP. 
6.4.2  Output 4.2: Academic courses on WT O-related subjects introduced and updated 
with WTO support 
139.  To enable the educational institutions to prepare graduates with trade-related degrees and 
future trade professionals, WTO TA will support th e introduction and updating of academic courses 
and degree programmes on WTO-related subjects. Information on the number of students who participated in and completed a WTO-related course  or degree offered by the academic institutions 
will be collected and analysed to determine the effectiveness and relevance of the support 
by WTO. 
140.  The support provided to academic institutions will comprise grants offered through the WCP 
and other types of assistance such as lecturing and technical advice on curriculum development. 
141.  Using the E-Campus learning facility, the ac ademic community will have increased access to 
on-line training and didactic material on trade to pics. The facility will promote enrichment of the 
curriculum and provide opportunities to inte ract with WTO experts over the Internet. 
142.  The WTO E-Learning Programme will continuously maintain and enhance the new E-Campus 
website, whose increased capacity will enable simultaneous access to the on-line courses of a significantly larger number of candidates from the academic community. Apart from participation 
in the on-line courses, the academic community will have the opportunity to exchange views with 
trade experts using interactive technology such as webinars, chat sessions and forum discussions. Selected Chairs and professors will also be invited as guests in the interactive activities to share WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 25 - 
their experience and in this way enhance the le arning experience of on-line participants and 
encourage a fruitful cross-fertilization of programmes. 
143.  An additional feature will be the possibility to use the on-line course "Introduction to the 
WTO" as a pre-requisite for the trade curriculum of participating academic institutions. These 
examples show the tremendous potential for building synergies between E-Learning and the 
Academic community. This approach will not only boost WTO's E-Learning and Academic Programme outreach, but also contribute to the ov erarching objective of building the knowledge of 
the academic institution on the MTS. The co mmitment to the Programme of the academic 
institution hosting the WTO Chair will be a critic al requirement for the achievement of the planned 
results. 
144.  Since 2003, the WTO has supported the annual European Law Student's Association Moot 
Court Competition by: providing technical support through the participation of WTO staff as 
judges; and hosting the competition here at WTO, thereby giving the students the opportunity to 
interact with those working on WTO issues. However African universities have been absent from 
these competitions. From 2014, the WTO wishes to support the participation of African universities 
in this competition through supporting the re-launch of an African regional round, similar to the regional rounds held in Europe, Asia and the Americas.  
145.  The Regional Moot Court competition for Af rica to be re-launched in 2014 is expected to 
further contribute to the realization of the planned result aiming to develop trade capacities through the academic community with a specific focus on African universities. In this context, the WTO will co-sponsor the participation of African universities in Moot Courts on WTO Law where 
students will participate in a simulation of WTO Dispute Settlement proceedings involving written 
and oral pleadings before a panel of WTO law experts. Such competitions are a proven tool in the development of knowledge and practice on WTO Law and will create avenues for interaction 
between government officials, university profe ssors and participants of the competing teams, 
providing invaluable learning. The objective is to support the first-ever participation of African universities in a student competition designed to enhance knowledge of international trade law and 
WTO Dispute Settlement procedures, with a view to enhancing capacity in Africa in the long-term. 
146.  The PhD Support programme of the Secretariat aims to promote WTO-related research of 
doctoral students from developing countries. The fellowships will be offered to selected students from developing countries who will conduct research  at the WTO for a period of 6 months during 
the final phase of their doctoral thesis. With assistance from a WTO mentor, the fellow residents 
will acquire expertise in the research topic of  the thesis and deliver a presentation towards 
completion of the assignment. Four students in  2014 and 2015 are planned to participate in the 
fellowships. 
6.4.3  Output 4.3: Outreach activities on trade policy and WTO-related matters organized 
by WTO Chairs through the provision of grants 
147.  Outreach is an essential element for stre ngthening and extending the work of academic 
institutions on WTO-related issues. The outreach component of the WCP aims to reach a broader audience and enhance awareness about the WTO and the MTS. As such, it will be used 
as a mechanism for building a base of support in the short and long-term. 
148.  The degree of interaction with national (and  regional) stakeholders in policy making may 
offer an indication of the success achieved by the academic institutions benefiting from WTO 
support to contribute to trade policy issues. Interaction with policy makers is considered as a 
feature of the outreach pillar. As such, the acad emic community is encouraged to involve policy-
making institutions and actors in their outreach activities. 
149.  Learning the lessons from the 2010-201 3 WCP evaluation, the quality and relevance 
of the outreach activities will be  the focus. High-impact initiatives will be encouraged in the next 
phase of the programme. At the same time, the programme targets a 30% increase in the number of outreach events and encourages the establishm ent of a website for each participating Chair. 
150.  Although the number of activities organized to promote research initiatives or to disseminate 
results of research projects is indicative of the level of activeness and visibility of the benefiting WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 26 - 
universities, it is important that these research initiatives also target policy-making institutions 
and focus on relevant policy issues. The degree of participation, and, to the extent possible, 
of further consideration and action by governme nt agencies, may provide additional elements 
to assess the degree of success in the outreach pill ar. The WTO also expects to see an increase of 
30% in the number of outreach events organized by the academic institutions with policy makers' 
participation. Concurrently, the WTO Chairs that will be selected in 2014 will be expected to establish websites on which research Outputs wi l l  b e  p o s t e d  t o  a l s o  f a c i l i t a t e  p e e r  r e v i e w  
of the research. 
7  FUNDING 151.  The WTO's TRTA programmes and capacity building efforts are funded through both 
the Regular Budget and extra budgetary resources through voluntary contributions from 
the Members. The DDAGTF was established in December 2001, pursuant to the commitment 
contained in paragraph 40 of the Doha Declaration, to finance TA programmes and training activities for developing countries and LDCs as well as economies in transition in order to receive 
extra budgetary contributions from WTO Members to  finance the implementation of the annual TA 
Plans. One of the main purposes for creating a gl obal fund was to consolidate the extra-budgetary 
funds in one single un-earmarked fund, so as to provide a solid and stable financial basis for the 
delivery of a global programme. The DDAGTF is operated against periodic benchmarks and closely 
supervised by the CBFA and the CTD. 
152.  Funding of the TRTA programmes remains cent ral to the implementation of the TA Plan, but 
continues to be a challenge as discussed in earlier reports.  In recent years, there has been a 
slight decline on the timeliness of the contribu tions, a reduction in the number of Members 
contributing to the DDAGTF and an increase in requests to earmark contributions. The DDAGTF 
also includes some staff expenditures directly or indirectly related to the delivery of the TA 
activities. Presently, the main proportion of TR TA is funded through extra-budgetary funds. As 
such, well-timed and adequate funding of the WTO Secretariat's TRTA activities is essential for 
timely and effective implementation of the TA  Plan. Although the total number of countries 
contributing to the DDAGTF has shrunk from 24 in 2008 to 14 in 2012 (as at August 2013), this 
has not had a serious impact on the level of funding to implement planned activities. In some cases, a small number of the traditional contributo rs increased their contributions. The reduction 
in amounts in some cases is as a result of the exchange rate between Members' domestic 
currencies and the Swiss Franc. 
153.  The decline in the number of contributors could also be attributed to the recent global 
financial situation and its impact on some Members.  However, there remains firm commitment 
from Members to contribute to WTO TRTA. In recent years, there has also been an increase in 
demand for soft-earmarking by some of the traditional contributors to the DDAGTF. The Secretariat recognizes and appreciates the approach  by donors, and the efforts of those who have 
made their financial contributions consistently and promptly over a number of years, despite the 
recent financial realities that have made it harder for some donors to maintain their levels of generous support.  
154.  As a result of the reduced financial contri butions observed in recent years by our major 
financial contributors, the level of implementation of  activities in the last two years, the increase 
in the number of courses available on-line and, most  importantly, the need to do more with less, 
the total anticipated cost of new TA Plan will agai n be reduced. In addition, it is anticipated that 
the cost savings can be obtained by building synergies between and among products, enhancing 
and deepening partnerships and revisiting some of the products. Instead of anticipating voluntary contributions of the magnitude of CHF 18 Mio pe r year, the TA Plan is budgeted at an overall 
amount of voluntary contributions of about CHF 14.2 Mio for each year (principally via the 
DDAGTF), with an additional CHF 4.5 Mio from  the Regular Budget. Detailed information 
on the budget per key result and main activities and programmes is provided in Annex 2, with a summary in Tables below. WT/COMTD/W/200 
- 27 - 
Summary: Costs by Outcome (In Swiss francs) 
Key results Budget Line - 2014 
Regular 
Budget DDAGTF Other TF Total 
Key result (Outcome) 1:  Government officials 
are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use of Members' rights          4,084,100 
   
8,579,100     
1,650,000  14,313,200  
Key result (Outcome) 2:  Acceding 
governments are partic ipating in accession 
negotiations, in line with WTO accession processes and procedures               70,200 
   
11,700     
368,000  449,900  
Key result (Outcome) 3:  Members are 
accessing and using WTO related information enabling them to raise awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders                       -   
   
844,000               
-    844,000  
Key result (Outcome) 4:  University, WTO 
supported Chairs and other education institutions are applying WTO related topics and subjects in their courses and research             250,000 
   
735,600               
-    985,600  
Other programmes costs             143,500    
2,600,000               
-    2,743,500  
Total 
 4,547,800  12,770,400  2,018,000  19,336,200  
Overheads (13%) 
 0 1,660,152 262,340 1,922,492  
Grand Total 
 4,547,800  14,430,552  2,280,340 21,258,692  
 
Key results Budget Line - 2015 
Regular 
Budget DDAGTF Other TF Total 
Key result (Outcome) 1:  Government officials 
are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use of Members' rights          4,084,100 
   
8,579,100     
1,650,000  14,313,200  
Key result (Outcome) 2:  Acceding 
governments are partic ipating in accession 
negotiations, in line with WTO accession processes and procedures               70,200 
   
11,700     
478,000  559,900  
Key result (Outcome) 3:  Members are 
accessing and using WTO related information enabling them to raise awareness of WTO matters with all their stakeholders                       -   
   
844,000               
-    844,000  
Key result (Outcome) 4: WTO-supported 
academic institutions ar e applying trade policy 
and WTO related topics and subjects in their courses and research.             250,000 
   
735,600               
-    985,600  
Other programmes costs             143,500    
2,600,000               
-    2,743,500  
Total 4,547,800  12,770,400  2,128,000  19,446,200  
Overheads (13%) 0 1,660,152 276,640 1,936,792  
Grand Total 4,547,800  14,430,552  2,404,640 21,382,992  
 
   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 28 - ANNEX 1 - WTO'S TRTA LOGFRAME 
 
 Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
Impact5 WTO Member countries 
actively participate in 
the rules-based MTS,  deal with the emerging challenges and 
implement their rights 
and obligations  Share of developing 
economies' total trade 
(imports and exports) in world trade 
 
 Share of LDCs' total 
trade in the world trade
 
  41.93% (2012) 
 
  
 1.16% (2012) 
 
  > 41.93% 
 
   > 1.16% 
 
  WTO Statistics 
(from ERSD)  Commitment by 
Governments to the 
MTS 
 Financial crises 
contained 
 ODA and Aid for 
Trade maintained at current levels 
 Commodity prices 
stable 
Outcome 1: Government officials 
are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use of 
Members' rights 
  Level of engagement in 
WTO negotiations: Number of meetings of the Negotiating Groups 
(NG)(formal, informal) 
 
 Increase in 
submissions of documents (proposals, 
jobs, communications, 
minutes) from Members in the NG and 
other Bodies 
 
 Number of TA 
beneficiary Members 
participants in trade 
disputes settlement (complainant, 
respondent, 3rd party)  9 formal and 78 
informal meetings (2012) 
 
 
 
 145 proposals, 
job documents, 
communications and minutes 
submitted in NG 
   37 TA 
beneficiary 
Members (2012) 
 
  Increase in 
participation/ activeness 
 
 
 
 Increase in 
participation/ 
submissions of documents 
 
   Increase of 
developing 
economies participation 
in dispute 
settlement  WTO Documents 
On-line database (intranet) 
 
 Reports of 
negotiating groups 
 
 Disputes database 
 
 Notifications 
database  Political support for 
WTO-related measures 
 
 Trade officials are 
retained in the relevant ministries 
 
 Efficient 
communication 
between capitals 
and Geneva-based missions 
 
 Human and financial 
resources available 
                                               
5 In accordance with the RBM approach, the impact is the highest level result to which WTO contributes jointly with other stakeh olders. It is not an exclusive attribution to 
WTO TA, but an indication of the contribution the WTO TA is making to a common impact.   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 29 -  Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
 Number of outstanding 
notifications of TA 
beneficiaries Members  2,973 
outstanding notifications, 25 
notifications on 
average (17.06.2013)  5% decrease 
of outstanding notifications 
Output 1.1: Government 
officials and other stakeholders have 
enhanced knowledge 
about the WTO Agreements, 
formulation of trade 
policies, conducting trade negotiations, and understand trade 
compliance obligations.  Number of participants 
at each PLS level 
 
 
 
 Number of participants 
advancing from level 1 
to level 2 and from level 2 to level 3 training 
 
 % of participants 
successfully pass their 
course exams 
   2,298 
participants (introduction), 
8393 
(intermediate), 889 (advanced) 
 1,054 
participants with no PLS level of training 
 
 
 To be collected 
from 2014 
onwards 
 
 
 
 70% 
successfully pass 
their course 
exam  
  ≥ baseline  
  
 
 
 Decrease in 
number of 
participants with no PLS level of training. 
 
 50% of level 1 
participants 
progressed to 
level 2 and 8-10% of level 2 
to level 3 
 
 70% participants 
completed their 
course 
successfully 
  Ex Post 
Evaluations 
 
 ITTC database 
 
 Results of the 
final exam 
 
 BTORs or other 
reports 
 Trained staff retained 
in relevant positions 
 
 Sufficient demand for 
trainings 
 
 Suitable candidates 
are selected   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 30 -  Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
Output 1.2: Relevant TA needs 
of the Members are identified annually in 
coordination with other 
WTO Divisions, Members/Observers and partners  Number of internal and 
external consultations on TA needs 
 
   
 
  Report on consultations 
on TA needs  Monthly 
meetings through TA 
Coordination 
Task Force and 2 consultations annually with 
each regional 
group 
 
 Report on 
consultations available  Monthly 
meetings through TA 
Coordination 
Task Force and 2 consultations annually with 
each regional 
group 
 
 Report on 
consultations available  Records on 
consultations 
 
 Consultation 
reports  Members/Observers 
can identify and prioritize their needs 
Output 1.3: Effective 
partnerships result in substantive 
contributions of human 
and financial resources for E-learning and 
face-to-face activities  Amount of financial 
contributions from partners 
 
 Number of activities 
co-funded 
 
 
 Number of activities 
implemented in 
partnership (jointly)  To be collected 
for the year 2013 
 
 26 (8%) 
co-funded 
TA activities 
(2012) 
 
 95 (30%) jointly 
implemented TA activities  Increase in 
financial contributions 
 
 Increase of 
co-funded TA 
activities 
  
 50% jointly 
implemented TA activities  BTORs 
 
 Budget reports 
 
 ITTC database  Selected 
organizations are interested and have 
the resources for 
developing partnerships 
with WTO   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 31 -  Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
Output 1.4: Relevant course 
curriculum and new courses developed 
based on identified 
needs and Guidelines introduced for the implementation of PLS 
  Number of new courses 
developed 
 
 Change in the content 
of the course curriculum 
 
 
  % of participants rated 
the balance between 
theory, case studies and exercises good or 
excellent 
   
 % of participants rated 
the quality of the course content good or 
excellent 
 
 Status of PLS 
guidelines development  Training material 
developed for 2 new courses 
 Course 
curriculum current to 2012 
 
 
  60% of 
responses as 
good or excellent for the 
corresponding 
question in the questionnaire 
 
 60% of 
responses as good or 
excellent 
 
 PLS conceptual 
framework in 
existence and implemented   Training material 
developed for 3 new courses 
 Curriculum 
updated taking into account e.g. recent DS 
developments 
and negotiating issue 
 
 70% of 
responses as 
good or 
excellent 
  
 
 70% of 
responses as 
good or 
excellent 
  
 Refining PLS 
benchmarks by level and path   New courses 
 
 
Curriculum 
(content analysis) 
 
 Feedback form 
 
 Guidelines  Timely development 
and updating of course material 
 
 Timely translation 
of course material 
Outcome 2: Acceding 
governments are participating in 
accession negotiations, 
in line with WTO accession processes 
and procedures.  Number of acceding 
governments with a Working Party meeting 
held 
 Number of acceding 
governments with 
initial market access 
offers on goods and  12 acceding 
governments (2012) 
 
 2 acceding 
governments 
(2012)  12 acceding 
governments 
 
 
 2 acceding 
governments 
  Evolving Calendar 
of Accession Meetings 
 DG Annual Report 
on Accessions 
 Market access 
offers  Accession 
negotiations remain active. 
 Acceding 
governments submit required 
documentation to 
their Working Parties.   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 32 -  Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
services   Human and financial 
resources available 
Output 2.1: Acceding 
governments are familiar with WTO substantive and 
procedural matters 
  Number of TA activities 
attended by acceding governments 
 Number of TA 
beneficiaries from 
acceding governments  98 TA activities 
(2012) 
 
 523 TA 
participants 
(2012)  98 TA activities 
  
 523 TA 
participants  ITTC Database  Clear TA needs are 
identified 
Outcome 3: Members are 
accessing and using WTO-related 
information enabling 
them to raise awareness of WTO 
matters with all their 
stakeholders.   Number of activities 
organized by the RCs 
 Number of visitors to 
the RCs per month 
 Number of the RCs 
providing access to E-
Learning  1 activity on 
average organized by RC 
per year 
 Around 50 
visitors per 
month 
 38 RC offered 
access to  E-Learning  At least 
1 activity organized by RC 
per year 
 Around 
50 visitors per 
month 
 40 RCs offering 
access to  E-Learning  WTO RCs annual 
report 
 Annual reports 
submitted by RCs 
coordinators 
 Official 
communications 
from the beneficiaries 
  Commitment of 
hosting institution 
 Trained RCs 
managers are 
appointed and retained 
 Human and financial 
resources available 
Output 3.1: WTO RCs are 
established or upgraded 
in targeted 
Member/Observer economies  Number of RCs 
established or 
upgraded every year 
 Number of RCs 
financed by partner 
institutions  9 RCs (2012) 
 
 
 2 RCs 
co-financed 
(2012)  10 RCs 
 
 
 2 RCs 
co-financed  ITTC AP-RCs Unit 
records 
 TRTA Database  Commitment of the 
institution hosting the 
RC 
Output 3.2: Managers and 
potential users are trained in information 
management  Number of participants 
to the training sessions at the national level 
 Number of NTP, MIP 
and RCI interns trained every year 
 % of questionnaires 
received on the use and functioning of the 
RCs   Around 250 
participants trained at the 
national level 
 39 interns 
trained 
 
 56% of 
questionnaires 
received.  Around 250 
participants trained at the 
national level 
 39 interns 
trained 
 
 60% of 
questionnaires 
received 
   PEFs and BTORs 
 TRTA Database 
 Annual report on 
TA  Appropriate selection 
of the RC managers 
 Internship 
programme continues 
to be financed 
   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 33 -  Results Indicators Baseline Target Evidence Assumptions 
Outcome 4: WTO-supported 
academic institutions are applying trade 
policy and WTO-related 
topics and subjects in their courses and research.   Number of academic 
research papers on WTO-related issues 
published. 
 Number of students 
who participated in WTO-related courses 
and programmes  12 research 
Outputs published 
 
 To be collected 
end of 2014  15 or more of 
research Outputs 
published 
 To be estimated 
end of 2014  Research papers 
 Course materials 
 Annual report 
from Chairs 
 Mid-term review 
(Advisory Board)  Commitment of 
hosting institution 
 Implementation of 
the sustainability 
strategy 
 Human and financial 
resources available 
Output 4.1: Research on trade 
policy and WTO-related 
matters generated by WTO Chairs through 
provisions of grants  Number of books, 
research papers and 
articles produced.  24 research 
papers, books, 
articles  30 or more 
research papers, 
books, articles  Publications 
 Reports by 
academic institutions 
 Printed/on-line 
books  Compliance with 
programme 
guidelines 
Output 4.2: Academic courses 
on WTO-related subjects introduced and updated with WTO 
support  Number of new and 
updated degrees, diploma programmes and training courses 
implemented by WTO 
Chairs and other academic institutions 
 African countries 
represented in ELSA Moot Court competition 
 Number of PhD 
students completing a WTO fellowship  10 degrees, 
diploma programmes and academic 
courses 
  
 African countries 
not represented in ELSA Moot 
Court (2012) 
 2 PhD students  12 or more 
degrees, diploma programmes and 
academic 
courses 
 
 African countries 
represented in ELSA Moot 
Court 
 4 PhD students  Course syllabi, 
reports academic institutions 
 Report from 
University hosting 
African Regional Moot Court 
  Commitment to 
introduce WTO-related courses 
 Compliance with 
programme 
guidelines 
Output 4.3: Outreach activities 
on trade policy and WTO-related matters 
organized by WTO 
Chairs through provisions of grants 
   Number of outreach 
activities and academic events organized 
 Number of dedicated 
webpages established related to WTO support 
 Number of research 
awards/competitions organized  14 outreach and 
academic events 
 
 1 webpage 
established 
 
 1 award event  20 outreach and 
academic events 
 
 7 webpages 
established 
 
 4 research 
awards  Reports by 
academic institutions 
 WTO 
reports/reviews 
 Websites, 
announcements  Compliance with 
programme guidelines   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 34 -  
 
ANNEX 2 - THE PRODUCTS MATR IX: LIST OF ACTIVITIES 
Key result (outcome) 1: Government offi cials are implementing WTO Agreements and making full use of Members' rights. 
Level Path Language Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region Duration Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2015 
(CHF) 
Level 
3 Generalist path E/F/S  A 1.(i) 
Geneva-Based Applied Trade Policy 
Courses  Advanced Trade Policy Courses -
 
Applied  Global  
40  1,350,000       1,350,000      
Level 
2 Generalist path E/F/S  A 1.(ii) 
Intermediate 
level activities Intermediate level activities for:  
English-speaking Africa; French-
speaking Africa; Arab and Middle East Countries; Asia and Pacific Economies; Caribbean; 
Central and Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia and Caucasus; Latin America. All 7 
regions 
40    3,780,000 
      3,780,000    
Level 
1/3 Generalist/Specialist  
path E/F A 2. 
Geneva-based Introduction 
Courses and  
Introduction and Focus Activities Introduction Course for LDCs 
(English/French) and Introduction and Focus Activities for Geneva-based delegates Global
 
15     229,700         229,700      
Level 
1 Generalist path E/F/S  A 4. Geneva 
Weeks 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st Geneva 
Weeks Global  5     300,000          300,000      
Level 
3 Specialist path E/F/S  A 6. 
Geneva-based Topic-specific 
Symposia 6 Geneva-based topic specific 
symposia for Capital-based officials Global
 
4       660,000         660,000    
Level 
3 Specialist path E/F/S  A 7. Other 
Geneva-based support Advisory Role on Legal Issues 
(Art. 27.2 of DSU) 
  
96       60,000           60,000      
Level 2 Generalist path E/F/S
 A 8. 
Regional and Sub-regional 
Capacity-
building programmes  4 regional and/or sub-regional 
general capacity-building activities All 
regions 
5-10       924,000 
        924,000      WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 35 - Level Path Language Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region Duration Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2015 
(CHF) 
Level 
3/2 Specialist path E/F/S  B 1. 
Geneva-based Thematic 
courses Advanced Thematic Courses and 
advanced workshops - Intermediate Thematic Courses for LDCs Global
 
5  1,258,500       1,368,500      
Level 
2/3 Generalist/Specialist  
path E/F/S  B 2. (i) 
National 
topic-specific activities National seminars and 
workshops - Assisting 
beneficiaries in conducting needs assessment and follow-up All 
regions 
      885,900 
       35,100       775,900        35,100    
Level 2 Specialist path E/F/S
 B 3. 
Regional and 
sub-regional 
seminars 30 (sub) regional topic-specific 
seminars, including Trade 
Negotiations Skills All 
regions 3    2,970,000       2,970,000    
Level 
3 Generalist path   D 1. 
Netherlands Trainee Programme Internships in the framework of 
the Netherlands Trainee Programme Global
 
200         825,000      825,000  
Level 
3 Generalist path   D 2. WTO 
Regional 
Coordinator internship Assistance to the Group 
coordinator - Mission Internship  Global
 
120       210,000          210,000    
Level 
3 Generalist path   D 3. WTO 
Mission internship Mission Internship -
 Assistance 
to the Permanent Missions of Developing countries Global
 
200         825,000        
825,000  
Level 
1 Generalist path E/F/S  
E 1. E-
Learning:  
online 
course Introduction to the WTO  
Capital-
Based 
officials    x       x      
Level 
2 Generalist path E/F/S The Multilateral Trade 
Agreements; The WTO and 
Trade Economics: Theory and Policy; Legal Underpinnings; Trade and Development; Trade Finance and the WTO; WTO 
Market Access Databases; 
Notification Requirements in the WTO; RTAs and the WTO; Technical Barriers to Trade; DSU in the WTO; Trade and 
Environment;  Market Access for 
goods and Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) Negotiations; Trade Remedies 
and the WTO; Agriculture in the 
WTO; Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights;    x 
      x        WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 36 - Level Path Language Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region Duration Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2015 
(CHF) 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures; Trade in Services in the WTO  
    English My Course - Create your own E-
Learning Courses    x      x      
  
 Sub-total     4,084,100 8,579,100 1,650,000 4,084,100 8,579,100 1,650,000 
Overheads @13%   - 1,115,283 214,500 - 1,115,283 214,500 
Total   4,084,100 9,694,383 1,864,500 4,084,100 9,694,383 1,864,500 
Total 2014 & 2015 8,168,200  19,388,766  3,729,000  
   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 37 -  
Key result (outcome) 2: Acceding governments are participating in accession negotiations, in lin e with WTO accession processes and 
procedures. 
Level Path Language Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region Duration  Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2014 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 
(CHF) Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2015 
(CHF) 
Level 
2/3 Specialist 
path E/F/S B 2. (i) 
National topic-specific activities National seminars and 
workshops All 
regions 
    70,200 
  11,700      70,200   11,700    
Level 
3 Specialist 
path E B 7. 
Accessions Advanced Thematic Workshop 
on Accessions (English/TBD) All 
regions 5           110,000  
Level 
3 Specialist 
path 
  B 7. 
Accessions "China's LDCs and Accessions 
Programme (The China Programme):  Participation of LDCS in WTO and WTO-Related meetings - round tables on Accessions All 
regions 
       304,800 
     304,800  
Level 
1 Generalist 
path 
  D 4. WTO 
Accessions Internship  WTO Accession Internship in 
the framework of the "China's LDCs and Accessions Programme (The China Programme)"  Global 
120       63,200 
      63,200  
Level 
2 Specialist 
path (English, 
and/or French, and/or Spanish  – to be determined) 
 E 1.  E-Learning:  online course Accession to the WTO Capital-
Based officials 
  x 
      x      
  
  
  
 Sub-total 
     70,200   11,700   368,000   70,200   11,700   478,000  
Overheads @13% 
     - 1,521  47,840 - 1,521  62,140  
Total 
     70,200  13,221  415,840    70,200  13,221  540,140  
Total 2014 & 2015 
 140,400  26,442  955,980    WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 38 - Key result (outcome) 3: Members are accessi ng and using WTO-related information enablin g them to raise awareness of WTO matters  with all 
their stakeholders. 
Level Path Language  Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region  Duration  Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2015 
(CHF)  
Level 
1 Generalist 
path E/F/S B 2. (iv) 
WTO Reference Centres and enquiry points Establishment and/or 
upgrade of 10 WTO Reference Centres All 
regions 
   
 250,000 
      250,000    
Level 
1 Generalist 
path E/F/S B 6. 
Outreach Activities  6 outreach activities for 
Parliamentarians and Civil Society All 
regions 3   
594,000 
     594,000    
  Sub-total 
     -     844,000  - -     844,000  - 
Overheads @13% 
     -   109,720  - -    109,720  - 
Total 
     -   953,720  - -   953,720  - 
Total 2014 & 2015 
 - 1,907,440  - 
   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 39 - Key result (outcome) 4: WTO-supported academ ic institutions are applying trade policy and WTO-related topics and subjects in th eir courses 
and research. 
Level Path Language  Plan 
Chapter Title Target 
region  Duration  Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated cost 
DDAGTF 2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF)  Estimated cost 
DDAGTF 2015 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2015 
(CHF)  
    E/F/S C 1. WTO 
Chairs programme Grants of maximum 
CHF 50'000 to seven (7) new WTO Chairs; Annual meeting WCP Advisory Board and WCP stakeholders; and, Academic support to WTO Chair holder institutions (missions, publications and joint publishing 
projects with the 
chairs) All 
regions 
       670,800 
        670,800    
    E/F/S C 2. 
Academic Support Programme Support to (ELSA 
Moot Court) Regional African Round of University Competitions on WTO Law and participation in Final Competition; academic support  seminars in co-operation with academic institutions; 
donation of WTO 
publications to Universities and groups of scholars; and, support programme for doctoral  students (6 students over 6  All 
regions 
    250,000 
   64,800       250,000      64,800      WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 40 - months each) 
  Sub-total         250,000         735,600  -     250,000        735,600  - 
Overheads @13%     -          95,628  - -         95,628  - 
Total       250,000         831,228  -   250,000        831,228  - 
Total 2014 & 2015   500,000     1,662,456  
 - 
   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 41 - Other programmes' costs: Program staff, and Monitoring and Evaluation costs. 
Plan Chapter Title 
 Estimated 
cost RB 
2014 (CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
other TF 
2014 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost RB 
2015 
(CHF)  Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF 
2015 (CHF)  Estimated 
cost other 
TF 2015 
(CHF)  
E 1. E-Learning:  online course Development of E-Learning courses 
     73,500           73,500      
F 1. Staffing   L-Posts and other Short-Term Contracts  
    2,600,000      2,600,000    
F 2. Other programme activities  Monitoring and evaluation 
  70,000      70,000      
 Sub-total 
      143,500   2,600,000  -    143,500  2,600,000  - 
Overheads @13% 
   -   338,000  - -   338,000  - 
Total 
       143,500  2,938,000  -   
143,500  2,938,000  - 
Total 2014 & 2015 
   
287,000  5,876,000  -   WT/COMTD/W/200  
- 42 - Summary grand total 
 Planned in 2014 
(in CHF)  Planned in 2015 
(in CHF)  
Estimated 
cost RB Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF Estimated 
cost other 
Trust 
Funds Estimated 
cost RB Estimated 
cost 
DDAGTF Estimated 
cost other 
Trust 
Funds 
  
  
    
 
 Sub-total     4,547,800  
12,770,400  
2,018,000  4,547,800    12,770,400  
2,128,000 
Overheads @13% 
  -  
1,660,152  
262,340 -    1,660,152      276,640  
Total   
   4,547,800  
14,430,552  
2,280,340 4,547,800  14,430,552  
2,404,640  
Total 2014 & 2015 9,095,600  28,861,104  
4,684,980  
 
 
__________