RESTRICTED  
  
WT/BFA/W/402  
21 October  2016 
(16-5754) Page: 1/27 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MID-TERM REVIEW  
BIENNIUM 2016 - 2017  
 
 
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  Table of Contents  
1  SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW  ................................ ................................ ...........................  4 
2  PROJECTED BUDGET PERFORMANCE 2016  ................................ ................................ ... 5 
2.1  Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
2.1.1   Staff Expenditure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 6 
2.1.2   Temporary Assistance  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
2.2  Part B - Other Resources  ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
2.2.1   General Services ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  7 
2.2.2   Financial Expenditure  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 7 
2.3  Part C - Operating Funds and ITC  ................................ ................................ ...................  7 
2.3.1   Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  ................................ ................................ .... 7 
3  PROJECTED MISCELLANEOUS INCOME  2016  ................................ ................................  7 
4  APPROVED BUDGET 2017 (UNREVISED)  ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
4.1  WTO Secretariat  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  10 
4.1.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ .......................  11 
4.2  Appellate Body Secretar iat ................................ ................................ ...........................  12 
4.2.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  ................................ ................................ .......................  12 
5  BUDGET PER OUTPUT CHAPTER  ................................ ................................ ..................  13 
5.1  Background  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
5.2  Mid-term Review by Output Chapter  ................................ ................................ .............  13 
5.2.1   Facilitating Negotiations ................................ ................................ ............................  13 
5.2.2   Administering Agreed WTO Rules  ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
5.2.3   Monitoring Trade Policies  ................................ ................................ ..........................  14 
5.2.4   Settling Dispu tes ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 14 
5.2.5   Capacity Building  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 14 
5.2.6   Assisting Accessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 14 
5.2.7   Conducting Research  ................................ ................................ ................................  14 
5.2.8   Reaching Out  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  14 
6  INCOME FOR 2017 ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
7  SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2017  ................................ ................................ ........  15 
8  KEY ACTIVITY AND BUDGETARY INDICATORS  ................................ ...........................  20 
8.1  Translation and Documentation since 1997  ................................ ................................ .... 20 
8.2  Meetings since 1997  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 20 
8.3  Dispute Settlement Panels since 1997  ................................ ................................ ...........  22 
8.4  Budgetary Evolution since 1995  ................................ ................................ ...................  24 
8.5  Evolution of Assess ed Contributions since 1995  ................................ ..............................  24 
8.6  Regular Post Evolution since 1995  ................................ ................................ ................  25 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  8.7  Regular Posts by Division  ................................ ................................ ............................  26 
8.8  Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2016 ................................ ................................ .....................  26 
9  OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS  ................................ ................................ ...... 27 
 
List of Tables  
 
Table 1 Forecast Consolidated Performance Compared to the 2016 Budget  ................................  5 
Table 2 Budgeted and Projected Miscellaneous Income 2016  ................................ ....................  7 
Table 3 Consolidated WTO Budget 2016 – 2017 ................................ ................................ ...... 9 
Table 4 Budget for the WTO Secretariat 2016 - 2017 ................................ .............................  10 
Table 5 Budget for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 2016 – 2017 ................................ ... 12 
Table 6  Budget 2016 by Output Chapter  ................................ ................................ .............  13 
Table 7 Revised Budget 2017 by Output Chapter  ................................ ................................ .. 13 
Table 8 Financing of Budget 2 016 – 2017 ................................ ................................ ............  15 
Table 9  Estimated Miscellaneous Income 2017  ................................ ................................ ..... 15 
Table 10 Scale of Contributions for 2017  ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
Table 11 Budgetary Evolution 1995 -2017 ................................ ................................ .............  24 
Table 12 Regular Post Evolution 1995 -2017 ................................ ................................ .........  25 
Table 13 Regular Posts per Division September 2016  ................................ ............................  26 
Table 14 Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2016 ................................ ................................ ..............  26 
 
Table of Figures  
 
Figure 1 Projected 2016 Budgetary Surplus by Budget Chapter  ................................ .................  6 
Figure 2 Number of Words in Original Language for Translation 1997 -2016 ..............................  20 
Figure 3 Number of formal, informal and private meetings 1997 -2016 ................................ ..... 20 
Figure 4 Days of freelance interpreters 1997 -2016 ................................ ................................  21 
Figure 5 Dispute Settlement Panels Expenditure 1997 -2016 (per Year)  ................................ .... 22 
Figure 6 Appellate Body Variable Expenditure per Year 1997 -2016 (ABOF)  ...............................  23 
Figure 7 Evolution of Assessed Contributions 1995 -2017 ................................ ........................  24 
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  1  SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW  
The General Council approved the budget for the 2016 -2017 biennium, totalling CHF 197,203,900 
for each of t he two years, during its session of December  20151. In accordance with the  guidelines 
on biennial budgeting2, the Director General has conducted the mid -term review of the biennial 
budget, based on forecast expenditures to the end of 2016.  
 
Members may rec all that for the 7th consecutive year, the amount of the consolidated budget of 
the WTO ( comprised  of the WTO Secretariat  and the Secretariat of the Appellate Body)  has 
remained unchanged  (zero nominal growth) . The WTO Secretariat prudently manage d availab le 
resources  and identif ied areas which allow ed for cost savings . These included : streamlining of WTO 
Secretariat activities , replacing departing staff members who held senior grades with staff at lower 
grade s, re-negotiating terms of contracts such as in the areas of postal services , 
telecommunication, documents reproduction and rental & leasing of equipment . 
 
The practice  of reallocating funds from some areas of the budget to areas where evolving needs 
require funding, under a budget capped by zero nomina l growth, was practicable  during years 
where there were no major changes in overall resource requirements . Recently , there  has been a 
need for additional dispute settlement lawyers for the WTO Secretariat and the Appellate Body 
Secretariat . Due to the cons traints emanating from zero nominal growth budgeting, 29 posts had 
to be reallocated from other  Divisions to the legal areas . This is understandable as an interim 
approach, but is not sustainable  beyond the current year . The risk is that productivity gains  
achieved over the years  might be reversed . In spite of this, the Director General is not proposing a 
revision of the 2017 budget . 
 
The forecast expenditure for the year ending 31st December  2016 is CHF  192.7  million , 
representing 98 % of the 2016 budget am ount of  CHF 197.2  million . The anticipated budgetary 
savings approximate CHF  4.5 million . Almost all this amount will be under the Staff Resources 
budget category, largely stemming from the  average  of 46 unfilled positions  in the WTO 
Secretariat  in the fir st semester of 2016 . Recruitment cont inues  to be carried out apace and the 
number of vacancies is anticipated to be significantly lower  at the end of the year . Therefore, th e 
historical  buffer for the budget will diminish.  
 
The budgetary savings are an int ermediate step in determining the financial performance . 
International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) make it mandatory to incorporate 
several elements in the determination of the financial result (i.e. the surplus or deficit for the 
Annual Fin ancial Statements) . The most significant and material adjustment is the service costs for 
long term employee benefits, specifically the After Service Health Insurance (ASHI) and pension 
benefits . The actuarial estimation for these for the year ending 31st December  2016 i s 
CHF 25 million . This amount is to be deducted from the Budgetary Surplus  of CHF  4.5 million , 
resulting in a forecast d eficit of approximately CHF 20.5 million . 
                                                
1 Document WT/GC/M/160.  
2 Document WT/BFA/W/104.  WT/BFA/W/402  
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  2  PROJECTED  BUDGET  PERFORMANCE  2016  
Table 1 Forecast Consolidated Performance Compared to the 2016 Budge t 
(as at 31 August  2016) 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line Budget  Forecast  
Expenditure 
to 
31/12/2016  Projected 
Balance  Projected 
Expendi - 
ture to 
Budget  
A Staffing Resources       
 1. Staff Expend iture i) Staff Remuneration  90,482  83,528  6,955  92% 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment 
Benefits  22,110  20,409  1,701  92% 
  iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,944  5,314  631 89% 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  11,069  11,040  29 100%  
  v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  1,810  3,558  -1,747  197%  
 2. Temporary 
Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,013  12,979  -3,965  144%  
  ii) Consulting  6,770  5,611  1,159  83% 
  iii) Panellists & Appellate 
Body Members Fees  1,506  1,816  -310 121%  
A Staffing Resources  Total  148,705  144,253  4,451  97%  
B Other Resources       
 3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 831 671 161 81% 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  10,681  11,066  -385 104%  
  iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  1,952  299 87% 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,829  -350 124%  
  v) Other / Miscellaneous  89 68 21 77% 
 4. Travel & 
Hospitality  i) Travel  7,135  6,950  186 97% 
  ii) Hospitality  216 197 19 91% 
 5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 234 -21 110%  
 6. Capital 
Expendi ture i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,430  1,443  -13 101%  
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 699 221 76% 
 7. Financial 
Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 192 -112 240%  
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  0 100%  
B Other Resources To tal  26,524  26,499  25 100%  
C Operating Funds and ITC       
 8. Contributions to 
ITC & Special 
Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,775  18,775  0 100%  
  ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  0 100%  
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 0 100%  
  iv) Building Renovation 
Fund 600 600 0 100%  
C Operating Funds and ITC Total  21,975  21,975  0 100%  
Grand Total   197,204  192,728  4,476  98%  
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  2.1.  For the end of the year 2016, the overall expenditure rate for the WTO Secretariat  and the 
Secretariat of the Appellate Body is estimated at 98 % of the total budget, thereby generating a 
saving of approximately  CHF 4.5 million . However, t he budgetary surplus is only one element of 
the final result of the exercise, being  the financial result . The biggest ele ment within the IPSAS 
adjustments which have to be deducted from the budgetary result, are the service costs for the 
ASHI and pension benefits . These are estimated by the external actuary at CHF 25 million  for the 
end of 2016 . The financial result is there fore estimated to result in  a deficit of approximately 
CHF 20.5 million . 
2.2.  In the following  sections , only the budgetary elements of the expected result will be 
explained.  
2.1  Part A - Staffing Resources  
2.3.  The forecast surplus under Staffing Resources is CHF  4,451 ,000. This budget chapter is 
composed of the Staff Expenditure and Temporary Assistance s ub-categories.  
2.1.1   Staff Expenditure  
2.4.  This part comprises the expenditure for regular staff including salary, pension, health 
insurance, death and invalidity insurance, sta ff benefits, as well as the allocation for short -term 
staff, consultants and panellists.  
2.5.  Under the Staff Remuneration  Line, the projected saving relate s to salaries for regular staff is 
largely due to an average vacancy rate of 46 posts between January and  June 2016. However, 
since then , recruitments have accelerated . From the beginning of the year until the end of August, 
a total of 5 1 posts have been filled . It is projected, that the  recruitment activity of 2016 will be 
close to that of 2015, whe n a total  of 75 posts were filled. The recruitment of new staff not only 
increases the expenditure for salaries, but also pension and health insurance contributions, family 
allowances, travel and removal expenditure and installation grant.  
Figure 1 Projected 2016 Budgetary Surplus by Budget Chapter  
(as a percentage of CHF  4.5 million ) 
 
 
2.6.  The figure  above  demonstrates that the savi ngs mainly result from unfilled va cancies . These 
will be filled i n the coming year s. 
2.7.  This projected saving is par tly offset by an overspending under Other Staff Expenditure, 
which is largely linked to the new recruitments and separations . This includes expenditure for 
travel and removal, installation grant, separation grant and terminations.  WT/BFA/W/402  
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  2.1.2   Temporary Assistance  
2.8.  The key driver of the forecast over -expenditure is the temporary staff appointed to work on 
dispute settlement ; and replacements for staff on leave without pay , maternity leave  and 
long-term sick leave.  
2.9.  Despite the budget having been increased by CHF 350,000 f or 2016, an overspend ing of 40% 
is expected  due to the increased use of the dispute settlement system, the greater complexity of 
the disputes, the longer engagement of the panellists and the adjustment of their daily fee . 
2.2  Part B - Other Resources  
2.10.   A small budgetary surplus, of CHF 25,000 is forecast for the "Other Resources" budget 
chapter . The variances that are +/ -10% from budget are explained below:  
2.2.1   General Services  
2.11.   Under Telecommunication and Post, a saving is expected from the postal expenditure, which 
is due to the signature of a contract with a new provider of postal services at the end of  the first 
quarter  of the year.  
2.12.   Under Energy & Supplies, the savings are mainly due to efficient utilisation of electricity . 
2.13.   Under Documentation & Publications, the p rojected over -expenditure  is largely because the 
library subscription s forecast expenditures for 2016 are higher than the budget, which was 
significantly revised downwards from 2015 and 2016.   
2.14.   Under Other/Miscellaneous, the saving is linked to a slightly lower expenditure on 
Membership fees to professional networks . 
2.2.2   Financial Expenditure  
2.15.   This section includes the reimbursement of the 50 -year interest -free loan for the new WTO 
premises of CHF 1,200,000 . The overspend ing derives from  bank charges  and negativ e interest 
charged by the WTO banks.  
2.3  Part C - Operating  Funds and ITC  
2.3.1   Contributions to ITC and Special Reserves  
2.16.   This item comprises the contribution to the International Trade Centre (ITC), which will be 
fully expensed at the end of the year . It also inclu des the annual replenishment of the Appellate 
Body Operating Fund (ABOF) , the Ministerial Operating Fund (MOF)  and the Building Renovation 
Fund (BRF) . 
3  PROJECTED MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 201 6 
Table 2 Budgeted and Projected Miscellaneous  Income 201 6 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Item  Budget ed 2016 
Miscellaneous Income  Project ed 2016  
Miscellaneous Income  
Contributions of Observer Countries  680 600 
Sale of Publications & Royalties  300 270 
Trust Fund – Overheads  180 180 
Refund of prior year' s expenditure  200 50 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space  120 120 
Other  224 484 
Total  1,704 1,704 
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  3.1.  Miscellaneous Income is expected to remain at the same level as originally projected . 
Contributions from Observers  will be less than budgeted  for, since two Observers became 
Member s during 2016 . The sale of publications is at a  lower  rate than at the same time last year, 
therefore the receipts have been slightly corrected downwards . The projection for refunds of prior 
year expenditures has been adjusted downwards  in recognition of the fact that the introduction of 
IPSAS  has changed the accounting method  for receipts and subsequently improved the estimates . 
The receipts under 'other' have been adjusted upwards, as a number of reimbursements from the 
sickne ss insurance  service provider  have been received for staff on long term sick leave.  
4  APPROVED BUDGET 2017 (UNREVISED)  
4.1.  In accordance with  the recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration (WT/BFA/ 151), the Director -General hereby pres ents the budget for the second 
year of the biennium 201 6-2017, the total of which is not revised . 
4.2.  The proposed consolidated budget for 201 7 of CHF 197,203,900  is comprised of an 
appropriation of CHF 189,624,000 for the WTO Secretariat and CHF 7,579,900  for the Secretariat 
of the Appellate Body . The allocation per part of the budget remained unchanged.  
4.3.  Table 3 below is a recollection  of the 201 7 Consolidated Budget approved  in 2015. WT/BFA/W/402  
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  Table 3 Consolidated WTO Budget 201 6 – 2017 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2016  2017  Inc/ 
Dec 
2017  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  90,482  90,482  0 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment Benefits  22,110  22,110  0 
  iii) Staff Health & 
Invalidity Insurance  5,944  5,944  0 
  iv) Staff Family & 
International Benefits  11,069  11,069  0 
  v) Other Staff 
Expenditure  1,810  1,810  0 
 1. Staff Expenditure Total   131,415  131,415  0 
 2. Temporary Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  9,013  9,013  0 
  ii) Consulting  6,770  6,770  0 
  iii) Panellists & Appellate 
Body Members Fees  1,506  1,506  0 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total  17,289  17,289  0 
A Staffing Resources Total   148,705  148,705  0 
B Other 
Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & 
Post 831 831 0 
  ii) Contractual Serv ices & 
Maintenance  10,681  10,681  0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies  2,251  2,251  0 
  iv) Documentation & 
Publication  1,479  1,479  0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous  89 89 0 
 3. General Services Total   15,331  15,331  0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  7,135  7,135  0 
  ii) Hospitality  216 216 0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total  7,351  7,351  0 
 5. Implementing Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 213 0 
 5. Implementing Partners Total  213 213 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed 
Assets  1,430  1,430  0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 920 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure Total  2,350  2,350  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest 
Charges  80 80 0 
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure Total  1,280  1,280  0 
B Other Reso urces Total   26,524  26,524  0 
C Operating 
Funds and ITC  8. Contributions to ITC & 
Special Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,775  18,775  0 
  ii) Appellate Body 
Operating Fund  2,000  2,000  0 
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 0 
  iv) Buil ding Renovation 
Fund 600 600 0 
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  21,975  21,975  0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   21,975  21,975  0 
Grand Total   197,204  197,204  0 
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  4.1  WTO Secretariat  
4.4.  Table 4 shows the main variations in the 2016 and 2017  budgets as were approved in 2015 . 
The differences between the years  are all in Part A (Staffing Resources) and reflect a shift of 
resources from the WTO Secretariat to the Secretariat of the Appellate Body.  
Table 4 Budget for the WTO Secretariat 201 6 - 2017 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2016  2017  Inc/ 
Dec 
2017  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  87,221  87,157  -65 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment Benefits  21,400  21,380  -20 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  5,770  5,765  -5 
  iv) Staff Family & International 
Benefits  10,773  10,773  0 
  v) Other Staff Expenditure  1,767  1,767  0 
 1. Staff Expenditure 
Total  126,931  126,842  -89 
 2. Temporary Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  8,958  8,958 0 
  ii) Consulting  6,745  6,745  0 
  iii) Panellists  715 715 0 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total  16,418  16,418  0 
A Staffing Resources Total   143,349  143,260  -89 
B Other 
Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommunication & Post  822 822 0 
  ii) Contractu al Services & 
Maintenance  10,663  10,663  0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies  2,231  2,231  0 
  iv) Documentation & Publication  1,469  1,469  0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous  87 87 0 
 3. General Services Total   15,271  15,271  0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  7,085  7,085 0 
  ii) Hospitality  215 215 0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total  7,300  7,300  0 
 5. Implementing 
Partners  i) Implementing Partners  213 213 0 
 5. Implementing Partners Total  213 213 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed Assets  1,405  1,405  0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  920 920 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure Total  2,325  2,325  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure  i) Bank & Interest Charges  80 80 0 
  ii) Building Loan 
Reimbursement  1,200  1,200  0 
 7. Financial Expenditure Total  1,280  1,280  0 
B Oth er Resources Total   26,388  26,388  0 
C Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions to ITC & 
Special Reserves  i) Contribution to ITC  18,775  18,775  0 
  iii) Ministerial Conference 
Operating Fund  600 600 0 
  iv) Building Renovation Fund  600 600 0 
 8. Contribu tions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  19,975  19,975  0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   19,975  19,975  0 
Grand Total   189,713  189,624  -89 
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/402  
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  4.1.1   Part A - Staffing Resources  
4.5.  Part A of the budget comprises all expenditure linked to the salaries of regular, fixe d-term, 
temporary staff and  consultants.  
4.1.1.1   Staff Expenditure  
4.6.  Between  2015 and 2016, the budgetary allocation for additional posts  in the Appellate Body  
was shifted from the WTO to the Appellate Body Secretariat, in order to provide more resources 
for the dis pute settlement area . In 2017, CHF 65,000  under Staff Remuneration  is transferred to 
the Appellate Body Secretariat in order to provide for the Performance Appraisal System 
(WT/GC/M/80) according to the established methodology (WT/GC/M/63).  
4.7.  Corresponding c hanges emanating from the movement of the posts were reflected u nder 
Pension  & Post -Employment Benefits and Staff Health and Invalidity, respectively.  
4.8.  No changes  have been made to the remaining parts of the budget for the WTO Secretariat.  WT/BFA/W/402  
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  4.2  Appellate Body S ecretariat  
Table 5 Budget for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 201 6 – 2017 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Part Section  Line 2016  2017  Inc/ 
Dec 
2017  
A Staffing 
Resources  1. Staff Expenditure  i) Staff Remuneration  3,261  3,326  65 
  ii) Staff Pension & 
Post-Employment Benefits  710 730 20 
  iii) Staff Health & Invalidity 
Insurance  174 179 5 
  iv) Staff Family & International 
Benefits  296 296 0 
  v) Other Staff Expenditure  43 43 0 
 1. Staff Expenditure Total   4,484  4,573  89 
 2. Temporary Assistance  i) Short -Term Staff  55 55 0 
  ii) Consulting  25 25 0 
  iii) Appellate Body Member Fees  791 791 0 
 2. Temporary Assistance Total  871 871 0 
A Staffing Resources Total   5,355  5,444  89 
B Other 
Resources  3. General Services  i) Telecommun ication & Post  10 10 0 
  ii) Contractual Services & 
Maintenance  18 18 0 
  iii) Energy & Supplies  20 20 0 
  iv) Documentation & Publication  10 10 0 
  v) Other / Miscellaneous  2 2 0 
 3. General Services Total   60 60 0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality  i) Travel  50 50 0 
  ii) Hospitality  1 1 0 
 4. Travel & Hospitality Total  51 51 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure  i) Procurement of Fixed Assets  25 25 0 
  ii) Rental & Leasing of 
Equipment  0 0 0 
 6. Capital Expenditure Total  25 25 0 
B Other Resources Total   136 136 0 
C Operating 
Funds and 
ITC 8. Contributions to ITC & 
Special Reserves  ii) Appellate Body Operating 
Fund 2,000  2,000  0 
 8. Contributions to ITC & Special Reserves Total  2,000  2,000  0 
C Operating Funds and ITC Total   2,000  2,000  0 
Grand Total   7,491  7,580  89 
 
4.2.1   Part A - Staffing  Resources  
4.9.  Part A of the budget of the Appellate Body comprises the same elements as mentioned for 
the WTO Secretariat above, i.e. all elements linked to the salaries of regular, fixed term, 
temporary staff and Appellate Body Members . 
4.10.   As explained under item 4.1.1.1  4.1.1.1   above , the difference between the budget 2016 
and 2017 relates to the shift of the funding for the additional posts from the WTO Secretariat to 
the Secr etariat of the Appellate Body.  WT/BFA/W/402  
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  5  BUDGET PER OUTPUT CHAPTER  
5.1  Background  
5.1.  Members may recall that t he projection of the budget by O utputs was introduced with the 
budget for the biennium 2016 – 2017. This led to the presentation of expenditure by an addition al 
dimension, the reporting by O utput.  
5.2  Mid-term Review by Output Chapter  
Table 6  Budget 2016  by Output C hapter  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Output Chapter  Budget 2016  % of total  
1 Facilitating Negotiations  10,604  5% 
2 Administering Agr eed WTO Rules  44,000  22% 
3 Monitoring Trade Policies  26,000  13% 
4 Settling Disputes  34,000  17% 
5 Capacity building  42,000  21% 
6 Assisting Accessions  9,000  5% 
7 Conducting Research  16,600  8% 
8 Reaching out  15,000  8% 
Grand Total  197,204  100%  
 
5.2.  Relati ve to the figures collected in 2015, the Budget Proposals are slightly revised for the 
year 2017.  
Table 7 Revised Budget 2017 by Output Chapter  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
Output Chapters  Budget 2016  Original 
Budget 2017  Revised 
Budg et 2017  Difference  
Original 
Budget  
versus Revised  
Budget 2017  
1 Facilitating Negotiations  10,604  10,600  10,600  0 
2 Administering Agreed WTO Rules  44,000  45,000  45,000  0 
3 Monitoring Trade Policies  26,000  26,000  26,000  0 
4 Settling Disputes  34,000  35,00 0 35,000  0 
5 Capacity building  42,000  42,000  42,000  0 
6 Assisting Accessions  9,000  8,000  7,000  -1,000  
7 Conducting Research  16,600  16,000  17,000  1,000  
8 Reaching out  15,000  14,604  14,604  0 
Grand Total  197,204  197,204  197,204  0 
 
5.2.1   Facilitating  Negotiat ions 
5.3.  This O utput chapter includes committees and negotiating groups related to the Doha 
Development Agenda Negotiations such as the Trade Negotiations Committee and other 
negotiating bodies . It is estimated that the expenditure will amount to CHF  10.6 million for 2017 . 
5.2.2   Administering  Agreed WTO Rules  
5.4.  This O utput chapter includes the Ministerial Conference, all committees related to the General 
Council and its Bodies, committees related to the Council for Trade in Goods and its Bodies, 
Committees related to t he Council for Trade in Services and its bodies, and the Council for 
Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property . The expenditure is estimated at CHF 44 million for 
2016 and at CHF 45 million for 2017, as 2017 will be a Ministerial year.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 14 - 
  5.2.3   Monitoring  Trade Policies  
5.5.  This O utput chapter mainly comprises all expenditure related to the WTO Trade Policy Review 
Body, Trade Policy Reviews and Trade Policy Monitoring . The expenditure is expected to amount to 
CHF 26 million for 2017 . 
5.2.4   Settling  Disputes  
5.6.  This O utput c hapter includes the Dispute Settlement Body, as well as pre -dispute activities, 
panels, appeals and arbitrations . The expenditure is projected at CHF  34 million for 2016 and 
CHF 35 million for 2017 . 
5.2.5   Capacity Building  
5.7.  This O utput chapter comprises all activ ity related to capacity building courses and training, 
the Aid for Trade work programme and the contribution to the International Trade Centre (ITC) . 
The expenditure is estimated at CHF  42 million for each year of the biennium .  
5.2.6   Assisting  Accessions  
5.8.  This O utput chapter includes all activities related to the support of accessions . This chapter 
has been revised downwards for 2017, as the pa ce of accessions in 2017 is anticipated to be of a 
lower level than in 2016 . 
5.2.7   Conducting  Research  
5.9.  During 2017, increased r esources will be allocated to conducting research to provide  a better 
understanding of the forces behind the slowing growth of trade relative to GDP ; the role of WTO 
commitments in influencing trade and economic growth ; the continuing evolution of trade co sts; 
improving measurement of developments in the role of global value chains (GVCs)  and Trade in 
Value Added (TiVA) in economic integration ; further analysis and data development on 
E-commerce and its impact on trade and economic growth ; and developing sc enarios for the 
potential evolution of trade and economic growth in the future.   
5.10.   The work on the relationship between trade and growth is critical given the simultaneous 
slowdown of both trade and economic growth and will consist of deeper analysis of the role of 
investment, consumption, policy reforms and protectionism as explanator y factors in the 
relationship. The WTO will host a series of high level Policy Panels with invited academics with 
deep expertise on these issues , and expand coherence work with the World Bank, International 
Monetary Fund, International Labour Organization, UNCTAD and OECD, among others. Regular 
reporting will be made to WTO  Members .  
5.2.8   Reaching  Out 
5.11.   This O utput chapter includes all outreach activities of the WTO, such as general pre ss 
relations, general outreach to Members and the private sector, key outreach events such as the 
Public Forum and the Open Day and work undertaken jointly with other international organizations .  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 15 - 
  6  INCOME FOR 201 7 
6.1.  The total 201 7 budget amount s to CHF 197,20 3,900, comprised of  CHF 189,624,000  for the 
WTO Secretariat and CHF  7,579,900  for the Secretariat of the Appellate Body . This  is to be 
financed as follows:  
Table 8 Financing of Budget 201 6 – 2017 
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Income  Budget 201 6 Budget 201 7 Inc/Dec 
2017 
Contributions from WTO Members  195,500  195,500  0 
Miscellaneous Income  1,704  1,704  0 
Total  197,204  197,204  0 
6.2.  Miscellaneous Income is comprised of the following:  
Table 9  Estimated Miscellaneous Income  2017  
(in thousand  Swiss Francs)  
Item  Initial Budget  Revised  Budget  Incr/Decr 2017  
Contributions of Observer Countries  650 600 -50 
Sale of Publications & Royalties  300 270 -30 
Trust Fund - Overheads  180 180 0 
Refund of prior year's expenditure  200 100 -100 
Rental of meeting rooms & office space  120 120 0 
Other  254 434 180 
Total  1,704  1,704  0 
 
6.3.  Miscellaneous Income for 2017 remains at the same level as initially  projected, with slight 
revisions under some sub -categories . The contributions of Obs ervers are revised downwards, as 
two Observers became Member s in 2016 . The sales of Publications are also revised downwards, as 
receipts are coming in more slowly  and estimates have improved since the implementation of 
IPSAS . The receipts under 'Other' are  adjusted upwards, as more funds are expected  to be 
received under this item, such as the reimbursement for staff on long term sick leave from the 
insurance.  
7  SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 201 7 
7.1.  The amount to be assessed on Members for contribution to the 2016 budget remains 
unchanged at CHF 195,500, 000. The 201 7 assessments are based on the up -dated trade statistics 
as foreseen in Regulation 12 of the Financial Regulations of the WTO.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 16 - 
  Table 10 Scale of Contributions for 201 7 
(in Swiss F rancs  with a minimum contribution of 0.015 %) 
Member  2016  
Contribution  
CHF 2016  
Contribution  
% 2017  
Contribution  
CHF 20173 
Contribution  
% 
Afghanistan   -  - 48,875  0.025%  
Albania  48,875  0.025%  44,965  0.023%  
Angola  504,390  0.258%  496,570  0.254%  
Antigua a nd Barbuda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Argentina  805,460  0.412%  780,045  0.399%  
Armenia  33,235  0.017%  35,190  0.018%  
Australia  2,772,190  1.418%  2,754,595  1.409%  
Austria  2,046,885  1.047%  1,978,460  1.012%  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  170,085  0.087%  168,130  0.086%  
Bangladesh  287,385  0.147%  297,160  0.152%  
Barbados  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Belgium  3,884,585  1.987%  3,800,520  1.944%  
Belize  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Benin  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  86,020  0.044%  93,840  0.048%  
Botswana  64,515  0.033%  72,335  0.037%  
Brazil  2,568,870  1.314%  2,586,465  1.323%  
Brunei Darussalam  72,335  0.037%  80,155  0.041%  
Bulgaria  318,665  0.163%  316,710  0.162%  
Burkina Faso  29,325  0.015%  31,280  0.016%  
Burundi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cabo Verde  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Cambodia  82,110  0.042%  86,020  0.044%  
Cameroon  70,380  0.036%  64,515  0.033%  
Canada  5,069,315  2.593%  5,022,395  2.569%  
Central African Republic  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Chad 48,875  0.025%  44,965  0.023%  
Chile 791,775  0.405%  787,865  0.403%  
China  17,927,350  9.170%  18,756,270  9.594%  
Colombia  561,085  0.287%  576,725  0.295%  
Congo  89,930  0.046%  91,885  0.047%  
Costa Rica  132,940  0.068%  142,715  0.073%  
Côte d'Ivoire  101,660  0.052%  105,570  0.054%  
Croatia  240,465  0.123%  224,825  0.115% 
Cuba 148,580  0.076%  146,625  0.075%  
Cyprus  107,525  0.055%  119,255  0.061%  
Czech Republic  1,407,600  0.720%  1,397,825  0.715%  
Democratic Republic of the Congo  93,840  0.048%  103,615  0.053%  
Denmark  1,567,910  0.802%  1,515,125  0.775%  
Djibouti  29,325  0.015 % 29,325  0.015%  
Dominica  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Dominican Republic  156,400  0.080%  154,445  0.079%  
Ecuador  234,600  0.120%  240,465  0.123%  
Egypt  541,535  0.277%  510,255  0.261%  
El Salvador  76,245  0.039%  74,290  0.038%  
Estonia  175,950  0.090%  179,860  0.092% 
                                                
3 Due to the fact that the WTO banks introduced negative interest rates in 2015 , no interest was earned 
in 2015. Therefore, no adjustments are made to the 2017 contributions due from any Member.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 17 - 
  Member  2016  
Contribution  
CHF 2016  
Contribution  
% 2017  
Contribution  
CHF 20173 
Contribution  
% 
European Union4 0 0.000%  0 0.000%  
Fiji 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Finland  983,365  0.503%  944,265  0.483%  
France  7,606,905  3.891%  7,470,055  3.821%  
Gabon  64,515  0.033%  68,425  0.035%  
The Gambia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Georgia  62,560  0.032%  64,515 0.033%  
Germany  14,805,215  7.573%  14,294,960  7.312%  
Ghana  148,580  0.076%  152,490  0.078%  
Greece  692,070  0.354%  672,520  0.344%  
Grenada  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guatemala  138,805  0.071%  140,760  0.072%  
Guinea  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guinea -Bissau 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Guyana  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Haiti 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Honduras  78,200  0.040%  76,245  0.039%  
Hong Kong, China  5,126,010  2.622%  5,157,290  2.638%  
Hungary  1,067,430  0.546%  1,030,285  0.527%  
Iceland  60,605  0.031 % 60,605  0.031%  
India 4,371,380  2.236%  4,463,265  2.283%  
Indonesia  1,788,825  0.915%  1,800,555  0.921%  
Ireland  1,955,000  1.000%  1,955,000  1.000%  
Israel  832,830  0.426%  832,830  0.426%  
Italy 5,677,320  2.904%  5,436,855  2.781%  
Jamaica  56,695  0.029%  52,785  0.027%  
Japan  8,476,880  4.336%  8,345,895  4.269%  
Jordan  164,220  0.084%  164,220  0.084%  
Kazakhstan  631,465  0.323%  639,285  0.327%  
Kenya  111,435  0.057%  121,210  0.062%  
Korea, Republic of  5,890,415  3.013%  5,947,110  3.042%  
Kuwait, the State of  682,295  0.349%  694,025  0.355%  
Kyrgyz Republic  37,145  0.019%  39,100  0.020%  
Lao People's Democratic Republic  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Latvia  152,490  0.078%  156,400  0.080%  
Lesotho  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Liberia   - - 29,325  0.015%  
Liechtenstein  60,605  0.031%  62,560 0.032%  
Lithuania  301,070  0.154%  310,845  0.159%  
Luxembourg  789,820  0.404%  848,470  0.434%  
Macao, China  277,610  0.142%  303,025  0.155%  
Madagascar  31,280  0.016%  29,325  0.015%  
Malawi  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Malaysia  2,191,555  1.121%  2,084,030  1.066%  
Maldives  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Mali 31,280  0.016%  29,325  0.015%  
Malta  103,615  0.053%  125,120  0.064%  
Mauritania  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Mauritius  60,605  0.031%  58,650  0.030%  
Mexico  3,436,890  1.758%  3,503,360  1.792%  
Moldova, Republic of  37,145 0.019%  37,145  0.019%  
                                                
4 The European Union is not subject to contributions. However, its 28 members are assessed 
individually. The total share of members of the E uropean Union represents 34.04 % of the total assessed 
contributions for 2017.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 18 - 
  Member  2016  
Contribution  
CHF 2016  
Contribution  
% 2017  
Contribution  
CHF 20173 
Contribution  
% 
Mongolia  50,830  0.026%  54,740  0.028%  
Montenegro  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Morocco  355,810  0.182%  351,900  0.180%  
Mozambique  58,650  0.030%  62,560  0.032%  
Myanmar  82,110  0.042%  91,885  0.047%  
Namibia  56,695  0.029%  56,695  0.029%  
Nepal  39,100  0.020%  41,055  0.021%  
Netherlands  5,671,455  2.901%  5,821,990  2.978%  
New Zealand  443,785  0.227%  451,605  0.231%  
Nicaragua  48,875  0.025%  48,875  0.025%  
Niger  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Nigeria  752,675  0.385%  785,910  0.402%  
Norway  1,569,865  0.803%  1,530,765  0.783%  
Oman  377,315  0.193%  391,000  0.200%  
Pakistan  344,080  0.176%  340,170  0.174%  
Panama  236,555  0.121%  254,150  0.130%  
Papua New Guinea  54,740  0.028%  64,515  0.033%  
Paraguay  111,435  0.057%  113,390  0.058%  
Peru 412,505  0.211%  416,415  0.213% 
Philippines  652,970  0.334%  660,790  0.338%  
Poland  2,103,580  1.076%  2,107,490  1.078%  
Portugal  823,055  0.421%  793,730  0.406%  
Qatar  735,080  0.376%  791,775  0.405%  
Romania  660,790  0.338%  666,655  0.341%  
Russian Federation  4,379,200  2.240%  4,418,300  2.260% 
Rwanda  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Kitts and Nevis  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Lucia  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Samoa  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  2,449,615  1.253%  2,490,670  1.274%  
Senegal  44,965  0.023%  43,010  0.022%  
Seychelles  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sierra Leone  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Singapore  4,703,730  2.406%  4,723,280  2.416%  
Slovak Republic  778,090  0.398%  764,405  0.391%  
Slovenia  318,665 0.163%  308,890  0.158%  
Solomon Islands  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
South Africa  1,069,385  0.547%  1,051,790  0.538%  
Spain  4,078,130  2.086%  3,800,520  1.944%  
Sri Lanka  152,490  0.078%  158,355  0.081%  
Suriname  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Swaziland  29,32 5 0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Sweden  2,183,735  1.117%  2,142,680  1.096%  
Switzerland  3,460,350  1.770%  3,554,190  1.818%  
Chinese Taipei  2,991,150  1.530%  3,000,925  1.535%  
Tajikistan  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tanzania  89,930  0.046%  91,885  0.047%  
Thailand  2,359, 685 1.207%  2,367,505  1.211%  
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  52,785  0.027%  52,785  0.027%  
Togo 29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Tonga  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Trinidad and Tobago  121,210  0.062%  115,345  0.059%  
Tunisia  226,780  0.116%  217,005  0.111 % WT/BFA/W/402  
- 19 - 
  Member  2016  
Contribution  
CHF 2016  
Contribution  
% 2017  
Contribution  
CHF 20173 
Contribution  
% 
Turkey  1,968,685  1.007%  1,998,010  1.022%  
Uganda  54,740  0.028%  54,740  0.028%  
Ukraine  782,000  0.400%  746,810  0.382%  
United Arab Emirates  2,699,855  1.381%  2,774,145  1.419%  
United Kingdom  7,446,595  3.809%  7,366,440  3.768%  
United States of America  21,97 4,200  11.240%  21,968,335  11.237%  
Uruguay  117,300  0.060%  119,255  0.061%  
Vanuatu  29,325  0.015%  29,325  0.015%  
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  711,620  0.364%  705,755  0.361%  
Viet Nam  1,024,420  0.524%  1,114,350  0.570%  
Yemen  101,660  0.052%  99,705  0.051%  
Zambia  78,200  0.040%  86,020  0.044%  
Zimbabwe  50,830  0.026%  48,875  0.025%  
TOTAL  195,500,000  100.000%  195,500,000  100.000%  
 WT/BFA/W/402  
- 20 - 
  8  KEY ACTIVITY AND BUDGETARY INDICATORS  
8.1.  The following graphs show the evolution of several key areas of WTO activities financed under 
the regular budget.  
8.1  Translation and Documentation  since 1997  
Figure 2 Number of Words in Original Language for T ranslation  1997 -2016  
(January - August)  
(in 1,000 words)  
 
8.2  Meetings  since 1997  
Figure 3 Number  of formal, informal and private meetings  1997 -2016 
(January - August)  
 WT/BFA/W/402  
- 21 - 
  Figure 4 Days of freelance interpreters  1997 -2016  
(January - August)  
 WT/BFA/W/402  
- 22 - 
  8.3  Dispute Settlement Panels  since 1997  
Figure 5 Dispute Settlem ent Panels Expenditure 1997 -2016 (per Year)  
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
 
 
*  Estimate based on actual expenditure of 31/08/2016.  
 
8.2.  In the area of Dispute Settlement , the Director -General allocated 29 additional posts to the 
three dispute settlement division s between 2015 and 2016 by transferring posts from other 
divisions.  
8.3.  The number of active disputes continues to rise . This high level of activity has led to queues 
of unstaffed panels . Through increasing the number of staff members in both the Rules and Leg al 
Affairs Divisions, and also through collaboration between both divisions in sharing the workload, all 
of the panels in the queue as of October  2015 had been staffed by April 2016 in accordance with 
the Director -General's announcement to Members.  
8.4.  Neverth eless, the continuing establishment and composition of panels over the past year has 
resulted in a slight delay . Currently, there are 17 active panels, with four composed panels 
awaiting staff to assist them and seven  panels at the composition stage . Moreover, eleven  
requests for consultations have already been filed in 2016, whereas a total of 13 such requests 
were filed in all of 2013 . Additionally, t hese consultation requests show the increasing complexity 
of disputes, both in terms of legal issues and p olitical sensitivity.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 23 - 
  Figure 6 Appellate Body Variable Expenditure  per Year 1997 -2016 (ABOF)   
(in thousand Swiss Francs)  
 
8.5.  The variable cost of appeals charged to the Appellate Body Operating Fund (ABOF) mainly 
includes the variabl e fees for the Appellate Body Members as well as expenditure for travel and per 
diem.  
8.6.  The dispute settlement activity related to appeals remains at a very high level in 2016. As at 
October 2016, six appeals have been completed; two appeals and one arbitrat ion are pending; and 
two additional appeals are scheduled before the end of the year. This increased activity will tie up 
the Appellate Body Secretariat staff for exceptionally long time periods, which, in turn, will reduce 
the capacity to staff other appe als in parallel . Figure 6, sho ws that e xpenditure of the Appellate 
Body Operating Fund is expected to be at similarly high levels as in 2011 -12, when there was a 
peak in this area . WT/BFA/W/402  
- 24 - 
  8.4  Budgetary  Evolution  since  1995  
Table 11 Budgetary Evolution 1995 -2017 
(in Swiss Francs)  
Year Appropriation in CHF  Total  % Increase  
WTO  Appellate Body  Budget  
1995 105,389,500  0 105,389,500   
1996 115,693,503  0 115,693,503  9.78%  
1997 114,111,750  1,581,000  115,692,750  0.00%  
1998 114,399,250  1,579,600  115,978,850  0.25%  
1999 120,204,500  1,990,950  122,195,450  5.36%  
2000 125,386,460  2,310,550  127,697,010  4.50%  
2001 131,305,610  2,778,000  134,083,610  5.00%  
2002 140,313,850  2,816,000  143,129,850  6.75%  
2003 151,983,150  2,971,200  154,954,350  8.26%  
2004 157,060,700  4,715,800  161,776,500  4.40%  
2005 164,131,000  4,572,400  168,703,400  4.28%  
2006 170,274,150  4,726,000  175,000,150  3.73%  
2007 176,865,250  5,111,200  181,976,450  3.99%  
2008 180,483,300  4,408,200  184,891,500  1.60%  
2009 183,744,100  5,513,500  189,2 57,600  2.36%  
2010 188,483,400  5,506,100  193,989,500  2.50%  
2011 190,381,300  5,622,600  196,003,900  1.04%  
2012 189,962,500  6,041,400  196,003,900  0.00%  
2013 191,099,300  6,104,600  197,203,900  0.61%  
2014 190,899,300  6,304,600  197,203,900  0.00%  
2015 190,699 ,300 6,504,600  197,203,900  0.00%  
2016 189,713,000  7,490,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
2017 189,624,000  7,579,900  197,203,900  0.00%  
 
8.5  Evolution of Assessed Contributions  since 1995  
Figure 7 Evolution of Assessed Contributions 1995 -2017 
(in million CHF)  
 WT/BFA/W/402  
- 25 - 
  8.6  Regular Post Evolution since 1995  
Table 12 Regular Post  Evolution 1995 -2017 
Year Regular Posts  New Consolidations  Total  % change  WTO  AB WTO  AB 
1995 445 0 0   445  
1996 513 0 68   513 15.3%  
1997 507 6 0   513 0.0%  
1998 507 6 0   513 0.0%  
1999 524 9 17 3  533 3.9%  
2000 530 9 6 0  539 1.1%  
2001 539 13 9 4  552 2.4%  
2002 547 13 8 0  560 1.4%  
2003 577 13 6 0 24 590 5.4%  
2004 594 14 1 1 16 608 3.1%  
2005 593.5  15 -5.5 1 5 608.5  0.1%  
2006 620.5  15 3 0 24 635.5 4.4%  
2007 622.5  15 2   637.5  0.3%  
2008 624.5  15 2   639.5  0.3%  
2009 624.5  15 0   639.5  0.0%  
2010 626.5  15 2   641.5  0.3%  
2011 630.5  15 4   645.5  0.6%  
2012 631.5  17 1 2  648.5  0.5%  
2013 630.5  15  -1  -2  645.5  -0.5%  
2014 627.5  18 -3 3  645.5  0.0%  
2015 627.5  18    645.5  0.0%  
2016 620.5  25 -7 7  645.5  0.0%  
2017 620.5  25    645.5  0.0%  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 26 - 
  8.7  Regular Posts  by Division  
Table 13 Regular Posts  per Division  September 2016  
(in work -years, as at 1  September  2016)  
Secretariat  Division  Grades 
1 - 10 Grades 
11 - 12 Senior 
Management  Grand 
Total  
 WTO Accessions Division  7.8 1 0 8.8 
 Administration and General Services 
Division  66.4 1 0 67.4 
 Agriculture and Commodities Division  18 1 0 19 
 Office of the Director -General  21 1 5 27 
 Counc il and TNC Division  13 1 0 14 
 Development Division  18.8 1 0 19.8 
 Economic Research and Statistics Division  37.6 2 0 39.6 
 Human Resources Division  22.2 1 0 23.2 
 Legal Affairs Division  28 2 0 30 
 Market Access Division  16.8 1 0 17.8 
 Rules Division  25.6 1 0 26.6 
 Trade and Environment Division  11 1 0 12 
 Trade Policies Review Division  49.9 2 0 51.9 
 Information and External Relations 
Division  28.8 1 0 29.8 
 Languages, Documentation and 
Information Management Division  122.8  1 0 123.8  
 Informatio n Technology Solutions Division  40.8 1 0 41.8 
 Staff Counsellor  1 0 0 1 
 Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation  34.1 1 0 35.1 
 Office of Internal Oversight  2 0 0 2 
 Intellectual Property, Government 
Procurement and Competition Division  15.1 1 0 16.1 
 Trade in Services and Investment Division  15.8 1 0 16.8 
Sub-total   596.5  22 5 623.5  
 Appellate Body Secretariat  21 1 0 225 
Grand Total  617.5  23 5 645.5  
 
8.8  Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2016  
Table 14 Filling of Vacancies 2014 -2016  
(number of posts)  
Year 2014  2015  2016  Grand 
Total  
Recruitments through vacancy announcements (external and internal)  36.8 74.7 50.8*  162.3  
Projection of posts to be filled until year -end   20 20 
Grand Total  36.8 74.7 70.8 182.3  
*  Situation as at  1st September  2016. 
 
8.7.  Since the year 2014, recruitments have accelerated significantly . The number of posts filled 
in 2015 compared to 2014 grew almost two fold . As the Organization is getting older, a high 
number of separations can be observed . However th e efficiency gains , which have been achieved 
in the recruitment process , lead to a much faster filling of posts . Therefore , no major savings are 
expected for future years  under vacant posts . 
                                                
5 Three additional posts to be transferred until year -end from the WTO Secretariat to the Appellate Body 
Secretariat.  WT/BFA/W/402  
- 27 - 
  9  OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS  
9.1.  Another major topic for considerat ion in the WTO for the near future relates to the After 
Service Health Insurance  (ASHI) Liability . A first Working Group on ASHI made the 
recommendation that the cost of ASHI should be recognized in the budget of the WTO . A second 
Working Group together wi th the Secretariat is currently developing a strategy on how to tackle 
the service cost and the interest cost linked to ASHI . It is likely that the recommendation of the 
Working Group will have consistent budgetary implications for the WTO in the following  years.  
9.2.  With regard to the Building Renovation Fund, the Secretariat will need to put aside additional 
funds over the following years . The annual budgetary allocations are in sufficient to reach the 
necessary minimum required amount to be accumulated over a  period of ten years in order to take 
care of the necessary renovations which statistically occur over that period.  
 
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