WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/COMTD/W/139 
19 April 2005 
 (05-1599) 
Committee on Trade and Development  
  
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON TRAINING AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION 
(1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2004) 
 
Note by the Secretariat
 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. Following the establishment of the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), 
March 2003, a new approach to the planning an d execution of WTO's technical assistance and 
training activities was developed.  The year 2004 thus was the first year during which the new 
approach, as contained in the TA Plan 2004 (W T/COMTD/W/119/Rev.3 and Add.1), was put into 
effect.  Following the preparation of the TA Plan  in the summer of 2003, it was extensively discussed 
in the Committee on Trade and Development in th e Fall of 2003.  While the go-ahead for the 
implementation of the Plan was given in December 2003, with the exception of one aspect of the Plan, 
i.e. venue for the Regional Trade Policy Courses to be  held for French-speakin g Africa, the Plan was 
finally adopted in February 2004, following agre ement on this one outstanding issue.  The late 
adoption of the Plan marginally affected the impl ementation rate for the year which, nevertheless, 
turned out to be very high. 
2. This report provides an overview of the WTO Secretariat's Training and Technical 
Cooperation activities undertaken durin g the year 2004.  It complements information provided in the 
quarterly reports submitted to members on all activities carried out in the course of the year.  It 
contains factual information on the activities that ha ve taken place, the number of officials that have 
been trained (participant/days) in  various events, as well as on the geographical/regional distribution 
of activities.  It also provides some more sp ecific qualitative information on the conduct of the 
activities themselves. 
3. In parallel with the implementation of the Plan, a series of informal consultations took place 
between the Secretariat, beneficiaries and donors to discuss issues relating to the Plan.  As the report 
will show, the outcome of these discussions was ta ken into account in the delivery of activities and 
has proven to be very valuable in enhancing th e understanding of the various products available for 
Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA), as well  as in implementing the Plan.  This process has 
been of critical importance in designing the TA  Plan for 2005, with guidance provided through the 
mid-term review process, which was concluded in the summer 2004.  
4. In the new approach to the delivery of training and technical cooperation, the TA Plan lists a 
number of key features, which have been integrated  in the so-called "product" based approach.  These 
features are enumerated in paragraph 7 of the Plan; technical assistance should be:  
• quality-oriented;  
• product-based;  
• development-oriented;  
• impact- and results-oriented, in  other words, leave a trace;  
• geographically balanced;  WT/COMTD/W/139 
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 • broad and deep in coverage;  
• simple and flexible; and  
• designed to build and strengthen stra tegic partnerships and coherence. 
 
5. In designing the Secretariat's TRTA activities,  these features were fully taken into account, 
and are considered the key elements in building long-lasting human and institutional capacity.  The 
products have, as much as possible, been tailored to  the needs of the recipients.  Countries have been 
invited, in writing, to submit requests for national technical assistance to the Secretariat directly, at 
any time during the year.  In other words, in th e new approach, countries can make their requests 
when the need arises, rather than a year in advance.  Also, as a rule of thumb, developing countries are 
entitled to two national activities, Least-Developed C ountries (LDCs) to three.  This limitation was 
introduced in light of the scarce human resources in the Secretariat and the experience that there is a 
natural limit to the number of TRTA activities that can be undertaken in any given year.  
6. The Secretariat was pro-active and addressed all regional groupings to explain the new 
features of the TA Plan and beneficiaries' entitlement s, and to draw their attention to how technical 
assistance can be requested.  The regional desks in  the Institute continued to interact with 
beneficiaries, to ensure that the proposed TRTA w ould meet the countries' requirements.  They acted 
as liaison officers between the line Divisions in the S ecretariat and the beneficiary to ensure that the 
right terms and conditions for successful TRTA were set.  Those countries that were not using their 
rights were contacted, to explore whether they woul d have any particular need for assistance.  TRTA 
also featured prominently on the agenda of the Gene va Week, in order to alert Non-Residents to the 
possibilities of benefiting from WTO Programmes.  Fina lly, in order to monitor the quality of the 
products and to ensure that the needs of the bene ficiaries are best catered  for, the activities are 
assessed through the Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs),  which are systematically analyzed by the 
Audit Unit, leading to follow-up recommendation. 
7. Following the adoption of the July package in August 2004, some of the emphasis in the 
delivery of thematic technical assistance and training  was shifted from those issues that were taken off 
the negotiating agenda (Trade and Investment a nd  Competition Policy), as well as transparency 
provisions in Government Procur ement), thus providing more scope  to focus on all other issues 
included in the agenda. 
8. To the extent possible, the structure of this report follows the structure of the Plan itself, 
although in some cases it seemed more logical  to group various categories of products. 
II. A BROAD OVERVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN 
9. Before turning to a review of the products and the delivery of activities per se , a broad 
overview of activities undertaken will be provide d.  In 2004, a total of 501 activities were 
implemented, involving over 1,000 staff.  This number comprises activities of significantly different 
durations, varying between one day and 12 weeks, and involving as little as one staff member or as 
many as over a dozen for the longer Courses.  It w as for this reason that the notion of "participant 
days" was introduced, which gives an appropria te weight to each activity when measuring 
implementation.  In 2004, the total number of  participant days amounted to 28,360, which 
corresponds to some 90 per cent of the total of anticipated participant days in the TA Plan. 
10. As to the objective of maintaining a regional balance in the distribution of the technical 
assistance activities (cf Table 1) the majority of  activities were held in Africa (178), representing 
some 36 per cent of WTO's TRTA, followed by Asia and Pacific (118), representing nearly one quarter of all activities.  A total of 53 activities we re held for Latin America, 40 for CEECAC, 35 for 
the Arab and the Middle East and 20 for the Caribbean.  A total of 57 activities were Geneva-based.  
While the LDCs are not listed separately, it should be noted that out of all (501) activities, LDCs have  WT/COMTD/W/139 
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 been associated with a total of 204 activities, whic h represents some 40 per cent of all TRTA.  This 
includes national activities held in LDCs as well  as regional seminars, Workshops and training 
activities to which LDCs were invited.  
11. In terms of national vs. regional activities, it can  be observed that a total of 224 activities were 
held at the national level, representing 45 per cent of all and 177 activities were regional seminars, or 
35 per cent.  The remaining 100 activities (20 per cent ) consisted of WTO's pa rticipation in activities 
organized by other agencies and to which the Secret ariat was asked to make a contribution.  As is 
discussed further in the report, these activities are mostly undertaken as part of the partnership 
arrangements with other agencies that the WTO cooper ates with and are directly relevant in terms of 
TRTA and capacity building.   
12. In terms of logistical and administrative prepar ation, human resource input as well as in terms 
of cost, the regional seminars are the most demanding , requiring preparation of up to ten weeks, partly 
depending on whether the activity is organized sole ly by the WTO, or whether it is part of a 
partnership arrangement with another agency.  Thr ough the implementation of the partnerships, this 
burden is lessened, somewhat, particularly when as other agencies are taking charge, in whole or in 
part, of the preparation of the regional activities. 
13. As to the subjects covered (Table 2), the vast  majority of activities were geared towards 
so-called "capacity building" which is a broad categ ory and, by way of illustration, includes activities 
undertaken in the context of the joint cooperation with UNIDO, ESCAP, as well as with other regional Secretariats, assistance provided in prepar ation of the TPRs, Courses undertaken with IDLO 
etc.  With regard to topic-related seminars, ser vices were covered frequent ly in light of ongoing 
negotiations and the offer-request pr ocess.  Particular efforts were made following the adoption of the 
July package.  TRIPs were covered extensively, bot h at the national and regional level.  Other areas 
that had a high rate of attention include Sanita ry and Phyto-Sanitary Measures (SPS), Agriculture, 
Market Access, Dispute Settlement and Textiles a nd Clothing.  The following chapters will provide 
more of a qualitative assessment of the activities undertaken. 
III. THE PRODUCTS 
A. G
ENEVA -BASED TRADE POLICY COURSES , WTO  INTRODUCTION DAYS , SPECIALIZED 
WORKSHOPS  
14. The WTO organizes various general and specialized training Courses geared towards 
assisting recipient countries in their understanding a nd implementing international trade rules and to 
contribute towards human resource development. 
15. Typical of this product are twelve-week Trade Policy Courses (TPC) and three-week 
Introduction Courses.  During this type of Cour se participants are exposed to all the WTO 
agreements, which can be done more thoroughly in  the TPCs, given their duration, than in the 
Introduction Courses, which are shorter.  TPCs in clude a Workshop on Negotiating Techniques and a 
Trade Negotiations Simulation Exercise (TNSE), as well as a Simulation Exercise on Dispute 
Settlement.  Both Courses include a significant numbe r of other practical exercises, attendance at 
meetings of WTO bodies, visits to other Geneva-b ased international organizations, round-tables, and 
meetings with experts.  These Courses are aimed at widening the participants' understanding of the 
Multilateral Trading System (MTS) and Internationa l Trade Law, and of the activities, scope and 
structure of the WTO, in order to allow participants to improve the effectiveness of their work in their 
own administrations. 
16. Specialized courses are intended to focus on specific areas of WTO competence which, 
because of their particular importance, are key to  the proper functioning of the MTS.  In 2004, these WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 4  
 
 Courses focused on Trade Negotiations, Services and Dispute Settlement.  These courses have 
specific objectives, but they are all aimed at reinforc ing participants' ability to contribute to an active 
participation of their countries in the WTO's ongoing work and negotiations. 
17. All courses held in 2004 were addressed to officials from developing countries and economies 
in transition, with the exception of the speciali zed Courses on Dispute Settlement, which were open to 
the participation of officials from all the WTO Me mbers, as foreseen in Article 27.3 of the DSU.  
Whenever possible, priority was given to Least -Developed Countries and gender balance was taken 
into account.  A specific selection process also ta kes into account an equitable distribution of 
fellowships to eligible countries. 
18. Four TPCs and two Introduction Courses were held in Geneva .  Two TPCs were held in 
English, one in French, and one in Spanish.  Overall, 99 participants from developing countries and 
LDCs as well as economies in transition attended th ese Courses.  One of the Introduction Courses was 
conducted in French, while the other one was carried out  in English.  Most of the 43 participants who 
attended these two activities were representatives of LDCs. 
19. Three Specialized Courses on Dispute Settlement  were conducted in Geneva.  One of these 
one-week Courses was held in Spanish and the two ot hers in English.  Overall, 77 participants 
attended these activities which were  open to all WTO Members. 
20. A Specialized Course on Trade Negotiations, th e third one of this kind, was as the two 
previous ones, delivered jointly with the Gradua te Institute for International Studies, Geneva.  
Twenty-four participants from LDCs and othe r developing countries as well as economies in 
transition attended this activity which, for the first time, was held in French.  The Course, held with 
the support of an outside consultant, include d an exercise on simulation of negotiations. 
21. A Specialized Course on Trade in Services, conducted in English, was organized for the 
second time and was attended by 28 participants  from developing countries and LDCs as well as 
economies in transition.  Particular focus was pl aced on the current negotiations and the Course 
included a Workshop on Preparation of Schedules. 
22. Three Introduction Days were organized to fam iliarize national delegates, newly arrived, in 
Geneva with the WTO and its functioning.  These activities are traditionally open to WTO staff and 
interns as well as to representatives of NGOs. 
23. The Training of Trainers activity initiated by  the Institute in 2002 was continued in 2004 
under the responsibility of the Human Resources Division.   
24. The approach to the development and harmoni zation of training material on the WTO was 
significantly improved, in particular to include an electronic database for easy reference and access.  It 
is expected that this WTO Training Material and Support Library will be shortly operational. 
B. R
EGIONAL TRADE POLICY COURSES  
25. The concept of Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs) resulted from the increased focus 
attributed to technical cooperation and capacity- building following the commitments made in that 
respect by Ministers at the Doha Ministerial Conf erence.  In 2004, four RTPCs were organized:  one 
for English-speaking Africa in Nairobi, one for French-speaking Africa in Rabat, one for the 
Caribbean in Kingston, and one for Asia/Pacific in Hong Kong.  Groundwork for a widening of the regional coverage to Latin America in 2005, and for selection of a partner, was undertaken.   WT/COMTD/W/139 
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 26. While the key objectives of RTPCs are the same as for the regular TPCs held in Geneva, the 
initial thinking behind them led to the developmen t of four additional interlocking elements, geared 
towards ensuring sustainability through institutional capacity building: 
• in each region covered, increase the number of government officials with a solid foundation 
of knowledge on the WTO.  Through these Cour ses, officials can build and expand their 
expertise in particular areas of the WTO, th ereby strengthening the capacity of governments 
to pursue their national policy objectives; 
 
• develop a partnership between the WTO and ins titutions in the region, thus establishing a 
regional hub for training.  With a view to tran sferring ownership, the local institution will 
increasingly assume responsibility, consolidating the capacity built over time and adapting this expertise to the specificities and needs in the region; 
 
• provide teaching jointly by trade policy specialists  linked to institutions of higher learning and 
policy think-tanks in the region and officials from the WTO Secretariat; and 
 
• foster and strengthen the research links betw een universities and othe r institutions in the 
region and international organizations, incl uding the WTO.  Exchange information on 
WTO-related trade policy research, ensure better regular access to such research results and 
further explore possibilities for joint research activities. 
 27. The year 2004 marked a change in the WTO partnership with the University of Nairobi, 
which would no longer host an RTPC.  A new form of partnership with the University constitutes a 
new phase, which would include the organization of  region-specific "advanced" level Courses with 
the view to consolidating the capacity built over the previous three years. 
28. In order to prepare for the RTPCs, thr ee-day Workshops were organized with the 
participation of regional specialists  who partner with the WTO in the delivery of the lectures.  The 
Workshop Programme included discussions on joint r esearch projects, methods of delivering the 
RTPC, and a series of bilateral meetings between WT O lecturers and the regional specialists involved 
in the joint delivery of the Course. 
29. After three years of implementation, it can be  said that the major accomplishments of the 
RTPCs have been:  
• the increase in the number of government officials benefiting from WTO three-month TPCs; 
approximately 300 gove rnment officials will have participated in RTPCs since 2002;  
 
• the co-delivery of the Course by WTO official s together with academics and trade policy 
specialists from the region concerned, giving a strong emphasis on regional concerns; and 
 
• over 80 regional resource persons participated in the joint delivery of RTPCs in 2004, as a 
result increasing their own capacity in the area of WTO matters, as well as that of their 
university.  This in turn increases the regional capacity in WTO issues.  
 30. With regard to participants, success is evidenced by the promotion of some participants 
following their completion of the Course and their posting to their Mission in Geneva or increased 
responsibilities in WTO-related areas.  
31. 
Regional resource persons have e nhanced their network and have cooperated together in other 
activities as a result of their involvement in RTPC s.  In addition, the Economic Research and WT/COMTD/W/139 
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 Statistics Division (ERSD) has undertaken research projects involving some of the regional resource 
persons involved in delivering RTPCs.  
32. One of the next challenges will be to ensure the sustainability of follow-on training activities 
to RTPCs. The enhanced capacity of the partne r university, in addition to the other universities 
involved through the resource persons, needs to be ha rnessed and supported.  This will require policy 
planning, placing RTPCs in a wider context of WTO training and technical assistance activities. 
C. T
HEMATIC REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS  
33. As is stated in the Plan, the main advantage of regional technical assistance and training 
seminars and Workshops is that they allow WTO to  reach a broad audience in terested in the same 
subject matter;  they are cost-effective from the huma n resource allocation perspective, as it would be 
impossible to address every issue in every country on a national basis, even if this were requested by 
the beneficiaries.  It facilitates the exchange of  information, sharing of  experiences and networking 
among participants at the regional level, which is  generally found to be beneficial.  As to the 
topic-related national seminars, these have the a dvantage over regional seminars that they can be 
tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiary an d focus on very specific issues, but also be of a 
broad nature, if that is requested, so as to reach a wider audience.   
34. As will be seen in the review below of some of the regional activities, regional seminars have 
often benefited from interactive trai ning, with the trainers increasi ngly making use of simulations and 
case studies, thus promoting self study and interaction.  Also, increasingly training and reference material is sent to participants well ahead of th e seminar itself, so as to allow for an adequate 
preparation of the officials.  In addition, increasingl y selection of participants is conducted prior to the 
activity in order to ensure that the level of knowledge of participants is adequate for the Course; at the 
very least the profile of the suitable candidate is very clearly stated in the letter of invitation.  Finally, 
it is noted that various activities have been adjusted to higher levels of learning, thus addressing those 
officials that are already familiar with the agreements and need to be assisted in more specific ways. 
35. The following assessment of selected subjects on wh ich seminars were held is based on inputs 
provided by WTO Divisions responsible for the subject matter. 
1. Services 
36. In general terms, technical assistance in Serv ices has traditionally been geared to upgrading 
developing countries' ability to pursue their nationa l policy objectives within the framework of GATS.  
Activities have also been based on the mandate, c ontained in the July Package (Annex C to the 
Decision adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004, WT/L/579), to provide targeted 
assistance with a view to enabling developing countr ies to participate effectively in the Services 
negotiations.  The Secretariat thus continued to ho ld, on request, a large number of seminars, normally 
conducted over three days, to inform the administratio ns concerned of developm ents in relevant areas 
of the negotiations (specific commitments, MFN exem ptions, GATS rules), draw their attention to the 
provisions governing the scheduling of new or impr oved commitments and, by  implication, enhance 
their participation in the ongoing  request-and-offer process.  This necessarily involved a certain shift 
of emphasis from broader-based regional seminars to national events, which allowed for more 
thorough discussion of the objectives and constraints facing individual governments.  
37. While it was not possible in many cases to res pond immediately to the requests received, due 
to resource constraints, most seminars were held  within a timeframe of two to three months.   
38. By their very nature, national seminars ar e demand driven and need to respond to the 
particular situation of the countries concerned.  Th eir organization thus requires a particular degree of  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 7 
 
 
 flexibility.  Each event is prepared in coordinatio n with the recipient govern ment.  Consultations on 
the programme normally start from a general template that was developed in contacts with delegations 
in Geneva;  further adjustments may prove necessary in  the light of the negoti ations.  As a general 
feature, the programme allots at least one day to  practical exercises that are intended to improve 
participants' interpretation of existing schedules of commitments, help them to identify market access 
opportunities that may be implied (or missing), transl ate access objectives into  requests, and express 
their own sector policies in the form of an initial offer, etc. 
39. To ensure the effectiveness of such events, the governments concerned are called upon to 
assign only participants that are already familiar with  the mandate of the WTO and, more specifically, 
the basic structure of the GATS.  In particular, they should have consulted the Interactive Training 
Module the Secretariat has developed for such purpos es.  It is accessible on the WTO website or can 
be made available on CD-ROM. 
40. Despite the rising number of national seminars, regi onal events have continued to play a role.  
However, the focus has changed.  Training events of a general nature have  gradually given way to 
specialized seminars concentrating on particular sectors or policy issues, sometimes conducted in 
cooperation with competent international organizati ons, or on particular groups of participants, 
typically senior government officials with cross-cu tting responsibilities.  A few seminars were also 
held for members of regional groupings in order to exploit the synergies arsing from institutional 
and/or structural similarities of the countries concerned. 
41. In addition to providing inputs for general WTO training Courses conducted in Geneva, the 
Trade in Services Division was also responsible, in full or in part, for two specialized events 
conducted in 2004:  a Workshop on Domestic Regulation and a two-week Training Course for 
Services Experts from developing countries and tr ansition economies.  The Workshop was held in 
March 2004 and provided a forum for focussed discussi ons of technical and legal issues associated 
with the negotiations on domestic re gulations pursuant to Article VI:4 of the GATS.  In total, 
97 capital-based officials participated from developi ng countries.  The Training Course for Services 
Experts, held in December 2004, was destined for government officials who are actively involved in 
the current Negotiations on Services.  The 28 part icipants underwent a prior selection process to 
ensure a similar degree of professional interest and expertise.  Since the Course was held in Geneva, it was possible to invite contributions from a particular ly broad range of specialists in individual sectors 
and issues, including from delegations and other Divisions of the Secretariat.  
2. Market Access 
42. Technical assistance and capacity building ac tivities in 2004 have focused on four general 
subject areas – NAMA, Trade Facilitation, Rules of Or igin and Customs Valuation.  Apart from these 
subject areas, staff participated in the Regional TPC s, the Short TPCs, and a variety of other activities 
on invitations from other institutions or ad hoc national requests.  In total, 43 activities were carried 
out.  Additionally, technical assistance w as provided to Geneva-based delegations. 
43. In the area of NAMA, five Regional Workshops  and seven national seminars were carried 
out, mostly in collaboration with the ERSD, who c overed aspects related to the IDB/CTS databases, 
dissemination tools and their application.  These  activities involved exercises and hands-on sessions.  
While they were generally well-received, there is a need to point out that for several national NAMA 
seminars it would have been more effective and meaningful to organize these at the sub-regional or 
regional level.  Other NAMA activities were Ge neva-based and provided explanations on the 
technicalities involved in the ongoing negotiati ons and methodologies (such as formula typology) 
which were being considered.  Training for negotia tors took place in the Geneva-based  TPCs, the 
DDA Advanced Training Courses, Short Regional TPCs and the special TPCs organized in various regions.  WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 8  
 
 44. For Trade Facilitation, regional seminars we re conducted focusing on the background on the 
WTO work program, explanation of the Members proposals, and extensive practical exercises 
concerning the proposals.  The participants include d one customs officer and one trade policy officer 
from each country.  They were carried out with th e cooperation of several international and regional 
organizations (such as the WCO, World Bank, UNESC WA, etc.).  This provided the opportunity to 
share work on Trade Facilitation as well as to benefi t from the expertise of other organizations in their 
respective areas.  The participants usually res ponded with positive feedback on the effectiveness and 
usefulness of the Workshop to help them effectively participate in the WTO work in this area.  In 
addition they were enthusiastic about the devel opment of a working relationship between the two 
government agencies.  Two national seminars were held on Trade Facilitation and, in addition, all 
regional and national seminars c oncerning Customs Valuation or general Market Access issues also 
included a presentation and working group exercises on Trade Facilitation.  
45. With respect to Rules of Origin three regiona l activities were carried out along with Customs 
Valuation while three national activities focused exclus ively on Rules of Origin.  The main objectives 
of the participants of these activities were to ac quire knowledge and skills necessary to apply the rules 
of origin; prepare for effective negotiations on pref erential Rules of Origin for regional /bilateral free 
trade agreements; and prepare for effective participation in the WTO work programme on 
harmonizing non preferential Rules of Origin.  The seminars were delivered by a combination of 
power point supported lectures, interactive and br ain storming discussions and practical studies.  
During the presentations all participants were encour aged to raise questions and also answer those 
posed by the instructor, in order to  ensure that everyone has a clear  idea on the Rules of Origin when 
they leave the room. 
46. In Customs Valuation some countries have very  little experience with the Agreement, while 
others have been applying it for quite some time and are in need of more advanced training.  The 
seminars/Workshops have to be tailored to the need s of the participants and, for those countries or 
regions which are more advanced, a customs proced ures component was added.  This latter addition, 
though not technically part of the Agreement, cons ists of providing training in customs audit and 
control, which is closely linked to effective impl ementation of the Agreement.  In the Committee on 
Customs Valuation, Members had emphasised that  technical assistance activities should go beyond 
the basic level as a number of countries had advanced  to a higher stage in the implementation of the 
agreement. 
47. Workshops on Customs Valuation are presented in  an interactive way, with group exercises 
and case studies, as well as quizzes, and presentations by  participants.  In addition, for all such 
Workshops, participants are provided with a Cu stoms Valuation Manual containing all the WTO 
documentation on the subject, a CD-ROM of all re levant Divisional documentation, a FAQ booklet 
prepared by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the ITC, as well as all copies of power-point slides and presentations.  On the whole the Workshops on  Customs Valuation were well received.  One 
shortcoming which has been repeatedly noticed  is that Customs officers may not have the 
international exposure that their trade policy co lleagues may have, and may have more limited 
English-language skills, which would warrant fund ing interpretation costs in languages beyond the 
three official ones. 
3. Integrated Data Base 
48. In 2004, the Integrated Data Base (IDB) st aff participated in 16 technical cooperation 
missions in different capacities.  Of these, nine were NAMA missions of which four were regional 
and five were national in  scope.  The NAMA activities were orga nized jointly with the Market Access 
Division.  IDB staff also participated in several regional TPCs.  Three national Workshops on the IDB 
were undertaken upon request by Members and thr ee activities planned for 2004 had to be postponed 
to 2005.  WT/COMTD/W/139 
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 49. NAMA missions were usually scheduled for th ree days with two WTO resource persons– one 
each from Market Access Division and IDB Section.  The IDB staff took up the more technical aspects of tariff reduction proposals and emphasized also the importance of trade and tariff data for the negotiations.  The experience from these Works hops showed that there is a great need to 
communicate to national experts the technical discussi on that takes place in Geneva and to highlight 
the possible implications and opportunities of negotia ted tariff reductions.  Smal l missions in Geneva 
are overburdened to do that themselves. 
50. Depending on availability of computer facilitie s (for national TAs the host agency had the 
responsibility to provide them), hands-on exercises on the different IDB software applications were 
conducted.  These sessions were generally well appr eciated and gave the opportunity to raise the 
participants' awareness on the importance of complete data submission to the IDB.  On the other hand, 
given the large number of participants these session s proved to be somewhat difficult to handle, 
especially with diverse levels of computer literacy among participants. 
4. Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights 
51. The technical cooperation activities in the Trad e-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights (TRIPS) area in 2004 were qualitatively different from those in previous years as the 
Intellectual Property Division (IPD) introduced new activities with innovative formats.  While the 
Division continued to assist Members and Observers, especially those that are least-developed and are 
nearing the end of their transition period, to u nderstand the rights and obligations, including the 
available options, which flow from the TRIPS Agreem ent and relevant decisions of WTO bodies, it 
organized seven regional Workshops covering each of the regions.  These were open not only to 
participants from the Ministries of Trade and Fo reign Affairs and from in tellectual property offices 
but also from the Ministries of Health.  It also organized in Geneva, together with WIPO, a colloquium for teachers of intellectual property from developing countries. 
52. The three-day Regional Workshops focused on cert ain topical issues that are actively under 
discussion or negotiation in the TRI PS Council, namely Public Health, 
Biotechnology/Biodiversity/Traditional Knowledge  and Geographical Indications, as well as on the 
subject of Enforcement.  The objective of these Wo rkshops was to give participants an in-depth 
understanding of these subjects, including the Augu st 2003 Decision on Paragraph 6 of the Doha 
Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health , with the view to help countries in the region 
effectively implement provisions in these areas, including the available flexibilities, as well as to 
facilitate their effective participation in the DDA.  Speakers included, apart from Secretariat officials, 
representatives of WIPO, WHO and two experts draw n from Geneva-based delegations or elsewhere, 
one from the region and the other from a develope d country.  These Workshops were attended by a 
mix of senior-level participants and others more at the cutting edge of implementation.  The feedback from all the Workshops was positive, with participants  particularly appreciative of the depth of the 
discussion, the participation of speakers with diffe rent perspectives and the practical exercises.  
53. The Division also organized in Geneva a tw o-week WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Teachers of 
Intellectual Property Law from developing countri es, aimed at local capacity-building on TRIPS 
matters.  The main objective of this new initiative was to update a group of 20 university teachers of 
intellectual property in developing countries on the activities and instruments of WIPO and the WTO, 
and to provide a forum for exchange of informati on and ideas among the participants and officials of 
the two Organizations.  The feedback showed that  the participants benefited greatly from the 
programme, particularly from interacting with Ge neva-based negotiators, and would recommend it to 
others.  Given the success, this activity is bei ng repeated by both Organizations in 2005. 
54. 
In providing TA, to the extent possible cooperati on takes place with other IGOs, particularly 
WIPO in accordance with the Cooperation Agreemen t between the two Organizations.  Some events WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 10  
 
 were organized on a joint basis and, for others, the WIPO and WHO provided resource persons.  The 
WTO also provided resource persons to certain t echnical cooperation activities organized by these and 
other IGOs.  Under the WIPO-WTO Joint Initia tive on Technical Cooperation for Least-Developed 
Countries, launched in June 2001, the WTO in 2004  organized and/or participated in national 
seminars for seven LDCs.  A total of four planned activities, scheduled to be held in LDCs and which 
were at an advanced stage, were postponed by the national authorities.  Such postponement has wider 
effects on the planning cycle and on the delivery rate , given the small number of WTO officials that 
undertake the activities.  
55. In addition, it should be mentioned that a significant part of the work of IPD in the area of 
TRIPS in 2004 was concerned with assisting de veloping countries in Geneva, by providing 
information in response to questions, not only by lo cal delegations but also by visiting intellectual 
property officials and as a result of direct contacts from officials in capitals by telephone or in written 
form. 
5. Trade and Development 
56. The Development Division has organized a number of regional Workshops on "Trade and 
Development" during the course of the year.  The Workshops have generally been geared towards 
middle and senior level officials from the trade and other WTO related Ministries.  The basic objectives sought to be ensured through th e Workshops have been the following:  
• Improved understanding of the li nkages between Trade and Development, including through 
an exchange of national experiences among par ticipants on how to make trade work for 
development; 
 
• Awareness that the development gains from tr ade can only be maximised through a variety of 
factors, including a large number of national policy endeavours; 
 
• Improved understanding of the DDA and its development component; 
 
• In-depth knowledge of the historical evolutio n of Special & Differential (S&D) treatment and 
the key issues in the ongoing work programme in this area; 
 
• Presentations on the status of work in other development areas including, transfer of 
technology, electronic commerce, preferences etc; and 
 
• Awareness about the current status of the negotiations, including the July Package. 
 57. The evaluation forms submitted by participants  indicate that the key objectives of the 
Workshops have been very much achieved.  In part icular, the participants seem to have become better 
aware of the inter-linkages between Trade and Deve lopment and the status of the key development 
issues of the DDA. 
58. In order to encourage participants to use th e MTS and provide some illustrations, interactive 
cases studies and some exercises were part of the Courses.  These included case studies on S&D Provisions as well as a simulation of negotiations.  The participants showed a great interest and 
enthusiasm for the case studies - which they consid ered an efficient training tool - and for the 
participatory teaching methodology in general. 
59. It is the objective to continue and enhance participatory teaching methods and to encourage 
participants to disseminate the knowledge acquire d to a wider audience, involving also the business  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 11 
 
 
 community and civil society.  Ways ought to be found to allow as many people as possible to benefit 
from these Courses.  It should also be noted that partic ipants in general indicated that three days is too 
short a period to cover all Trade and Development issues in detail. 
6. Dispute Settlement 
60. In 2004, a series of  regional seminars on WT O Dispute Settlement rules and procedures were 
conducted, covering all regions.  Three Dispute Settle ment Courses were also organized in Geneva.  
In addition, a week was devoted to Dispute Settleme nt in the four TPCs held in Geneva and in the 
four Regional TPCs.  Altogether, this means that eighteen weeks have been devoted to Dispute Settlement in activities organized at the regional or cross-regional level.  As has become customary, 
these activities involved a combination of lectures and practical exercises.  The practical component 
of these Courses is especially well-received by participants.   
61. In addition, five national Seminars on Disput e Settlement were conducted at the request of 
individual Members, all in Latin America.  In pa rticular, an "advanced" na tional Seminar was held, 
which provided an opportunity to build on the kn owledge base acquired previously by participants 
and focus in more detail on selected issues.  It  is hoped that the success of this activity can be 
elaborated upon next year for the organization of advanced seminars at the regional level, to 
consolidate the knowledge base that has been devel oped over the years through previous more general 
activities.   
62. While the overall level of know ledge and experience of Dispute Settlement procedures may 
vary from region to region, it is notable that some Members who may not have been "traditional users" of the Dispute Settlement procedures appear  to have an increasing interest in strengthening 
their skills in this area, in light of recent Dispute Settlement activity in which they may have a direct 
or indirect interest. 
7. Accessions 
63. In 2004, all acceding governments were recipients of WTO training and technical assistance.  
The assistance provided included national activities (sem inars, technical missions, chairmen's visits), 
participation in seminars/conferences on WTO accessi on organized by other international agencies, 
participation as resource persons in WTO traini ng and regional activities, and the Geneva-based 
Seminar on WTO Accessions held in N ovember 2004 for all acceding governments. 
64. National activities were held in acceding c ountries, including Bosnia Herzegovina, Cape 
Verde, Lebanon, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Tonga, Vi et Nam.  Moreover, a Geneva-based Seminar on 
Accessions was held in November 2004, on th e margins of Geneva Week, to maximize the 
participation of acceding governments, particularly the Non-Resident delegations.  Staff participated 
in several seminars and conferences organized by  other bodies, including ESCAP, the World Bank 
and WHO.  Resource persons were provided to th e WTO TPCs in Geneva and one regional training 
course.  In terms of training materials, the Di vision a CD-ROM was developed of the Accessions 
Seminar as well as a training Module on Market Access Negotiations in Goods. 
65. The provision of timely and well-targeted technical assistance, in particular national missions, 
was of importance to acceding governments, and c ontributed to advancing accession negotiations.  A 
number of acceding governments held their first Wo rking Party meeting in 2004.  Capacity building 
provided by the WTO and other bilateral and/or  multilateral donors included assistance for the 
preparation of Working Party documentation, drafting of legislation, preparation of offers in goods 
and Services, and to generate further awarenes s and understanding of the WTO and the MTS amongst 
key stakeholders.   WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 12  
 
 66. In 2004, the Geneva-based Seminar on Accessions  provided a useful forum for an informal 
and constructive exchange of views between Me mbers and acceding governments.  It offered an 
opportunity to collectively monitor progress on accessions and review best practices.  Acceding governments also used this occasion to elaborate on their technical assistance needs and priorities 
with Members and the WTO Secretariat. 
8. Rules 
67. During the period under review, the Rules Di vision conducted regional activities covering all 
the three trade remedy agreements, several of whic h were technical Workshops  of one-week duration, 
for investigators from trade remedy authorities.  The national activities were primarily Workshops to 
train investigators from trade remedy authorities, with a balance between advanced level Workshops 
and Workshops to assist newly established trade reme dy units.  Some national activities were in the 
form of seminars/Workshops to assist developing WTO Members, or countries in the process of 
accession to the WTO, with the development of the relevant trade remedy legislation.  Although 
regional Workshops to train trade remedy investigator s are useful to increase the level of expertise, it 
was, once again, found that it also has certain limi tations, particularly with regard to the disparate 
levels of expertise between differe nt investigating authorities, and a hesitancy amongst participants to 
be active during discussions as some of the issues might be bilaterally or regionally sensitive. 
68. As a number of heads of investigating au thorities from developing WTO Members had 
expressed the need for an opportunity to discu ss the particular problems and issues faced by 
investigating authorities from developing WTO Memb ers, a Seminar for Heads of investigating 
authorities from a number of developing WTO Members held towards the end of October 2004.  Of 
the 19 Members invited, 16 were represented by the Heads of their respective investigating 
authorities, while the remaining three were represented by the Deputy Heads.  It  was the first time that 
Heads of investigating authorities from developing WTO Members had the opportunity to share their experiences and to discuss the particular difficulties that they face.  Because of the success of the 
activity, a strong desire was expressed that it should be repeated on an annual basis. 
69. Due to the highly technical nature of the tec hnical assistance provided, emphasis is put on 
practical exercises.  In order to increase the effectiveness of the Wo rkshops, participation is usually 
limited to not more than 30 participants.  The Wo rkshops usually focus on the training of investigators 
and are highly interactive.  It is therefore imperativ e that the right participants are selected so as to 
increase the effectiveness of the activity.  Good progr ess was made during 2004 to further develop the 
selection process of the participants in the technical regional Workshops, inter alia , by improving the 
consultation process with the nominating authorities in capitals. 
70. Assistance was also provided to delegations in Geneva, and to investigating authorities, on the 
technical and practical issues relating to trade remedy  investigations on an ongoing basis.  Developing 
WTO Members also frequently used the assistance made available in the context of the DDA to 
enable them to follow the ongoing process in the Rules Negotiating Group. 
9. Competition Policy 
71. In 2004, a range of activities was undertaken by the WTO Secretariat in response to the 
mandate in Paragraph 24 of the DDA,  including the organization of:  
 (i) two intensive six-day Regional Trai ning Courses on Competition Policy, for the 
benefit of English-speaking and French-sp eaking African countries, in Mauritius and 
Morocco, respectively;  
  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 13 
 
 
  (ii) a three-day Regional Workshop on Co mpetition Policy, Development and the MTS 
for the countries of the Asia and Pacific Region, in Hyderabad, India; 
  (iii) a three-day Advanced Workshop on Competition Law and Policy for the countries of 
Latin America, in Brasilia; and  
 
 iv) National Workshops for Ghana and Yemen.  The Secretariat also participated in a 
number of Workshops and seminars or ganized by other intergovernmental 
organizations, including UNCTAD and the World Bank. 
 
72. The following are some insights and observati ons based on the Secretariat's experience in 
organizing the various activities outlined above.  Firs t, for a complex, specia lized subject such as 
Competition Policy, the format of a six-day intensive training course is preferable to that of a shorter 
Workshop, particularly for countries with limited background in the subject.  Participants in the 
six-day Courses for English-and French-speaking countries expressed a clear preference for this 
format. 
73. Second, it is important that technical assistance activities on a subject such as Competition 
Policy, in which countries in different parts of the developing world have subs tantially differing levels 
of experience and institutional devel opment, be tailored to the needs, interests and level of preparation 
of the countries in the particular region in which an activity is organized.  This is all the more 
important in regard to subjects where a plurality of  Members are clearly opposed to a "one size fits 
all" approach.  In the case of Competition Policy, the above-noted regional activities in English- and 
French-speaking African countries, in the Asia and Pacific Region and in Latin America were 
specifically adapted to the needs, interests and pr oblems faced by countries in the relevant region. 
74. Third, the Secretariat's experience during the year highlighted the usefulness of practical 
exercises conducted in small groups (i.e., breakout  sessions) as a teaching tool.  In all regional 
activities on Competition Policy, such exercises have b een an integral part of the programme, focused 
on specific questions/hypothetical situations that are pr epared in advance.  Participants have expressed 
a high level of satisfaction with these exercises. 
75. Fourth, the sustainability of TA activities is re inforced when relevant materials – including 
presentations, background papers a nd exercises adapted to the needs of the relevant region – are 
provided in a bound volume, which can be shared by participants with their colleagues, after the 
event.  Such documentation was provided for each  of the above-mentioned Workshops and Courses. 
10. Technical assistance within the Trade Policy Review Mechanism framework 
76. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) is a valuable forum for achieving transparency 
in, and understanding of, the trade policies and pr actices of Members.  Trade Policy Reviews of 
developing and Least-Developed Country (LDC) Members have increasingly performed a technical 
assistance function and have been useful in increasi ng understanding of the trade policy structure in 
place and its relationship with the WTO Agreements, playing an important part in "Capacity Building 
and Mainstreaming".  The reviews enhance unders tanding in these countries of the WTO Agreements, 
enabling better compliance and integration in the MTS; better interaction between government 
agencies is also facilitated by the reviews.  The S ecretariat reports wide coverage of Members policies 
enabling them to identify any shortcomings in policy and specific areas where further technical 
assistance may be required. 
77. Since 2000, the Review Process for LDCs and a number of other developing countries has 
included a two-to-four-day Seminar or a half-day Workshop for their officials on the WTO and, in 
particular, the Trade Policy Review exercise and the role of trade in economic policy, including a WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 14  
 
 presentation by the participants from the country under Review on the experience from trade 
liberalization efforts and round tables
1.  The Secretariat Report for an LDC Review, as well as other 
less-developed countries, includes a section on techni cal assistance needs and priorities, as identified 
in cooperation with the Member concerned, and with  a view to feeding this into the Integrated 
Framework (IF) process.  For LDCs, the Secretaria t also works closely with the World Bank on the 
trade component of the latter's Diagnostic Trade In tegration Studies (DTIS), with the Reviews often 
an integral part to the framing of the DTIS.  In ad dition, the TPRM has an important role in the Trade 
Policy Clinics (paragraphs 5 and 6 of WT/COMTD/W/117, 16 June 2003).  The ITTC and Trade Policy Review Division (TPRD) are working togeth er to elaborate a methodology to use TPRs more 
systematically as a tool for Needs Assessment.  These activities are assimilated to national activities. 
78. While each Review highlights the specific is sues and measures concerning the individual 
Member, certain common themes emerged during th e course of the Reviews conducted in 2004.  
These included: 
• transparency in policy-making and implementation;  
• economic environment and trade liberalization;  
• implementation of the WTO Agreements;  
• Regional Trade Agreements and their relationship with the MTS;  
• tariff issues, including peaks, escalation, preferences, rationalization and the gap between 
applied and bound rates;  
• Customs clearance procedures;  
• import and export restrictions and licensing procedures;  
• the use of contingency measures such as Anti-Dumping and Countervailing duties;  
• technical and sanitary measures and Market Access;  
• standards and their equivalence with international norms;  
• intellectual property rights legislation and enforcement;  
• Government Procurement policies and practices
2;  
• state involvement in the economy and privatization programmes;  
• trade-related competition and investment policy issues;  
• incentive measures such as subs idies and tax forgone;  
• sectoral trade-policy issues, particularly liber alization in Agriculture and certain Services 
sectors;  
• GATS commitments;  
• S&D treatment, including Market Access and implementation, particularly for Customs 
Valuation, TRIPS and TRIMs; and  
• technical assistance in implementing the WTO Ag reements and the experience with the IF. 
 
11. Government Procurement 
79. As in previous years, the focu s of the Secretariat's technical assistance activities in the area of 
Government Procurement c ontinued to be to provide particip ants with a broad overview of the 
WTO’s work in this area, with a view to enhanci ng their awareness of key concepts and principles, 
and assisting them to take informed decisions in th e area.  Five Regional Workshops were undertaken 
during the year, three of which took place after the 1 August General Council Decision on the July 
                                                      
1 Such seminars have been held for the OECS, Ug anda (2001); Burundi, Haiti, Honduras, Lesotho, 
Malawi, the Maldives, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal a nd Zambia (2002); Gambia, Guyana, Rwanda and the 
SACU (2003).  For 2004, this process was undertaken for Belize, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone and 
Suriname, and is envisaged in 2005 for Angola, Chad, Djibouti, Guinea and Togo. 
2 This has been discussed even in cases where Members are not party to the plurilateral Agreement on 
Government Procurement.  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 15 
 
 
 Package.  Initially, the focus of activity was on Tran sparency in Government Procurement.  Following 
the adoption of the July Package, th e focus was shifted to give greater coverage to the two other legs 
of the WTO's work on Government Procurem ent – namely, the Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA) and the ongoing Negotiati ons under the GATS regarding Government 
Procurement of Services. 
80. Where appropriate, these activities were undertaken  jointly or in collaboration with other 
international or regional institutions, such as th e World Bank and the Inter-American Development 
Bank.  National Seminars on Gove rnment Procurement were undertak en in three countries:  Cuba, 
Mauritius and the Philippines.  In addition, Modul es on Government Procurement continued to be 
presented in the TPCs. 
81. In general, the Workshops were heavily subscribed , with participation at a fairly senior level, 
and a generally high quality and level of interv entions.  In addition to the WTO's work, the 
programmes covered relevant inte rnational activities, regional a nd sub-regional initiatives, and 
national experiences and practices in this area, thus  further enhancing the ove rall scope and relevance 
of the Technical Assistance (TA) to participants. 
82. Feedback from participants, as evidenced by an alysis of the evaluation forms and comments 
by participants, suggests that the TA continued to be highly valued by participants.  The opportunity 
to share and exchange information, experien ces and knowledge in the area of Government 
Procurement amongst senior officials from the trade and procurement communities was often cited as 
a particular benefit.  Generally, Transparency was seen as a self-evident and necessary requirement to achieving the objectives of Government Procurement – be it in terms of value for money, domestic 
policy, domestic regulation or securing trade benefits, for instance.  Increasingly, it is a key feature of 
domestic reforms, e-procurement implementations, and regional trade initiatives.  Feedback from 
participants also suggests that interest and attentio n is being directed towards wider issues such as the 
domestic policy and trade benefits aspects of Gove rnment Procurement, at both the domestic and 
regional levels. 
D. P
ARTNERSHIP FOR TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING :  AN INTEGRATED APPROACH  
83. Recognizing the need to strengthen national in stitutional capacities in both the overnment and 
academic sectors to better address the challe nges posed by an increasingly interconnected 
international economy and by the MTS, the WT O continued the process launched in 2002 by 
organizing a series of activities aimed at developi ng and strengthening academics networks with a 
view to enhance national institutional capacities on WTO matters in both government and academic 
spheres in the fields of training, curriculum development, and research  on trade policy and WTO-
related issues. 
84. Technical assistance activities implemented unde r this strategy have covered several 
complementary areas: 
(i) Regional Workshops for Academi cs and other Partnership activities 
 
85. The WTO Secretariat contributed to organize four regional activities during 2004 (Austria, 
Ecuador, South Africa and Mexico), and implemen ted two national activities (Mexico and Namibia) 
during the same period.  These events, in most cas es, were organized in association with Partner 
Universities.  Regional activities of this type cont ribute to the Regional TPCs.  Discussions about 
research and curriculum development were a consiste nt feature of these events, which together with 
sessions updating on the WTO negotiating process and related issues, contributed to a better 
familiarization of participating academics with WTO -related matters, and to their respective activities, 
as participants have reported back to the WTO. WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 16  
 
 86. Participants have enhanced th eir academic networks and have cooperated together in other 
activities as a result of their involvement in these activities.  Moreover, they have undertaken joint 
research activities in collaboration with the Economic  Research and Statistics Division of the WTO, 
shared research papers among themselves, and even elaborated on a University Textbook on 
International Trade. 
(ii) Doctoral Support Programme 
 87. This programme foresaw the financing, during 2004, of up to six doctoral students.  As 
implementation began during the second semester of the year, four PHD students (from Bolivia, 
Cameroon, China and Pakistan) were selected and started working on research projects, related to 
economic (3) and legal (1) issues. 
(iii) Document Dissemination Programme to Universities 
 88. Beneficiary Universities have commended the WTO for this initiative, as it contributes, albeit 
modestly, to build a library on WTO matters in Un iversities which otherwise find difficult to acquire 
these publications with their own resources.  An estimated number of 102 sets were donated to 
Universities and individual Academics partic ipating in University-related activities.  
(iv) Database of Consultants 
 89. The WTO Database of Consultants currently co ntains the names of 119 external resource 
persons, coming from the academic community, private sector and other international organizations.  
Ten Consultants from the database contributed to technical assistance activities in 2004, coming from 
Africa, South Asia, Europe, North America and South America. 
E. D
ISTANCE LEARNING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY  
90. The main objectives of the Distance Learning Programme and Information Technology (IT) 
are to: 
• take full advantage of IT and the Internet as a complement and an alternative to traditional 
training programs; 
 
• enhance WTO outreach to academic institu tions and individual students; and 
 
• develop WTO-related training ma terial which would not require simultaneous presence of the 
trainees and trainers in Geneva or in the regions. 
 
91. To that effect, the Secretariat continued in 200 4 the use and development of different types of 
IT-based technical assistance and training tools.  Th ree kinds of products are being used at present to 
meet distinct needs, namely: 
 (i) CBT Modules :  By the end of 2004, four Computer-Based Training (CBT) Modules 
have been posted on the Distance Learning Page of the WTO website (http://www-wto.org/English/res_e/d_learn_e/d_learn_e.htm).  These CBTs are text-based and are 
used essentially for self-training.  They ar e also made available on CD-ROM.  In 
addition, during 2004 the first video-based CBT (English only so far) has been developed in collaboration w ith the Institute of Advanced Studies of the United 
Nations University; 
  WT/COMTD/W/139 
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  (ii) Technical Assistance through the use of CD-ROMs combined with 
(video-conferencing):   This distance learning modality consists of a combination of 
inter-related media - slide presentations, vide o files, reference documents such as 
legal texts and lists of specific commitments - all stored on the same CD-ROM.  Follow-up training is delivered through video-conferences.  The first Module on 
Specific GATS Commitments was developed in 2004 and will be tested during 2005; 
and 
  (iii) The eTraining :  This web-based platform provides interactive Courses over the 
Internet. Government officials can partic ipate in the Courses and have access on-line 
to the training material and to their assigned tutors from their office in the capital, the 
mission or anywhere else in the world.  A course on WTO Basic Principles was held in English in 2004 for 62 participants from developing country Members.  Feedback 
on the course was very positive with high marks on course content, user-friendliness 
of the platform, tutors' contributions and overall organization of this new training 
modality.  
 F. R
EFERENCE CENTRES  
92. Reference Centres provide technical facilities that enable WTO documentation to be accessed 
by officials, the press, the general public, bus inesses, the wider economic community, and academic 
institutions.  The Reference Centres set up by the WTO are for official use, are normally attached to a 
Ministry of Trade, and essentially house all documen ts that relate to the legal rules governing the 
MTS.  In 2004, 24 Reference Centres were e quipped and/or modernized with high-performance 
computer equipment.  Over that same period, 3 82 people were trained on how to use the Centres.  
Priority was once again given to the Least-Devel oped Country Members and countries in accession.  
Reference Centres were provided with new CD-R OMs and DVDs so that existing electronic files 
(Notifications, OECD Tool Kit for Trade Policy Makers, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, 
Intellectual Property Rights, and electronic booksho p selling WTO publications) could be updated.  
An additional 11 Reference Centres were connected to SITA (Airlines' Worldwide 
Telecommunications and Information Service), br inging the total of connected LDCs to 27. 
G. TRADE NEGOTIATIONS TECHNIQUES  
93. During 2004, a series of Courses on Trade Negotia tions Skills were held in different WTO 
Member countries, both at the regional and sub-region al levels.  The design and delivery of the course 
was pertinent to the current round of Doha Deve lopment Agenda (DDA) Negotiations as participants 
in Courses held after July had the opportunity to analyse, understand more profoundly and work with 
the July Package, thereb y deepening their comprehension and bringing home to them the potential 
benefits of successfully concluding the DDA within the set timeframe. 
94. The Courses were found to be valuable and brought  participants into "real" negotiation mode.  
The use of the DDA Mandate for the course makes this  training programme particularly relevant.  As 
the training programme was designed on the basis of  the actual negotiating issues in the DDA, most 
of the participants felt that their trade negotiating skills had been substantially strengthened.  More 
particularly, the knowledge and skills gained from th e course improved the capacity of participants to 
understand the functioning of the world trading syst em and the importance of strengthening the trade 
negotiating skills in the respective countries.   
H. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES :  PARLIAMENTARIANS AND CIVIL SOCIETY  
95. Outreach activities for Parliamentarians and Civil Society are part of an overall WTO 
Strategy to help legislators and Civil Society representatives better understand the provisions of the WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 18  
 
 Doha Ministerial Declaration.  They are also a r esponse to challenges in the Declaration for greater 
transparency in the WTO's operations and improve d dialogue with the public.  Outreach activities 
consist of regional Workshops orga nized and funded by the WTO jointly with partner institutions.  
They are conducted in close cooperation with Me mbers and the host-country.  In 2004, Regional 
Workshops were conducted in New Zealand (for Pa rliamentarians from the Pacific), Morocco (for 
Parliamentarians from Francophone  Africa), Singapore (for Parliament arians from Asian countries), 
and Senegal (for French-speaking Afri can Civil Society representatives). 
96. All Workshops were similar in design.  They were introductory-level and working-level.  
They were interactive and presentations, both by WT O officials and guest speakers, were routinely 
supported by written material a nd background documentation.  Workshop objectives were also 
essentially similar - to foster greater public unders tanding of and interest in the WTO; to inform 
Parliamentarians/Civil Society representatives on the operations of the MTS and key issues on the international trade agenda; and to encourage discu ssion and exchange of vi ews on trade-related and 
development-related issues.  Workshop participan ts were encouraged to give feedback and 
suggestions on outreach activities and also to consid er their respective roles in multilateral processes 
and ways to increase parliamentary and public awareness of the international trade agenda. 
97. Feedback was positive.  Participants expressed a ppreciation for WTO's efforts to better relate 
Parliamentarians and Civil Society representatives  with the work of the Organization and they 
encouraged WTO to continue and expand these efforts.   Participants were also comfortable with the 
objectives and design of the Workshops - which sought  to convey neutral an d balanced information 
on the workings and agenda of WTO but also pr ovide full opportunity for Parliamentarians/Civil 
Society representatives to exchange views on devel opments in the trading system and in their 
regions/interest groups.  WTO's efforts to invol ve experts from the resp ective regions as guest 
speakers was also welcomed.  One further positive effect of the 2004 activities was the establishment 
of close working relations with a number of par liamentary and civil society organizations who served 
as co-organizers of the Workshops.  The relationshi ps will be built upon further in the coming years. 
98. Impact from the Workshops was immediate.  Parliamentarians and Civil Society 
representatives with little background knowledge appreciated the opportunity to learn about WTO and 
address various misgivings/misunderstandings held a bout the Organization.  Those legislators and 
representatives more familiar with WTO took the opport unity to raise questions and challenge certain 
assumptions about the current negotiations.  All Work shop participants undertook to maintain a closer 
watch/involvement in WTO work and many promis ed to share their newly-acquired knowledge with 
colleagues and contacts.  A number of Parliament arians also indicated an intention to involve 
themselves more actively in current internationa l discussions about a parliamentary dimension of 
WTO. 
I. G
ENEVA -BASED SUPPORT  
(i) Geneva Week 
 
99. Two Geneva Weeks were held in 2004, incl uding the Eighth Geneva Week (10-14 May) and 
the Ninth (1-5 November) as part of the Secret ariat's efforts to assist the 24 WTO Members and 
10 Observers without representation in Geneva: 
• The Eighth Geneva Week was attended by 32  out of the 34 Non-Residents.  Moreover, 
representatives from 29 regional Secretariats and specialized organizations dealing with 
Non-Residents were also present.  Twenty-eight of the regional Secretariats paid their own 
expenses (six from the Pacific Island Forum were funded by AITIC – the Geneva-based 
International Agency for Trade Information and Cooperation).  Particip ants received detailed 
briefings on all key areas of the Negotiations, including Rules, NAMA, Agriculture, Dispute  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 19 
 
 
 Settlement, Services, S&D, TRIPS and Trade and Environment.  Other briefings focused on 
development issues in general, such as th e regular work of the Committee on Trade and 
Development (CTD), Trade and the Transfer of Technology, work on small economies and 
activities underway in the Sub-Committee on LDCs and progress related to the IF.  There was also a briefing on the Trade Policy Review Mech anism.  In addition to the briefing sessions, 
participants attended the CTD Regular Session, the CTD Dedicated Session on Small 
Economies and the Working Group on Trade, Debt  and Finance.  Some attended informal 
meetings and consultations a rranged by the African Union, Caricom and the Consultative 
Group of LDCs.  During the Week, participants we re encouraged to spare time to meet with 
other Members and staff of the WTO Secretariat.  At the final evaluation session, participants 
expressed their views on the organization and content of the May 2004 Geneva Week and 
gave suggestions to improve future sessions. 
 
• The Ninth Geneva Week was held from 1 to 5 November 2004 and a total of 87 participants 
from 30 countries and 14 regional organizations atte nded.  Participants were briefed on: the 
main elements of the July Decision and on the ongoing work under the Doha Work 
Programme;  the development dimension of the July Package and the status of the 
Negotiations on Agriculture, Non-Agricultural Market Access, Services, TRIPS, Regional 
Trade Agreements, Trade and Environment a nd Trade Facilitation;  and the Technical 
Assistance Plan for 2005.  Participants ha d the opportunity to attend a number of WTO 
meetings and activities such as the CTD De dicated Session on Small Economies, the 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, a nd the Seminar on Accessions.  During these 
Geneva Weeks, participants were encouraged to  spare time to meet with other Members and 
staff of the WTO Secretariat.  Some Non-R esidents also used the occasion to discuss their 
technical assistance needs with staff of the I TTC.  The feedback and comments received were 
very positive, and Geneva Week was once agai n considered useful and successful by the 
participants.  Many expressed the need to or ganize more than two Geneva Weeks per year 
and some thought it would be useful to orga nize briefing sessions regionally.  A number of 
participants emphasized the need to facilitate  the involvement of Non-Residents in the 
informal meetings. 
 
(ii) Trainee Programmes and Internships 
 
100. The WTO internship system was fully utilized in  2004.  The four Programmes provided for in 
the Plan have, to a large extent, achieved the objec tives set for them - to build human capacities in a 
systematic and cumulative manner.  These Programmes varied in nature and duration.  Some targeted 
nationals of WTO Members and countries and cust oms territories engaged in accession negotiations, 
who had completed their undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline, such as economics, law, 
political science, international relations and ha d embarked upon postgraduate studies.  Other 
programmes focused on training government official s from developing countries, including LDCs and 
economies in transition, or simply enhancing the ability of a particular mission entrusted with the 
coordinating role of a specific Group.  Eligible  candidates for these programmes must have prior 
knowledge of WTO work and relevant experience in  trade matters.  The following was achieved: 
- under the regular WTO Internship Programme , a total of 55 in-house Interns were 
recruited, mostly from developing countries, LDCs and transition economies.  These Interns were selected by WTO Divisions and were employed by the WTO for a 
duration of up to 24 weeks.  The evalua tions of their performance have generally 
been positive; 
- under the Dutch Internship Programme, four Officials were recruited, from 
Guatemala, Laos, Thailand and Fiji.  They  were employed in various Divisions, 
(External Relations, Development, and Intellectual Property).  Two of these WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 20  
 
 Internships will be concluded in the Spring of  2005.  Since its inception in 1998, the 
Dutch Internship Programme has trained, on av erage, four to five Interns every year.  
This has left a positive impact both for the Interns as well as the Secretariat.  In one 
instance, the Intern returned to Geneva to  represent his Government at the WTO.  In 
many other cases the Interns returned to their capitals to assume additional 
responsibilities relating to the work of  the WTO; 
- under the WTO Regional Coordinator Intern ship, three Groups benefited from this 
Programme in 2004, namely, the African Group, ACP Group and the ACP Secretariat in Geneva.  This Programme has proven su ccessful in helping the mission  to carry 
out its functions and responsibilities as Coordi nator of a particular Group in addition 
to its normal work; and 
- under the WTO Mission Internship, seven G overnment Officials benefited from this 
Programme in 2004.  On the whole, this Programme has been functioning well.  Interns having completed this programme have indicated that it enhanced their 
knowledge and understanding of the MTS and of trade policy in general.  It also 
strengthened their understanding of the ne gotiating process at the WTO and provided 
their Missions in Geneva with a bit of a dditional support to participate more actively 
in the daily activities of the WTO. 
IV. PARTNERSHIP AND OUTSOURCING 
101. Partnering has continued to be a key feature in  the implementation of the TRTA programmes, 
which is mainly geared towards building synergies in human and institutional capacity building.  In 
many cases, cooperation with partner institutions  and bodies is governed by Memoranda of 
Understandings (MoUs), but partnering  is equally undertaken in a prag matic way, even in the absence 
of a MoU.  A few examples are provided on the ki nd of cooperation that has occurred in the course of 
the year and in various regions.  Two particul ar mechanisms/programmes designed to foster 
cooperation between particular ins titutions, donors and recipients are the IF and Joint Integrated 
Technical Assistance Programme. 
J. J
OINT INTEGRATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME  
102. Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme  (JITAP), which is implemented jointly by 
ITC, UNCTAD and WTO, aims at building the cap acity of beneficiary countries in MTS-related 
areas.  Efficient dissemination of trade related in formation and improving transparency are among the 
factors which can help build the capacity of the partner countries.  Consequently, Module 2 of 
JITAP II, in which the WTO has th e lead role for implementation, aims to enhance dissemination of 
MTS-related information through the establishmen t/strengthening of Reference Centres (RCs) and 
National Enquiry Points (NEPs) as well as training th e operators of RCs and NEPs.  A Toolkit for the 
implementation of this Module has been designed. 
103. The Toolkit for Module 2 aims to help JITA P partner countries establish/strengthen NEPs and 
RCs.  It contains practical information and step by step guidelines regarding the setting up of NEPs 
and RCs.  It also contains information and ex amples on how to make a notification and how to 
respond to an enquiry, as well as a list of documen ts and equipment necessary for establishing a NEP 
or a RC.  Furthermore, it aims at facilitating c oordination between JITAP countries in meeting the 
transparency obligations of the WTO Agreements. 
104. The Module 2 Toolkit was launched and dissemi nated in two Sub-Regi onal Workshops held 
in Gaborone, Botswana from 28 to 30 June 2004, a nd in Dakar, Senegal from 9 to 11 September 2004 
for English speaking and French-speaking JITAP pa rtner countries, respectively.  Representatives of  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 21 
 
 
 the seven Centres (four NEPs and three RCs) in all the JITAP partner countries participated in the two 
Workshops.  Over 100 persons were trained in  the use of the Toolkit for Module 2. 
105. Implementation mission:  The first of a series of technical/training missions for the 
implementation of Module 2, that will cover a ll JITAP partner countries, was conducted in Kenya 
from 7 to 15 October 2004.  IT equipment has been installed in the NEPs for TBT, SPS, TRIPS and 
GATS and well as in the RCs for the Governme nt, business community and for the academic 
community.  For all of the NEPs and RCs, computer s have been connected to the Internet and email 
accounts have been created.  RCs were provided w ith documentation and publications from the WTO, 
ITC and UNCTAD. 
106. More than 20 WTO Computer-Based Traini ng CD-ROMS, CD-ROMS containing a large 
number of WTO publications as well as relevant ITC and UNCTAD CD-ROMS, and all operational 
software necessary for effectively r unning of a NEP and a RC were pre- loaded on to the hard disk of 
each computer.  Four persons from each NEP and RC have received training on the use of the installed IT equipment, search and retrieval of official documents from the websites of the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC, on-line statistical databa ses as well as information management and 
dissemination. 
107. Needs Assessment Missions:  WTO has condu cted Needs Assessment Missions for 
implementation of Module 2 in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Tunisia and Zambia. The 
purpose of these Missions was to determine: 
• the extent to which the existing NEPs and RCs are meeting the needs of the end users as 
defined in the JITAP project document;  
• whether the space allocated is adequate for providing services to the end users; and  
• the equipment and tools necessary for the implementation of Module 2.  
 
108. The findings of the Needs A ssessment will provide the b asis for the preparation and 
implementation of Module 2 missions to the remaining countries. 
109. Participation in JITAP field activities:  In c oordination with the other implementing agencies, 
the WTO has conducted/participated  in a number of  field missions to JITAP partner countries:  the 
Botswana and Senegal activities mentioned above, est ablishment/strengthening of RCs and NEPs in 
Kenya, Technical/Training Mission to Mozambique on establishment of a TBT/SPS Enquiry Point,  
mission on finalization of programme document c onducted in Tunisia, Workshop on dissemination of 
the Toolkit for Module I held in Zambia, a Wo rkshop on Notification held in Burkina Faso and 
Evaluation and follow-up missions to Mali, Came roon and Mauritania.  During these missions, the 
WTO resource persons provided substantive presen tations on the WTO Agreements, a well as on the 
state of play of the ongoing DDA. 
K. T
HE INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR TRADE -RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO LDC S 
110. The year 2004 saw progress in the implementation of the Integrated Framework (IF), 
including monitoring progress in ongoing DTIS  and follow-up, preparations of new DTIS, 
examination of Technical Reviews on a number of new requests to join the IF and further clarification 
and of Window II projects.  By the end of 2004, 29  LDCs were at various stages in the IF process 
while another 8 have applied.  Fourteen of them  have completed and validated the Diagnostic Trade 
Integration Studies (DTIS) which is the first step in  the IF process.  Several instruments have been 
introduced to ensure effective follo w-up to the DTIS.  For instance, eligible LDCs can receive funding 
(US$ 1 million) from the IF Trust Fund to support pr iority capacity-building projects identified in the 
DTIS Action Matrices.  Moreover, an increasing number of LDCs are now integrating their DTIS and 
their trade-related assistance needs into the PRSPs , while development partne rs are focusing more on WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 22  
 
 trade-related support to LDCs.  In general, the IF process, with its DTIS and Action Matrix and their 
linkages to the PRSP offers a common platform for coordination between the government and its (bilateral, regional, multilateral) de velopment partners.  A detailed re port of developments in 2004 is 
contained in the Minutes of the twelve session of the Integrated Framework Steering Committee, contained in document WT/IFSC/M/11. 
L. R
EGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS  
111. As is discussed in the Plan, various partners hip arrangements have been established at the 
regional level:  
(a) Africa 
 
112. During 2004, the Africa Unit at ITTC collaborat ed with regional partner institutions on the 
continent to build trade policy capacity.  In Sept ember 2004, the WTO collaborated with the African 
Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations  Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in 
organizing the Third Trade Policy Course for Seni or African Officials in Tunis, Tunisia from 
6 to 17 September 2004.  In October, the WTO collaborated with the University of Western Cape and 
the University of Pretoria in organizing an In tensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills for a 
number of African countries in Cape Town, South Africa.  Moreover, on several occasions NEPAD 
was associated.with the activities.  NEPAD provided an expert for one of the TPCs organized in 
Africa  More broadly, the Secretariat is explorin g ways to deepen institutional relations with the 
NEPAD Secretariat with a view to assisting NEPAD in achieving its goals in the field of Trade.  Various contacts have been established to that effect.  Separately, and more speci fically relevant to the 
African continent, the WTO is intensifying its c ooperation with la Francophonie, as discussed further 
in the following section on "other partnership arrangements". 
(b) Asia Pacific 
 113. In Asia and Pacific, the WTO and the Economic  Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP) have 
continued their collaboration in the implementati on of joint technical cooperation and capacity 
building activities for Asian and Pacific economies.  Distribution of tasks and cost-sharing between 
WTO and ESCAP expanded and st rengthened cooperation between the two institutions.  Joint 
activities include programmes such as the annua l WTO/ESCAP Trade Policy Training Courses and 
the regular Regional Seminars on DDA Negotiations. 
114. Over the years, ESCAP has become a catalyst  and facilitator for much greater understanding 
of WTO negotiating issues, better implementation of WTO Agreements , and more active participation 
of Asian and Pacific economies in the DDA Negotia tions.  WTO and ESCAP joint TA/CB operations 
can be viewed as strategic partnership arrangeme nts since ESCAP, as part of the United Nations, 
contributes both a global and regional developmen t perspective and facilitates the constructive 
exchanges between Asian capital-based and Geneva-based trade officials. 
(c) Arab Countries and the Middle East 
 115. Since the creation of the ITTC, the Secretariat has increased the number of technical 
assistance activities for Arab Countries, many of which were held under partnership arrangement.  These activities were useful and beneficial to the Arab  Officials who participated in them.  Several of 
these activities were organized in collaboration with  WTO partners in the region, namely, the Arab 
Monetary Fund (AMF), the Economic and Social  Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the 
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).  The purpose of th ese partnerships is to gear up the ability of the 
Secretariat to provide effective technical assistance to Arab Countries and to collaborate with a partner who is familiar with the concerns of the region.  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 23 
 
 
 116. The range and coverage of these joint activities va ried.  Some were very high level meetings 
that included the presence of Arab Trade and Fina nce Ministers, others were more specific and 
covered particular substantive matters.  The Secret ariat was also able to broaden its collaboration to 
go beyond the usual scope of TA activities, i.e. provi ding training to government officials, and started 
developing programmes to target academia, parliament arians and the private sector.  All these events 
were not only successful but contributed to further in tegrating and enhancing the participation of the 
Arab Countries in the work of the WTO and the current Negotiating Round. 
(d) Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia 
 117. In Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, close cooperation continued on a regular 
basis with the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI), wh ich provides excellent training facilities for WTO 
training Courses.  Moreover, cooperation took place with various regional bodies in the field, including with ESCAP, as well as with bilateral donors. 
(e) Latin America and the Caribbean Countries 
 
118. Following the signature of the first MoU with  the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) 
in 2000,  the WTO Secretariat continued its fruitful collaboration with them and with the Institute for 
Integration in Latin America and the Caribbean  (INTAL).  The work programme has covered 
MERCOSUR, the Andean Countries, the Central Am erican Common Market and other countries in 
Central America, the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, and CARICOM, where the collaboration with the 
CARICOM Secretariat is much appreciated. 
119. The IADB/INTAL has been, without any doubt, th e principal partner of the WTO Secretariat 
both in terms of funding and taking care of the logi stics related to the TA regional activities conducted 
in the Region.   
120. The TA activities conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean show an  increasing interest 
on in-depth, subject-specific assistance, addressi ng problems relating to the implementation of 
commitments and the participation in negotiations, and show a more advanced level of awareness and 
understanding on the part of the officials that have benefited from the assistance provided.  
(f) Other Partnerships 
 121. While there is quite a large variety of Partne rship arrangements, two will be discussed in the 
section below, including the arrangements in place between the WTO and UNIDO, as well as the 
cooperation with l'Agence de la Francophonie. 
(g) WTO-UNIDO Joint Cooperation  
 122. In the Fall of 2004, two joint WTO-UNIDO Br iefing Sessions were held in Vienna and 
Geneva to discuss progress made in the implementation of the WTO-UNIDO MoU in the nine 
beneficiary countries that had been identified for the pilot phase including Armenia, Bolivia, 
Cambodia, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya and Mauritania.  These meetings were attended by 
Representatives of the beneficiary countries, donors and other countries interested to join in the 
Programme.  
123. The meetings included presentations on the first phase of the Programme, which has now 
been concluded, with all of the so-called "kick- off meetings" having been completed in all nine 
countries.  The outcome of these "kick-offs" is contained in the "Second Joint Progress Report" dated 
8 November 2004, which was prepared by the UNIDO and WTO and summarizes the main findings for each country. WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 24  
 
 124. The discussions in Vienna and Geneva revealed unambiguously strong support for the 
programme and the cooperation between the WTO and UNIDO was qualified as a model for 
inter-agency cooperation, with pa rticularly good synergies being developed between the two 
Institutions.  The two Organizati ons had not only designed programmes, but also started their 
implementation in several countries.  Delegations c onfirmed that the main stakeholders in capital, 
including the private and public sector, felt that the issues identified are indeed of critical importance 
for enhancing the development of  countries' export capacities.  Moreover, it was strongly felt that 
addressing supply-side issues in combination with Ma rket Access issues would yield the best results 
in overcoming capacity constraints. 
125. On the question of a follow-up to the first phase,  the need was felt to first consolidate the 
current achievements, and define lines of action which would ensure a proper implementation of 
activities in Phase II.  In other words, both UNIDO and WTO would primarily focus on the delivery of activities to the nine countries, so as to implement effectively the programmes and meet 
expectations in beneficiaries, rather than ru shing into new programmes in more countries.   
126. With regard to expanding the Programme to incl ude more countries, this  could be considered, 
but would only be done gradually, in light of what  the two Organizations can handle, and without 
compromising the quality of the programmes for the nine countries to which the two Organizations 
already have commitments.  Some written request s have already been received, including one from 
Zambia.  
(h) Cooperation between the WTO and La Francophonie  
 
127. The WTO stepped up its collaboration with the Francophone agencies, namely, the 
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Agen ce Intergouvernementale de la 
Francophonie (AIF), and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).  That collaboration 
mainly consisted of WTO's partic ipation in activities organized by those Institutions. The training 
activities were held in the framework of the RE XPACO ("Renforcement de l'Expertise Francophone 
en Négociation des Accords Commerciaux") Programme, an AIF project that started in 2004, and in 
with university teachers from developed countries act as resource persons.  REXPACO is an advanced 
Programme to train trainers on matters relating to Trade Agreement Negotiations.  It is intended for 
teachers in Francophone Universities and for Minist ry Officials who have already attended TPCs (for 
instance, at the WTO and under the Francode Progra mme).  This project, which was established on an 
annual basis, changed over to a four-yearly cycle at the end of 2004.  It will enable the various 
participants to communicate with one another by me ans of an on-line platform made available by the 
AIF. 
128. The WTO participated in other TA activities in  the framework of CEMAC, with support from 
the AIF.  WTO experts took part in five activ ities in various CEMAC countries (Gabon, Cameroon 
and Congo) as experts on Agriculture, Regional Integr ation, NAMA, Services, and Customs matters.  
Moreover, the WTO was invited to participate in the proceedings of the Francophone 
Parliamentarians' Committee on Trade Negotiations, held in Marrakesh in May 2004.  Collaboration 
by La Francophonie in WTO TA activities took the form of participation by Representatives of the OIF and AIF.  Institutions and Bodies like CEMA C, WAEMU and the IOC participated  in four 
Courses or Seminars organized by the WTO in various Sub-Regions of Africa. 
(i) Cooperation with the Internati onal Development Law Organization 
 
129. The WTO and the International Developmen t Law Organization (IDLO) signed a MoU in 
2003, with the specific purpose of strengthening formal cooperation arrange ments between the two 
Institutions.  This cooperation largely focuses on trad e capacity building and training with regard to  WT/COMTD/W/139 
 Page 25 
 
 
 the mandates contained in the DDA, as well as to the implementation of existing Agreements and 
WTO Commitments. 
130. To achieve this goal, the WTO and IDLO have  jointly organized several training Courses in 
various regions and both Organizations have c ontributed to each other's activities by providing 
lecturers and trainers.  Representatives of the two Organizations have met at various occasions to 
discuss ways of broadening and deepening this coopera tion in the most efficient manner. In the Fall of 
2004, IDLO was invited to make a presentation to th e CTD to provide information to the Members on 
its activities and to discuss scope for further cooperation.  
131. This joint cooperation has generally been pr oductive and cost-effective, both in terms of 
human and financial resources; costs for organizing joint activities are shared and duplication of 
similar activities can be avoided.  Moreover, thr ough such cooperation  the technical assistance and 
training programmes can be better targeted to the speci fic needs of the beneficiaries.  Finally, IDLO 
benefits from having excellent infrastructures, not onl y in headquarters, but equally in some locations 
in the field, where training centres have been established or are being created.  
V. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 
132. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) continue to  be a key element in the programming cycle 
with a view of continuously upgrading the quality of the products and the delivery of TRTA.  The 
results of the M&E are systematically fed back into the design and execution of the Plan and the 
Technical Cooperation Audit Unit (TCAU) issues an Annual Report, with a detailed assessment of  
the activities carried out. 
VI. FUNDING 
133. At the end of 2004, and following the finalisa tion of the 2005 TA Plan, the General Council 
adopted the recommended target amount of CHF 24 million for the DDAGTF in 2005 and the share of the regular budget to be dedicated to technical assistance and training.  The extra budgetary funding 
requirements for the TA Plan 2005 thus remained the same as for 2004.  Taking into account the  
balance at the end of 2003 of CHF 16.1 million, and pledges received of CHF 11.5 million in 2004, 
the total amount of funds available in  2004 corresponded to CHF 27.6 million. 
134. The total expenditure in 2004 amounted to CHF 19.8 million.  This resulted in a remaining 
positive balance of CHF 7.8 million which was carrie d over for the implementation of the TA Plan 
2005. 
135. This amount exceeds by 25 per cent the 2005 target amount of actual contributions 
(i.e. CHF 6 million) that should be received in the WTO bank account by 31 December 2004, 
according to the terms of reference of th e DDAGTF approved by the General Council on 
19 and 20 December 2001.  This has allowed the S ecretariat to immediately start implementing the 
2005 Plan. WT/COMTD/W/139 
Page 26  
 
 Table 1
 
 
Delivery of TRTA by region and type of activity  
 
  National Regional/Global(1) Othe r (conferences, etc.) Total 
Africa 101 57% 58 33% 19 11% 178 
Arab and Middle East countries 14 40% 15 43% 6 17% 35 
Asia and Pacific 64 54% 36 31% 18 15% 118 
Caribbean 7 35% 13 65% 0 0% 20 
CEECACs 13 33% 16 40% 11 28% 40 
Latin America 25 47% 22 42% 6 11% 53 
Other (global, Geneva-based, or other)     17 30% 40 70% 57 
Total 224 45% 177 35% 100 20% 501 
 
Table  2 
 
Delivery of TRTA by subject matter and type of activity  
 
  National Regional/Global(1) Othe r (conferences, etc.) Total 
Accessions 11 6% 1 1%   0% 12 
Agriculture 9 26% 9 26% 4 11% 22 
Capacity-building 74 63% 38 32% 18 15% 130 
Competition Policy; Singapore Issues 2 10% 7 35% 2 10% 11 
Customs Valuation 3 8% 3 8%   0% 6 
Development Issues   0% 5 9% 6 11% 11 
Dispute Settlement 5 9% 9 17%   0% 14 
Environment 2 6% 7 20%   0% 9 
Geneva-based Training   0%  0% 14 12% 14 
Government Procurement 3 15% 5 25%   0% 8 
Integrated Framework / LDCs 7 18% 1 3%   0% 8 
Investment 1 2%  0% 1 2% 2 
IT / WTO Reference Centres 20 38%  0% 2 4% 22 
Mainstreaming   0% 2 6% 30 86% 32 
Market Access 12 10% 5 4% 1 1% 18 
Outreach 5 25% 4 20% 1 5% 10 
Regional Trade Agreements   0% 7 18% 1 3% 8 
Regional Trade Policy Courses   0% 4 10%   0% 4 
Rules 9 17% 7 13% 1 2% 17 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 9 17% 7 13% 7 13% 23 
Services 26 74% 14 40% 3 9% 43 
Short Trade Policy Courses   0% 6 5%   0% 6 
Technical Barriers to Trade 3 15% 8 40%   0% 11 
Textiles and Clothing 1 3% 6 15% 4 10% 11 
Trade Facilitation 2 4% 4 8%   0% 6 
Trade Negotiations Techniques 8 15% 8 15%   0% 16 
TRIPS 12 23% 10 19% 5 9% 27 
Total 224 45% 177 35% 100 20% 501 
 
(1) regional includes activities planned and organized by the WTO, as well as activities organized by other 
institutions, in which the WTO participated.  
__________