WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
22 June 2011  
 
(11-3085) 
Committee on Trade and Development 
Aid for Trade  
 
 
 
ITTC CASE STORY ON TRADE CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE WTO 
 
 
Table of Contents 
 
I.  INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. .. 1 
II.  RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT IN THE WTO ........................................................... 3  
III. WTO TRADE RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES AND 
HOW THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO CAPACITY BUILDING? ............................... 4  
IV.  PROGRESSIVE LEARNI NG STRATEGY ........................................................................ 10  
V.  WTO'S E-LEARNING COURSES ....................................................................................... 11  
A.  OBJECTIVES  .............................................................................................................................. . 11 
B.  OUTPUTS  .............................................................................................................................. ..... 12 
C.  OUTCOMES  .............................................................................................................................. .. 12 
VI.  REGIONAL TRADE POLICY COURSES ......................................................................... 13  
A.  OBJECTIVES  .............................................................................................................................. . 13 
B.  OUTPUTS  .............................................................................................................................. ..... 14 
C.  OUTCOMES  .............................................................................................................................. .. 15 
VII. WTO TRAINEE AND INTER NSHIP PROGRAMMES ................................................... 16  
A.  OBJECTIVES  .............................................................................................................................. . 16 
B.  OUTPUTS  .............................................................................................................................. ..... 17 
C.  OUTCOMES  .............................................................................................................................. .. 18 
VIII. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................... ... 22 
ANNEX I ....................................................................................................................... ........................ 23  
ANNEX II ...................................................................................................................... ....................... 24  
ANNEX III ..................................................................................................................... ....................... 25  
ANNEX IV ...................................................................................................................... ...................... 26  
ANNEX V ....................................................................................................................... ...................... 28  
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. With the launch of the Doha Development Ag enda (DDA) in November 2001, followed by 
the creation of the WTO's Institute for Training a nd Technical Cooperation (I TTC) in spring 2003, the 
WTO Secretariat's trade capacity building programmes have been provided with a very strong platform from which they are implemented.  The WTO Secretariat, in close consultation with the 
Members, designs and implements Biennial Technical Assistance (TA) Plans.  These TA Plans provide a firm premise aiming to ensure that WT O's trade capacity building programmes are meeting 
the specific needs of the developing countries and th eir delivery are structured, sound  and coherent in WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  order to have the desired impact on the ground.  In  turn, specific priorities are established for LDCs 
and African countries, which are the most in need  of WTO's technical assistance and trade-related 
technical assistance at large.  In order to finance the activities, the DDA Global Trust Fund 
(DDAGTF) was established in February 2002 and in  accordance with its Terms of Reference, WTO 
Members are committed to providing the Secretaria t with around CHF 24 Million annually as well as 
some CHF 6 Million from the regular budget. Thus, nearly 80 per cent of the TA delivery depends on 
extra budgetary financing, i.e. through voluntary cont ributions of Members, with the remaining 20 per 
cent of the activities being financed from the regular budget.   
2. Under the Doha Development Agenda mandate, Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) 
and capacity building are core elements in the Mult ilateral Trading System (MTS). In parallel, trade 
capacity-building is also a key delivery compon ent of the Aid-for-Trade work programme as 
delineated in the Recommendations of the WTO Di rector-General's Task Force on Aid for Trade.
1 
WTO’s TRTA activities and programm es are geared toward s sustainable trade capacity-building in 
beneficiary countries.  Complementing the overarc hing objectives of the international trade and 
development community at large, WTO's TRTA activities are based on a core set of principles that are 
essential prerequisites in realizing the developmental goals that help provide an enabling environment 
for poverty reduction by strengthening human and ins titutional capacity.  The activities provide direct 
support to beneficiary countries in enhancing th eir human and institutional capacities to help 
developing countries and in particular the least-d eveloped countries to integrate into the MTS by 
dealing with the challenges.  
3. Following consultations with Members, the WTO Secretariat will introduce two innovative 
features in the next Biennial TA Plan, consisting of integrating Results Based Management (RBM) in 
the planning cycle and consolidating the Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS).  The RBM mechanism is designed to better assess the outcome and impact  of trade capacity building programmes and to 
permit better monitoring and evaluation tools in the design and implementation phase of its activities.  
The PLS is meant to ensure the incremental learni ng approach, thus gradually building and enhancing 
capacity.  This case story will start by taking a clos er look at some of the Secretariat's global trade 
capacity building programmes and how they have been beneficial to Members and then apply some of 
the elements of the RBM as an evaluation tool.  Following this, it discusses how the WTO's trade 
capacity building programmes have contributed to capacity building in beneficiary countries and highlighting some of the main outcomes.  
4. The intention, thus, is to apply the evaluati on tools available under the RBM, i.e. consider 
some activities, their outputs and outcomes, over a short to medium term period and test these 
outcomes with indicators and means of verification.   It is well understood that RBM normally requires 
the setting of objectives, outputs and outcomes prior to  the activities themselves, followed by analysis 
of how the change was achieved as a result of the l ogical approach. Nevertheless, this case story will 
look at some activities and programmes and in a wa y 'test' the RBM approach retrospectively.  
5. The case story is structured as follows: it starts  with a brief explanation of the rationale 
behind RBM and its main features. It then takes a closer look at the Secretariat's trade capacity 
building programmes since the creation of the ITTC, num ber of officials trained and more specifically 
how the programmes have resulted in specific outcom es. This will be illustrated with a few specific 
examples in the field of SPS, Government Procurem ent and Reference Centres. It then explains how 
the PLS is gradually being put into effect based on the experience with the E-Learning Programmes, 
the RTPCs and finally the Intern Programmes. Some insights are provided into the WTO's TA 
Databases, which were developed and enhanced in recent years, and which pr ovide the basis for the 
selection of participants under the PLS and act as a tool for the effective coordination of TRTA.  
                                                      
1 Aid-for-Trade Task Force Recommendations: WT/AFT/1.   WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  II. RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT IN THE WTO 
6. The WTO is highly committed to the RBM pr ocess in alignment with the monitoring and 
evaluation framework under the Aid for Trade progr amme.  The concept of RBM will gradually be 
incorporated into the design, management and delivery of WTO's trade capacity building 
programmes, thus, streamlining activities and perm itting an evaluation of the impact of these 
activities. Having a results framework and an adequa te reporting mechanism, woven into the TA plan 
will assist in determining whether a positive contri bution has been made to building the capacity of 
beneficiary countries in trade policy matters and help ing them to derive significant benefits from the 
MTS.  The RBM approach is supporting the WTO in its continuous efforts towards improvement in 
results-orientation, focus, efficiency and account ability. The process of developing and maintaining 
RBM in WTO will be an iterative process internally  amongst the various Divisions as well as among 
Members and partner organizations. 
7. It is recalled that the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness2 committed donors and 
developing countries to change the way technical c ooperation is delivered and managed, so as to 
improve the effectiveness of available assistance  and make progress towards achievement of the 
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  One of the five core principles in the Paris Declaration 
focused on "managing for results" (Annex I).  By calling on donors and partner countries to direct 
resources to achieving results, and using informat ion on results to improve decision-making and 
programme performance, it highlighted the importance of indicators as a tool for this purpose. The 3rd 
Aid for Trade Global Review, scheduled to ta ke place on 18-19 July 2011, will focus on the 
evaluation of the results and impact of Aid for Tr ade projects and programmes through the analysis of 
case stories.  
8. The RBM strategy requires all the actors invol ved in the implementation of the projects or 
programmes to set clear objectives.  This fits well with the main objective of WTO's trade capacity building programmes:  The Biennial TA Plan 2012-20 13 is geared towards providing direct support to 
beneficiaries with a view to enhancing their human  and institutional capacities to take full advantage 
of the rules-based multi-lateral trading system (MTS):  The modus operandi  is to empower them with 
the knowledge and skills to deal with the challe nges emerging from the MTS, including enforcing 
their rights and obligations, enhancing their particip ation in the current DDA negotiations in terms of 
facilitating the preparation of negotiating pape rs and positions, based on full knowledge and an 
understanding of the issues at stake.  
9. Needs assessments are essential to establish what  is lacking in beneficiary countries and to 
draw up targeted programmes to address the iden tified shortcomings and establish the expected 
outcomes.  Thus, if a country has had some difficu lties in complying with its notification obligations, 
the programme should be designed in such a way that  after its completion the country would be in a 
position to fulfil its notification obligations.  There should be hands-on training and practical exercises 
to ensure that the participants are able to apply what has been taught by the WTO resource persons.  
Following this, it should be possible to verify the change it has brought about and whether new 
notifications have been submitted by the beneficiary country.   
10. The basic tools used in RBM in clude establishing a baseline at the starting point and prior to 
the activity, i.e. what were levels of knowledge pr ior and after the activity, which can be measured 
through quizzes, exams etc.  Identify the right in dicators to measure the output, which can again be 
done through exams, quizzes, and questionnaires following the delivery of the activity, internal and 
                                                      
2 The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005) has been endorsed by some 114 countries and 25 
international organizations.  It sets out a roadmap of practical commitments to promote ownership, alignment, harmonization, managing for results and mutual account ability, organized around five  key principles, each of 
which has a set of indicators of achievement.   WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  external evaluations, which would all need to be re flected in the Back to Office Reports (BTORs) and 
inputted into the relevant databases.  
11. The next level of analysis addresses the outco mes, which could be assessed through data 
collection and analysis of the TRTA results to an swer the basic question as to how the TRTA results 
were used and translated into action.  The indicat ors in that regard could be the improvement in 
notifications, textual proposals by delegation in th e DDA negotiations, the number of focal points in 
the Ministries, the number of coordinators in Gene va, their active involvement in the negotiations and 
the meetings, defending their countries'  and regions interests.  The analysis of the data would allow 
for a collective appreciation by the Secretariat, the donors and beneficiaries of the outcomes of the 
trade capacity building efforts in terms of impact, i.e.  results and ultimately 'change', which is the final 
and longer term objective of the RBM. The systematic data collection and analysis will also help the 
Secretariat to identify and make effective use of  the capacities created with the beneficiaries. 
12. The current Performance Evaluation Forms (PEF) and the Back To Office Reports (BTORs) 
used by the WTO Secretariat act as a useful t ool for capturing the expected output, as it requires 
resource persons, inter alia, to state the objectives of the activity right from the beginning and also 
make a qualitative assessment of the activity, based  on the responses of the participants to the 
questionnaire and on their own experiences as to wh ether it was a success.  However, it does not 
provide guidance with regard to the "outcome" and th e ultimate change to be obtained, i.e. the impact 
of the TRTA provided.  Also, outcomes are not as sociated with activities per se, but rather with 
programmes, e.g. Netherlands Trainee Programme  (NTP)/Mission Internship Programme (MIP), 
which go beyond the individual action.   
13. Unlike outputs which can be ascertained shortl y after an activity, outcomes which "flow from 
a collection of outputs and describe the unleashing of potential", can only be assessed sometime after 
the implementation of an activity or a programme.  To ascertain the possible outcomes of WTO’s TACB activities, it would be necessary to have syst ematic data collection and analysis.  Possible 
outcomes can also be gauged from the participation of the country in the work of the WTO, its 
contributions at WTO meetings, notifications and TPRs.   
14. As regards the long term impact of TACB activ ities, "change", it is the expectation of the 
WTO that such activities would facilitate the full inte gration of beneficiary countries into the MTS.  
Countries should not only be able to participate more  effectively in the work of the WTO in all areas 
including negotiations, monitoring and dispute settle ment, but also be able to use their rights and 
implement their obligations to derive significant bene fits from the MTS.  This would require effective 
follow-up and the cooperation of beneficiary countr ies.  Arguably, the development of indicators 
would have to take several points into consider ation, including how the beneficiary country is 
complying with its WTO obligations , the written and oral contributions received from the country on 
issues of importance to it, participation in meetings , and whether trade capacity is contributing to the 
economic growth and development of the country.  A holistic view has to be adopted in assessing 
whether the TACB activities of the WTO have facilita ted the integration of the beneficiary country 
into the MTS.   
15. In line with the considerations mentioned above, restraints and features of RBM at this stage 
and given that there has not been any systematic da ta gathering, this case story will review some of 
the practical examples by way of illustrati on of how TRTAs outcomes can be measured. 
III. WTO TRADE RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES AND HOW 
THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO CAPACITY BUILDING? 
16. Looking back at nearly 10 years of WTO's trade capacity building programmes, there is 
increasing evidence of how they have worked and how they have had a beneficial effect on the  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  beneficiaries.  While it is difficult to assess and quantify the effect of the training  per se and the 
impact and the change it may lead to, in particul ar as these training events are part of a learning 
process, the independent evaluations that have be en conducted in the past on various programmes, 
confirm the overall usefulness of the programmes.  He re again, and in line with the RBM logic, there 
are various stages in the learning cycle where results  can be measured, i.e. immediately following the 
activity, as well as in the longer run, when the knowledge  gets translated into action.  To measure the 
immediate output of the training, the Secretariat has various tools at its disposal that are used during 
the training events, e.g. quizzes, (simulation) ex ercises, question and answers, which are considered 
helpful to get a better indication of the informa tion retained.  Most training events have an 
increasingly large part of hands-on training, rather th an simply teaching and learning. It is felt that 
basic knowledge can mostly be gathered by ot her means, i.e. through the E-Learning mode, 
Introduction Days etc. and is now gradually becoming a prerequisite prior to the face to face training.  
All WTO staff is required to prepare BTORs follo wing the conduct of an activity, which provide 
further insights in each of the training events, how it was conducted and rated.  Finally, the Technical 
Cooperation Audit Unit (TCA) undertakes field visits to assess the quality and relevance of the events 
in which they interview participants and officials. All of this information is documented and used as a 
basis for reporting to Members in the Secretariat's annual reports.  
17. While in this way a general appreciation is  obtained, it still provides little information on 
measurable i.e. quantifiable outcomes.  Other sour ces of information may provide information on the 
outcomes and perhaps impact.  These include oral f eedback from the participants, beneficiaries and 
delegates, following the conduct of the event, but also a broader appreciation that is given by 
beneficiaries at meetings of the Committee on Tr ade and Development (CTD), visiting high level 
delegations in meetings with WT O's management, etc.  Most of the feedback remains largely 
anecdotal, and is not really quantifiable or measu rable, hence the need to introduce RBM in the 
planning cycle.  This is in many ways unders tandable, as knowledge and human capacity building 
efforts are largely intangible and it is not always  obvious how the acquired knowledge can and/or is 
translated into policy action.  Some of the f eedback does go beyond the anecdotal observations and 
point in the direction of tangible outcomes.  This  is what the case story will illustrate, through some 
examples provided of successful TRTA, with identifiable and tangible outcomes.  
18. Before doing so, it may be useful to take a quick look at the number of officials that have 
been trained, as well as those that benefit annually from the Secretariat's training programmes. In order to track the number of officials trained by th e WTO Secretariat, considerable efforts were made 
to develop a solid Trade Related Technical A ssistance Database (TRTA Database), as well as the 
Global Trade Related Technical Assistance Database (GTAD), which is geared towards enhancing the 
coordination of trade capacity building programmes upfront.  The Databases don't provide information on the outcomes, although it is intended  to review the TRTA Database for reporting 
purposes as part of the RBM.  However, it is not limited to providing information on the number of 
participants trained in the various events, but also  is actively used as a tool to perform the PLS, by 
verifying the participants to courses prior to their sel ection.  The main features of the TRTA Database 
and GTAD can be found in Annexes 2 and 3 respectively. 
19. The WTO Secretariat has trained some 30,000 offi cials since the creation of the Institute in 
2003, which means an average of nearly 4,000 offi cials per year. This includes over 10,000 officials 
since the launch of the E-Learning Pr ogrammes in 2005, with an averag e of 2600 participants for each 
of the last three years. A total of 2,810 particip ants were trained throug h Geneva based training 
courses since 2002 with an average of 157 participants  trained annually in the last three years. This 
represents a sharp decrease from the 264 between 2002 and 2008, which is explained by a reduction 
of Geneva based courses. The RTPCs, covered tr aining of nearly 1,000 officials since its launching 
early 2004. On average, some 100 participants were  trained annually between the years 2008-2010.  
Since 2003, over 15,000 participants have been trai ned through field based regional-based training 
events. In the last three years, 1,900 officials were trained annually.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 6  
 
  20. It is reassuring to note that, in the preparation of  the Biennial TA Plan  2012-2013, a series of 
intensive consultations were held with all regional grouping, during which many delegations indicated 
that they, as well as their colleagues at the pe rmanent missions, were 'products' of the WTO 
Secretariat's trade policy courses, as well as various  intern programmes. Their human capacities and 
WTO knowledge had been built through WTO training, which largely explained their presence in 
Geneva. As they pointed out, this training had put them in a much better position to actively engage in 
the Committee work as well as in th e negotiations. It facilitated their access to information, to WTO 
experts and a better understanding of  the issues as well as the decision making process in the WTO. 
As will be discussed further, many trainees under the NTP and the MIP either stay in or return to 
Geneva as delegates. Some of them explicitly retu rn to Geneva to set up their Permanent Mission 
and/or stayed on subsequently as a delegate. Acco rding to many BTORs, many delegates that have 
participated in training events return to Gene va as delegates and activ ely engage in the DDA 
negotiations. Numerous quotations can be provide d from former participants to WTO training 
programmes in all geographical regions, including through the intensive trade negotiations skills, 
supporting the evidence that the training has helped th em in assuming their duti es either in capital, or 
as a Geneva based delegate (Box 1).  
 
BOX 1 
 
Examples of how WTO Training has benefited Paraguay, Ghana and the DR of Congo 
 
Results show benefits for Paraguayan trade policy officials   
 
 In 2010, the Latin America and Caribbean d esk of the WTO Institute for Training and 
Technical Cooperation received an official from the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry as a trainee under 
the Netherlands Trainee Programme.  He is part of  Paraguay's diplomatic service, and worked in the 
Directorate of Multilateral Economic Bodies, responsible for WTO-related matters.  His main area of 
activity had been the agriculture and services negotiations. 
 
 During his ten months of attachment to the La tin American and Caribbean Desk of the ITTC, 
the official performed various tasks, including the preparation of periodic reports on the economic 
situation in the different Latin American and Ca ribbean countries and the status of WTO technical 
assistance to those countries;  preparation of su pport materials for technical assistance activities 
implemented during the year;  support and bibliogr aphical research for studies conducted by the LAC 
desk;  and most importantly, participation in the preparation of the Aid for Trade chapter of the 
Secretariat report for the Trade Policy Review of Paraguay.  The latter task required him to join a 
WTO delegation that visited Paraguay, specifically  for the purpose of talking to the Paraguayan 
authorities about their trade policies and gathering material for the drafting of the WTO Secretariat 
report. 
 
 The training was of great and tangible benefit, as the official gained familiarity with the 
mechanics of meetings in Geneva and was also able to work very closely with his country's Mission.  
Following his return to Paraguay, the former part icipant in the Netherlands  Trainee Programme was 
appointed as the head of the economic bureau for the United Nations and promoted to the rank of 
Second Secretary, making him eligible to be appoint ed to serve in his country's Mission in Geneva.  
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  Results show benefits for Ghanaian trade policy officials 
 
 WTO technical assistance and capacity building programmes have proved indispensable in  
benefitted from the three-month Trade Policy Course o ffered in Geneva and in the regions and also 
several workshops and seminars on a range of subject s.  Quite a few have also benefitted from WTO 
internship programmes.  Accordi ng to the Ghanaian trade policy o fficial, who was attached to the 
ITTC under the Netherlands Trainee Programme in  2009, the programme tremendously enhanced his 
knowledge not only about the WTO Agreements, but  also on how the organization functions in 
practice.  He worked mainly on notification issues and has since returning back  to Ghana worked with 
colleagues from the Ministry of Trade and Industr y and other Government Departments in fulfilling 
Ghana's notification obligations under various agreemen ts.  With the training that he acquired he can 
now assist desks officers in other West African  countries to prepare and submit the required 
notifications to the WTO Secretariat. Since he retu rned to Ghana, the numbers of notifications have 
been increased from an average of one notificati on in recent years to already three in 2011.  
 
Results show benefits for Congolese trade policy officials 
 
 Following the period of political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the 
country has begun participating actively in WT O's technical assistance and capacity building 
programmes with a view to enhancing the knowledge of  its trade policy officials and playing a greater 
role in the MTS.   In 2010, a Congolese trade polic y official benefitted from the Netherlands Trainee 
Programme.  She worked principally on trade po licy issues and notifications requirements under the 
various WTO Agreements.  Since returning to th e Democratic Republic of Congo, she has been 
promoted as the Deputy Coordinator of the Enhanced Integrated Framework, Ministry of Trade, Small 
and Medium Enterprises and assigned greater respons ibilities in the implementation of Congo's new 
trade policy.  She was part of the team that draf ted the Government's Report which is included in the 
Trade Policy Review Report on the DRC.  She cred its the Netherlands Trainee Programme  for her 
career progression and requests the WTO to continue supporting the DRC and other African 
countries. 
 
21. Another way of addressing the issue is by taking a closer look at the text proposals in specific 
areas of the negotiations, e.g. NAMA and Agriculture, TRIPs, Rules, Services etc. It can be observed 
that a considerable amount of the text proposals pr esented and inputs made in the negotiating process 
are made by LDCs, Small and Vulnerable Econom ies, Recently Acceded Members and Developing 
Countries more generally, and sometimes of a highly complex and technical, which testifies of high 
levels of knowledge and skills. The same holds true for the negotiations  per se, with a noticeable, very 
high level of commitment and active engagement fr om the side of developing countries, who make 
concrete inputs in the discussions, take positions and defend their interests better than any time in the 
history of the GATT/WTO multilateral trade negotia tions. It would be reasonable to assume that 
perhaps some of these skills and the human capacity can  at least in part be attributed to the trade 
capacity building efforts of the Secretariat, in combination with the efforts undertaken by other 
agencies. It is often observed that this much hi gher engagement in the DDA negotiations is directly 
related to the skills and knowledge acquired.  
22. In order to move from the anecdotal part to so me more concrete evidence of the outcomes of 
the Secretariat's Trade Capacity building efforts, a few examples are presented Box 2. The first one 
relates the SPS Agreement and illustrates how the Dominican Republic took direct advantage of the 
knowledge it had acquired dur ing various training events and translated into action. This will be 
followed by a second example relating to Armenia, a recently acceded Member that as part of its 
accession commitments to the WTO had to understand and implement the Government Procurement 
Agreement (GPA).The third example relates to th e reference centres and how they have assisted WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 8  
 
  beneficiaries, including LDCs and non-residents benefiting from training and information on the 
MTS. 
BOX 2 
 
Examples of how WTO Training has benefited Dominican Republic, Armenia, Zimbabwe, 
Honduras and Vietnam.  
 
Dominican Republic: Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures 
 
 In October 2009, three Dominican Republic gove rnment representatives participated in the 
WTO Secretariat's 5th SPS Advanced course. This three-week  course comprised a series of sessions 
and practical exercises related to the implementati on of the SPS Agreement.  Each participant was 
required to elaborate an action plan with the assist ance of coaches that addressed at least one or two 
implementation and/or market access challenges encountered in their countries. 
 
 Two of the three participants' action plan s related to strengthening the National SPS 
Committee: a) Strengthening communication and inter action mechanisms of public institutions that 
make up the National SPS Committee and the privat e sector; and b) for the National SPS Committee 
to achieve financial independence to consolidate th e development of institutional capacities in the SPS 
field both nationally and internationally.  The thir d participant's action plan dealt specifically with 
domestic pork production issues.  
 
 Following the participation of these three govern ment representatives, in June 2010, the WTO 
Secretariat delivered a three day National SPS/TBT seminar in the Dominican Republic.  During this 
event, the WTO officials noted that the Dominican Republic had a well-functioning coordination 
mechanism for its National SPS Committee and f ound it to be exemplary model for developing 
countries to follow.  Government officials al so presented the National SPS Committee's newly 
developed website which was very impressive.3  There was a significant amount of media coverage 
and a perceived strong political backing for the work being done in the SPS area. 
 
 At the end of 2010, the SPS National Comm ittee for the Dominican Republic released the 
first edition of its newsletter.  The publication wa s prepared by the Office of Agricultural Trade 
Agreements under the Ministry of Agriculture in order to broaden the dissemination of information 
and to gain greater recognition of the National SPS Co mmittee at the local level. This first newsletter 
was produced with funding fro m the European Commission. 
 
 Prior to 2009, the Dominican Republic had onl y submitted 4 SPS notifications.  The total 
number of SPS notifications as of the end of April 2011 was 69.  Dominican Republic has also 
recently become an active Member in the SPS Committee and was one of the 30 Members that 
participated in the ad hoc working group on SPS Pr ivate Standards.  The Dominican Republic is an 
excellent example of a well-functioning national SPS coordination mechanism.   Although its progress 
in this area has been a result of its own initiative,  it has clearly been supported by WTO trade related 
technical assistance in that it has helped to politically elevate SPS issues at the national level as well 
as present best practices in terms of tran sparency and national coordination.  
 
                                                      
3 http://www.cnmsf.gob.do/.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
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  Armenia: Government Procurement 
 
Sometimes, the outcome of a workshop or other TA event can be measured in very concrete 
terms.  This was the case w ith two national seminars for Armenia on the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement (GPA), one presented in Ar menia's capital, Yerevan, in 2009 and one early 
in 2011.  These two seminars resulted, respectively,  in:  (i) submission of Armenia's application to 
join the GPA, and its initial coverage offer; and (ii) submission of its final GPA-compliant national 
procurement legislation, which paved the way for Armenia's acceptance as a full Party to the 
Agreement. 
 
Armenia acceded to the WTO in February 2003 .  As part of its WTO accession protocol it 
undertook a commitment to accede to the WTO Ag reement on Government Procurement (GPA).  
Subsequently, in July 2004, it became an observer in the Committee on Government Procurement.  In 
February 2009, the Secretariat presented, at the re quest of Armenia, a two-day national seminar on the 
GPA for the benefit of its senior government official s. The seminar was designed as a fairly standard 
overview of the Agreement, and the modalities for accession to it.  However, mid-way through the 
activity, at the request of the Armenian officials, a practical session was added in which the specific 
contents of an initial offer to join the Agreemen t were discussed, and a draft offer by Armenia was 
"marked up".  Subsequently, following further discussi on and elaboration of the offer in capital, in 
September 2009, Armenia formally submitted its app lication for accession and initial offer.  The offer 
was well received by the GPA Parties and,  in October 2010, following discussion and minor 
adjustments, was approved as the basis for Armeni a's coverage commitments under the Agreement. 
 
At the end of January 2011, at the request of Armenia, a second seminar was presented for 
senior government officials in Yerevan, this tim e focusing on issues concerned with implementation 
of the GPA by Armenia, and Armenia's related nationa l legislation and instituti ons.  Suggestions were 
provided for formal submission of Armenia's new national procurement law for review and approval 
by the Committee on Government Procurement.   The Chairman of the Committee on Government 
Procurement was also present for this event.  Ten days later, Armenia submitted its national 
legislation with all necessary supporting informa tion.  On this basis, in March 2011, the GPA 
Committee approved Armenia's legislation and cleared  the way for Armenia to deposit its instrument 
of accession to the Agreement. The Agreement will ta ke effect for Armenia 30 days after the deposit 
of its instrument of accession. 
 
WTO REFERENCE CENTRES 
 
(a)  WTO Reference Centre at the Department of Economics, University of Zimbabwe: 
Academic staff at the University of Zimbabwe st ated that the Reference Centre installed at the 
University is a crucial tool assisting professors and students in their research of topical trade issues of 
interest to Zimbabwe and other African countries.  In the context of streamlining and improving the 
internal coherence of its technical assistance and training activities, the WTO Secretariat has 
combined existing programmes in order to enhan ce their impact in beneficiary countries.  Its 
establishment has enabled the Economic s Department to cover the follo wing key trade topics that will 
play a key role in assist Zimbabwe's integration in to the MTS; Trade Facilitation; Trade in Services 
and an analysis of the impact of Non-Tariff Barriers on African trade. 
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 10  
 
  (b)  WTO Reference Centre in Honduras  Executive Directorate of Revenue: 
The Director of the WTO Reference Centre, Honduras has highlighted that the WTO 
Reference Centre has acted as a key facilitator in  raising awareness of WTO-related information. 
Conferences to raise awareness are held all over the country prioritizing major business zones such as 
San Pedro Sula, to sensitize the business community , members of the public sector and academic 
circles. Nearly 95 per cent of participants found the activity to be directly relevant to their 
responsibilities.  
 
(c)  Vietnam Institute for Trade-Ministry of Industry and Trade  
The Vice-Minister of Industry and Trade in Viet nam,  expressed gratitude and indicated that 
this Reference Centre will primarily work as a WTO national enquiry point coordinated by the 
Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as a na tional window through which the country would access 
WTO documents. The Authorities ensured that relevant stakeholders are kept abreast of developments 
in the multilateral trading system.  The beneficiaries indicated that this Reference Centre was a 
successful initiative as a way to optim ise technical assistance provided by different beneficiaries, for 
example, the European Union sponsorship of the Multilateral Trade Assistance Project, in line with 
the Paris Declaration .  
 
IV. PROGRESSIVE LEARNING STRATEGY 
23. This part of the case story will develop furthe r some of the main elements and findings 
resulting from the PLS. It will discuss E-Learning (level 1 and 2), followed by an example relating to 
the intermediate level of training, and i.e. th rough a discussion of the RTPC conducted in Singapore 
and finally the Intern Programme.  It is noted that the Advanced Trade Policy Course (ATPC), 
corresponding to the level 3 training is not di scussed, as it is still in the early stages of 
implementation. 
24. The notion of gradual and progressive learning, through a multi-modular approach will be a 
main element of the new Biennial TA Plan.  This is  not new, but it is expected that the enhanced 
approach would contribute to even more sustaina ble human and institutional capacity-building, to 
strengthening inter linkages between programmes, to  building synergies, assuring coherence and cost-
effectiveness in the delivery of TRTA.  The progr ammes are more than ever designed in ways, to 
ensure that the beneficiaries are gradually moving to higher levels of learning.  While it certainly is an 
objective to maintain a gender balance in the con duct of activities, the reality is determined by 
nominations by Governments.   
25. It is recalled that the notion of progressive learning refers to the introduction of changes in the 
sequencing of products in order to  improve the delivery of TRTA, with a view to gradually and 
progressively moving to higher levels of learning.  The first stage in the learning process consists of 
E-Learning, where levels of knowledge of particip ants can be enhanced, tested and synchronized.  
The next level is achieved through E-Learning (gener al or specialized level 2 courses) or the Regional 
Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs), which address WTO i ssues from a regional perspective. Emphasis is 
put on interactive learning, case studies and sh aring of knowledge and experiences between 
participants at the regional level.  Once these two initial steps have successfu lly been completed, the 
participants are eligible for the highest level of l earning, i.e. advanced thematic courses on particular 
topics (e.g. dispute settlement, trade-related aspect s of intellectual property rights (TRIPs), sanitary 
and phytosanitary measures (SPS), agriculture, ru les) as well as the comprehensive Geneva-based 
advanced trade policy course (ATPC), which is curren tly being designed so as to fulfil this purpose.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 11 
 
 
  BOX 3 
WTO's PLS consolidates training paths to stengthen sustainabilty of TA efforts  
 
The Progressive Learning Strategy is an essential co mplement to the introduction of RBM in the 
WTO as both the PLS and RBM are part of the machinery working towards enhancing the 
sustainability of  WTO's TA by accommodating the pa rticipants' needs at various levels. These needs 
could be at the individual issue-specific level or mo re general level, and at the national, regional or 
global level.   
Each stage of the PLS is geared towards strengthe ning the absorption capacity for the training at the 
next tier to be more efficient and effective, and to promote the development of participants' 
confidence and autonomy to conduct WTO-related wo rk.  RBM and the PLS are counterparts in a 
framework that further equips the WTO with the esse ntial direction and structure for ensuring that the 
targeted results are achieved during the various le vels. Hence, the needs of developing countries to 
effectively participate in the work of the WTO are me t, enabling them to integr ate into and more fully 
benefit from the MTS.    
The three tiers of the PLS (levels 1, 2 and 3) with their two track methodology, i.e. the generalist and 
the specialist paths are governed by the principle of sequencing.  Thus, not only laying down a healthy 
foundation for the initial development, but also  safeguarding further growth and eventual 
sustainability of capacity to deal with WTO-related work. 
 
V. WTO'S E-LEARNING COURSES 
A. OBJECTIVES  
26. The WTO provides a unique opportunity for partic ipants to strengthen their understanding of 
the WTO from anywhere at any time through its E-L earning courses.  This allows participants to 
combine learning with their daily work.  Regi stration for all courses is open all-year-round. 
Participants can start their E-Learning course at their convenience and enjoy access to the course for a 
three-month period, within which they are free to  organize their study pace according to what fits 
them best.  The learning materials include theoreti cal explanations as well as practical examples, case 
studies, illustrating tables and visual aids.  They are supplemented by support documents, hyperlink 
references and multimedia files.  For a regional distribution of E-Learning activities from 2005-2010, 
see Annex 5.  
27. The concept of progressive learning has b een implemented in E-Learning since its 
establishment.  For example, the successful comp letion of the online course "Introduction to the 
WTO" (level 1) is a pre-requisite for participati on in advanced and specialized E-Learning courses 
(level 2). At present, the online courses are integrat ed in the WTO training paths.  Participants are 
provided with technical and substantive support; (i) a trainer, whose role consists in answering 
substantive questions and who is responsible for monitoring partic ipants' progress and motivation as 
well as moderating interactive activities and (ii) an online Help Desk taking care of technical hurdles. 
28. WTO E-Learning aims to give participants a homogeneous and strengt hened understanding of 
the MTS; enhanced understanding of the basic princi ples of the WTO and the legal structure of the 
WTO Agreements; an in-depth knowledge of sp ecific Multilateral Trade Agreements; and improved 
capability to interpret relevant information and documents on WTO-related issues, as well as to use 
the WTO legal texts and legal background material.  The online training material is continuously 
improved and updated to include latest inform ation and developments. In addition, the WTO 
E-Learning platform provides possibilities for esta blishing networks with colleagues working on 
WTO-related issues around the world and their WTO trainers.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 12  
 
  B. O
UTPUTS  
29. The E-Learning courses cover the main WTO related issues and are operational in the three 
official languages English, Spanish and French .  The training material s include theoretical 
explanations as well as practical examples, case studi es, illustrating tables and visual aids.  They are 
supplemented by supporting documen ts, hyperlink references  and multimedia files.  Registration to 
the E-Learning courses allows participants to bene fit not only from the E-Learning materials prepared 
by WTO experts, but also from the continued monito ring of trainers who will respond to any enquiries 
they may have on the courses or on the WTO subjects treated in the courses. The E-Learning course consists of three levels. Level 1 is an 'Introduction to the WTO', level 2 is the Generalists path, 
covering the Multilateral Trade Agreem ents and level 2 also has a Speci alists path with the following 
components; Trade in Services in the WTO; Sanita ry and Phytosanitary Measures; Technical Barriers 
to Trade; Trade Remedies and the WTO; Trade-related aspects of intellectual Property Rights; Trade and Environment; Agriculture in the WTO; and, Non-Agricultural Market Access in the WTO.  
30. In order to arrive at the desired results, the participants are requested to study the courses 
modules and submit the end-of-the module exams.  Th e participants have also the advantage to take 
part in discussions and live chat sessions with th eir fellow participants and WTO experts organized 
regularly around a specific subject (e.g. on specifi c WTO Agreements or the Doha negotiations). 
31. Since its beginnings in 2005, a key and overarching output has been that over 10,000 
government officials of WTO Members and Observe rs enhanced their knowledge on WTO issues by 
completing WTO's E-Learning courses.  Participants  have benefited from the direct contact with 
WTO experts.  Participants appreciated the 24 hours availability of this training as the course could be 
attended even though being committed to their daily wo rk or being on mission and participants could 
be in contact with their trainers. Notably, Kiriba ti's Ministry of Commerce Industry and Cooperatives, 
has highlighted:  “The WTO E-Learning courses, “are very important for countries far away from WTO Headquarters and LDCs.”  
32. Feedback and evaluations show that the E-Learning courses provide the necessary tools to 
trade diplomats in order to help them in thei r work.  Box 4 encompasses examples of comments 
received from a number of online participants.  
33. LDCs have constantly increased their particip ation in the WTO online programme. Statistics 
pointed out that the number of participants from LDCs significantly increased from 2005 and that LDC participation accounted for more than 20 per cen t of the total participants in 2010.  WTO E-
Learning has taken into account the possible low in ternet connection of some countries and has 
designed a special website. In addition, the WTO E- learning material is available in a downloadable 
version (word and pdf), to avoid the necessity to be  online to be able to read and attend the course. 
Internet connection is only necessary to download the material, participate in discussions and chat sessions and take and submit the exams. Questions of  Chat sessions can also be sent beforehand to 
ensure everyone's participation.  
C. O
UTCOMES  
34. Throughout the years, participants have comme nded WTO's effort to offer and extend the 
WTO online programme as they have witnessed impor tant results at the outcome level.  Each 
participant of the online courses is asked to provid e feedback on the course delivery by the trainers 
and its interactive tools as well as on the website.  The course content as well as the website is being 
constantly revised and updated taking into acc ount suggestions and ideas of participants.  
35. Feedback showed that WTO E-Learning is rele vant to the participants' work responsibilities 
and that WTO E-Learning courses were recommended to their colleagues.  Participants were very  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 13 
 
 
  pleased to have the opportunity to have access to WTO experts while attending the E-Learning 
courses.  They appreciated the possibility to cont act their trainers through email to clarify trade 
concepts or WTO Agreements.  The chat sessions a nd discussions gave particip ants the opportunity to 
discuss with WTO experts and fellow participants wo rking around the globe and furthermore to build 
a worldwide network of experts working on the same issues. 
36. Participants that passed the end-of-the module exams and obtained a WTO certificate are 
eligible to move up the Progressive learning ladder of the ITTC and can apply for TA activities at 
level 2 and 3. 
BOX 4 
WTO's E-Learning courses achieve widespread recognition      
 
Government officials from across all the regions have expressed their satisfaction of the WTO's E-
Learning course, notably on its content and ability to reach out to those groups  that do not have the 
resources to physically leave their capitals.  Be low are some comments and feedback received from 
participants: 
A Brazilian Government Official highlighted that; “This course is an absolute necessity for every 
diplomat who needs to be familiar with WTO.  This course not only filled but also surpassed my 
initial expectations.” 
An Officer from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India wrote: “I would like to encourage 
the new entrants to join WTO E-Learning cour se especially on the areas with which they are 
concerned while performing their official duties to  the full satisfaction of their higher officers.” 
A Senior Officer, of the Trade Ministry (Dubai Customs) of the United Arab Emirates expressed that 
“this course enabled the participant and in turn th e Ministry to enhance awareness of the importance 
of SPS issues so much so that they are thinki ng to issue a section dedicated to SPS matters.”  
A trade official from the Ministry of Trade and Indu stry in Botswana stated: “This is an eye opening 
course and I hope our colleagues should enrol and learn.  The interaction with other passengers is very 
important because we learn from each other.”  
 
VI. REGIONAL TRADE POLICY COURSES  
A. OBJECTIVES  
37. The WTO's Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPC s) are three-month courses conducted in 
partnership with an institution of higher learning in  different regions of the world.  They are co-
delivered by officials from the WTO Secretariat and academics from the beneficiaries' region.   WTO 
officials provide informed explanations of WTO pr ovisions and the workings of the institution, and 
specialists from the specific region provide a regiona l perspective on the issues of particular interest 
and concern to the region.  This dual-delivery a pproach, which highlights the regional relevance and 
context of the knowledge transferred, is a unique element of RTPCs.   
38. The specific objectives of  the RTPC partnerships   are twofold: i) to provide participating 
government officials with solid basic knowledge of  the WTO agreements and an understanding of the 
issues confronting the MTS, including in the contex t of negotiations, while also providing a regional 
dimension and perspective to the topics covered: and ii) to incre ase collaboration and cooperation 
with regional institutions. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 14  
 
  39. The overall architecture of the RTPC programme is  organized into three interrelated pillars. 
The first segment, which comprises the early weeks of  the activity, is characterized by an in-depth 
analysis of trade policy from a regional perspectiv e.  It focuses on underlying theories and concepts 
relevant to the conduct of trade policy.  The sec ond pillar of the RTPC focuses on the study of the 
WTO Agreements and their evolution in the cont ext of the DDA negotiations, with special emphasis 
on topics of particular interest for the region.  The content of this segment builds on the material 
already covered by the RTPC participants in the E-Learning introduction to the WTO course, which is 
a pre-requisite for participation in the RTPC.  Th e third pillar, aims to enhance the participants' 
capacity to apply the knowledge acquired during th e RTPC through various activities i.e. a workshop 
on communication skills, simulation exercises on trade negotiations and dispute settlement. 
40. This section of the case story focuses on the WTO Partnership with the National University of 
Singapore (NUS) for the delivery of Regional Tr ade Policy Courses for the Asia-Pacific between 
2007-2010, as an illustration of the natural compleme ntarity between the WTO and regional expertise 
which renders the RTPC a comprehensive programme tailored to local needs.   
B. O
UTPUTS  
41. The RTPC addressed the need to enhance the capacity of government officials from 
developing and least developed countries in the Asia  Pacific region to assist their countries to actively 
participate in WTO work and benefit from the MTS by adapting the system to  their specific needs.  
Thirty academics and specialists from the region co-delivered the course together with WTO 
Secretariat officials. Immediate outputs of the WTO-NUS partnership resulted in the active participation of 100 government officials in the four  RTPCs who gained much exposure to the theory 
and practice of WTO rules and regulations, and ha d the opportunity to exchange information and 
share experiences with participants from other count ries.  Below are key outputs accomplished by the 
RTPC in Singapore: 
(i) Greater synergies created amongst the key actors in the international trade 
community: Networking links were crea ted among, and between, participants 
and trainers as the co-lecturers were  drawn from institutions of higher 
learning throughout the region.  This enabled academics from Asia-Pacific developing and least-developed countries to enhance their knowledge of the 
WTO through their involvement in the RTPC and to enhance networking between those academics and WTO offici als to synergise and share ideas. 
(ii) Academic community equipped with new skills:  The RTPC developed 
WTO-specific expertise within the academic community in 20 countries 
within the region.  This will enable academics to pursue their familiarization 
with WTO-related matters by promoting their specialization on specific WTO topics and discussions.  According to the NUS Law Faculty members involved in the delivery of the RTPC, NUS made a significant gain in trade 
law and policy knowledge, particularly re garding the details of processes and 
operations that are less well publicized. In their view, too often academics focus on the well-publicized areas such as the outcomes of the WTO 
Ministerial meetings, the negotiations  and the Panel or Appellate Body 
Reports.  The RTPC package of law and policy knowledge was appreciated 
as being more refined and nuanced. One academic made the point that her 
appreciation of WTO law and practi ce had developed tremendously as a 
result of the interaction and discussi ons with WTO and regional trainers. 
Other key areas appreciated were Trade and Climate Change and the Transparency Mechanism.   WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 15 
 
 
  (iii) Enhanced networking with WTO Secretaria t staff:  Through co-delivering the 
RTPC, the Asia-Pacific academics considered that they had formed relationships with some people in the WTO whom they would feel more confident to approach on specific issues.   
(iv) Intensified interaction and autonomy th rough the application of a virtual 
classroom:  While the Singapore RTPC had always used the NUS virtual 
learning site (IVLE) as a tool for storing the RTPC training material, in 2010 the RTPC minimised the use of paper and used the virtual classroom to manage and disseminate all training mate rial.  This allowed participants to 
access and manipulate the training material more easily, enabling them to 
cover a wide spectrum of issues that would facilitate greater integration into 
the work of the WTO.  
(v) Enhanced efficiency of the co-training methodology: The autonomous aspect 
of the virtual classroom reinforced the need for trainers to prepare a clear, 
structured programme for their modul es. This resulted in the WTO and 
regional co-trainers working more cl osely together for the 2010 RTPC and 
clearly defining each other's role. Consequently, the RTPC Academic Coordinator saw a great improvement in efficiency of the co-training delivery and said that for 2010 "the result w as generally a much better level of 
coordination and complementarity betw een the WTO and regional resource 
persons". 
(vi) Strengthened co-operation with regi onal institutions:  Throughout the 
partnership, regional institutions such as the World Bank, UNESCAP, and 
the Asia Development Bank, as well as over 20 regional academic institutions all participated as regional tr ainers in the delivery of the RTPC. In 
addition, government officials (from Singapore and Thailand) who had been 
former delegates to the WTO all participated as regional trainers.   
(vii) Exposure to the private sector dimension in the MTS: As a result of 
contributions from the International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO) to the RTPC, participants were exposed to the opportunities for the private sector 
and the vital role played by the privat e sector in the region to participate in 
the MTS.   
(viii) Exposed to the practicalities related to Trade Facilitation:  The RTPC took 
advantage of Singapore's position as a strong trading centre to have a private sector representative provide the region al perspective on trade facilitation.  
Participants were provided with real- life, practical information on getting the 
goods from producers and exporters to the consumers around the world.  
C. O
UTCOMES  
42. Trainers and the RTPC Academic Coordinator, as well as the participants themselves have 
affirmed the positive impact of the RTPC.  The RTPC Academic Coordinator stated that the 
participants to the fourth RTPC were the best of the four years:  "At the outset they had a relatively 
sound working knowledge of WTO and trade po licy matters, which facilitated their active 
participation throughout the course."  NUS and WTO have both confirmed the mutual benefits of the 
four year partnership which both par ties hope to consolidate and develop. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 16  
 
  43. Since the Singapore RTPC has only been completed a year ago, it is yet to capture the full 
array of results at the outcome level. However, a number of outcomes have already followed resulted 
from the course.  Some example ar e highlighted below in Box 5: 
BOX 5 
WTO's Regional Trade Policy Courses bu ild capacity for trade negotiators  
 
It is evidenced that a large number of former RT PC participants posted in  Geneva have greatly 
benefited from the training undertaken.  One delegate stated that the RTPC "opened the gate" for her 
posting. 
The RTPCs enhanced the networking between regiona l academics, participants, WTO Secretariat staff 
and other key players which it is h oped will have a domino effect in improved participation in further 
WTO-related work. This is evident when taking in to account that regional academics pointed to their 
enhanced knowledge of the WTO and to their improve d relations with individual WTO officials as a 
result of their involvement in the RTPCS.  
Many former participants of th e RTPCs have gone on to participat e in the WTO Netherlands Trainee 
Programme or Mission Intern Programme as well as in the WTO Advanced Trade Policy Course in 
Geneva.  It is noted that the RTPC and/or ATPC are a prerequisite for these internship programmes.  
 
VII. WTO TRAINEE AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES 
A. OBJECTIVES  
44. The WTO Secretariat implements the following three main internship programmes that fall 
under the 'Trainee and Internship Programmes' umbre lla heading; i) Netherlands Trainees Programme 
(NTP), ii) Mission Internship Programme (MIP), and iii) WTO Regional Coordinator Internship 
(RCI).4 The core objective of these programmes is to r espond to the trade-related needs of developing 
countries and especially LDCs to strengthen the trade-related knowledge b ase, negotiation capacity 
and national trade policy.  Hence, in line with  the International mandate under the Millennium 
Development Goal number 8b - addressing the special needs of the least-developed countries.  In an 
effort to achieve this, the WTO Trainee and In ternship Programmes provide an opportunity for 
beneficiary countries to gain exposure to the MTS at large and more specifically the work of the 
WTO; its functions, principles and practices. 
45. Therefore, the programmes act as key inst ruments serving to bridge the gap between 
international trade theory and practice.  The pr ogrammes also aim to enhance the participants' 
knowledge of MTS and strengthen their capacities to par ticipate in the work of the WTO.  In the case 
of MIP and RCI, the programmes also aim to directly support the work of the missions that they are 
housed in as well as participants' own capacity.  Moreover, these programmes play a key role in 
building a path towards greater sustainability of other WTO technical assistance initiatives and TRTA 
at large by creating a greater absorption capacity. 
                                                      
4 Since the launch of the intern programmes, a total of 210 interns have been recruited, 83 trainees 
under the NTP, 79 interns have benefited from the MIP, and 48 officials have benefited from the RCI programme. Thanks to the generous contributions of the Netherlands (NTP), France and Ireland (MIP). The RCI 
programme is financed by the Doha Development Agenda, Global Trust Fund.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 17 
 
 
  (a) Netherlands Trainees Programme (NTP) 
46. Trainees under this programme are housed in the WTO Secretariat for a period of 10 months. 
The aim of the NTP is to assist in the economic  and social development of LDCs, low income 
countries and poor small and vulnerable economies in  areas related to trade policy and to provide 
essentially junior public officials with an opportunity  to learn about matters dealt with in the WTO, 
under the direction of staff members of the WTO Secretariat staff.  
(b) Mission Internship Programme (MIP)  
47. This Programme has a similar objective as the NTP, for the benefit of Geneva-based 
missions.  The candidates work in their own coun try Mission in Geneva for a period of 10 months, 
financed by the WTO Secretariat, and can repre sent their country in the various bodies within the 
WTO.  This Programme is available primarily to missions of LDCs and small and vulnerable 
economies.  Preference is given to countries with the least number of staff in Geneva.  For this Programme, interns are selected by the ITTC and the Human Resources Division (HRD), together with the Mission concerned on the basis of a list of  detailed CVs and possible telephone interviews.  
(c) WTO Regional Coordinator Internship (RCI) 
48. In the WTO Regional Coordinator Internship Programme, the Mission of a rotating 
coordinator a group is eligible to ha ve an intern, paid by the WTO, for a period of six-months, without 
extension.  At the end of six-months, the system will rotate to the next designated group coordinator 
of the nine identified groupings (groups select their rotating coordinators).  Interns under this system 
are paid by the WTO from Doha Deve lopment Agenda, Global Trust Fund. 
B. O
UTPUTS  
49. Overall, the participants have had specific tr aining on a variety of WTO issues, including on 
the operation of the WTO Reference Centres, on the Integrated Database, enhancing their knowledge 
on tariffs and schedules, worked on their countries' TRTA needs assessment et c.  The interns gain 
exposure to the whole range of functions perform ed by the various Divisions within the WTO 
Secretariat, as many work on a variety of topics with other Divisions, including Accessions, on 
Standards and Trade Development Facility, the Enha nced Integrated Framework, Trade Facilitation, 
Services, Agriculture, NAMA and on the Trade Po licy Reviews.  They have worked on their 
countries' TRTA needs assessment. It is an inte gral part of the programmes to follow the DDA 
negotiations, attended the General Council and committee meetings, as well as interacted with their 
regional groups and provided support in  terms of briefs and analysis.  
50. Trainees also have the opportunity to interact with other Geneva based bodies outside the 
WTO Secretariat, working on trade issues to support developing countries.  For example, they are also 
exposed to the work of the International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO) and UNCTAD meetings by 
attending their training sessions.  Another example is their interaction with the Advisory Centre on 
WTO Law (ACWL), which provides advice to de veloping countries and LDCs on WTO law. Many 
trainees have sought advice from them.  
Key outputs achieved for the trainees through the inte rnship programmes, as highlighted in a recent 
independent evaluation. 
Netherlands Trainees Programme 
 Undertook preparatory work associated to WTO notifications to enabling them to prepare 
reports and inputs for notifications. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 18  
 
   Participated in WTO meetings & Research on TRTA Needs Assessment and prepared various 
issue specific reports i.e. on TF needs assessments, WTO Reference Centres & Group meetings. 
 Prepared reports and inputs for: Trading right s and pricing policy, TPRs, Country Profiles, 
policy submissions. 
 Undertook technical assistance (development of manuals, monitoring of activities, drafting of 
briefing notes). 
 Performance of simulations (Tariff reduction). 
 Analysis and review of documents (NAM A negotiation framework, BTORs, Proposals on 
NTBs, Trade policies). 
 On Accessions: the trainees attended formal and informal meetings  with delegates. 
 Trainees attended training activities (c ourses, seminars, workshops, etc.). 
 Presented on specific issues (orally, with support of computer tools). 
 Participated in activities of other organisations: UNCTAD, ICTSD, IDEAS. 
Mission Internship Programme  
 Provided technical support to Missions or Group coordinators. 
 Attended and prepared meetings at WTO & other international organisations (WIPO, 
UNCTAD). 
 Data collection & analyses, drafted reports, proposals and statements. 
 Provided administrative assistance and support to internal work. 
 Participated in and made responsible  for various areas of negotiation. 
 Undertook training and gained first hand insi ght into WTO negotiations and agreements. 
 Established contacts and networ king with partners. Facilitate d information sharing on WTO 
issues with the capitals. 
 Exposure to all subjects under the DDA negotiations. 
 
WTO Regional Coordinator Internship  
 Undertook duties as defined by the missions acco rding to their specific needs, ranging from 
research on a specific topic to attending meetings and reporting back to the mission and in many cases back to the capital.  
 Main tasks performed were the follow-up of  negotiations and participation in other 
international organi sations’ meetings. 
 Attended training activities on WTO-related i ssues (courses, seminars, workshops, etc.). 
 
C. O
UTCOMES  
51. Independent evaluations have confirmed that since their introduction, the WTO Trainee and 
Internship Programmes have had a two-fold longer term  impacts; firstly, they have made a substantial 
contribution in enhancing the knowledge on MTS issu es, and secondly, strengthened their capacity to  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 19 
 
 
  participate in the work of the WT O. It has been reported that this  WTO assistance has enhanced the 
MTS knowledge of beneficiaries while providing essential assistance enabling their country to 
increase participation in the work of the WTO. These conclusions have been reached based on the 
application of various quantitative and qualitative pe rformance indicators. For example, interviews 
with former participants and Ambassadors, assessme nts of participation in key WTO meetings and 
surveys.  
Netherland's Trainee Programme 
Enhanced knowledge of MTS issues  
 Trainees (both past & present) reported impr ovement in their MTS related knowledge. 
Notably, former trainees reported to have strengthened several skills, such as analytical, 
critical thinking, communicative and collaborative skills. 
 
 Trainees reported that the exposure to WTO trad e negotiations acted as useful training tool to 
equip future delegate for their country.   
Strengthened capacity to participate in the work of the WTO 
 Several former NTP trainees participated in the 7
th WTO Ministerial Conference as part of 
their country's delegation. 
 Trainees found that they gained expertise on WT O matters that enabled them to better handle 
their responsibilities in their capitals.  No tably, on these issues; accessions process, 
formulation of positions, drafting of laws and regulations & im plementation of WTO 
commitments.  
Mission Internship Programme 
Enhanced knowledge of MTS issues  
 All MIP interns who replied the questionnaire have been appointed to a new position or 
assigned new responsibilities afterwards, primarily as a consequence of their participation in 
the programme. 
Strengthened capacity to participate in the work of the WTO 
 Interviewed Ambassadors stated that the presen ce of the interns enabled the mission greater 
coverage of issues & attendance in meetings . Also, an increased ability to digest WTO 
documents allowing them to be sent to the capita l.  This increased visibility in certain WTO 
committees.   
Regional Co-ordinator Internship 
Enhanced knowledge of MTS issues  
 Former RCI interns assumed new positions or  responsibilities - mainly due to their 
participation in the RCI – where they had ac quired or reinforced the specific WTO-related 
knowledge and skills. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 20  
 
   
BOX 6 
Strengthened capacity to participate in the the WTO Accessions process for Vanuatu. 
Former intern under the Netherland's Trainee Pr ogramme that went on to become Ambassador of 
Vanuatu, Mr. Roy Mickey Joy talks of his experience:  
 
"Thanks to the Netherland's Trainee Programme, wh ich I participated in during 2006, Vanuatu has 
been in a much stronger position to fully engage  in the accession process. As a former intern, my 
presence in Geneva strengthened my capacity to b ecome better acquainted with all the technical 
WTO-related issues. Simultaneously, it enabled me to advance on all aspects of the accession 
negotiations, both at bilateral and multilateral level. This would have been much harder to accomplish 
from Port Villa." 
 
Strengthened capacity to participate in the work of the WTO 
 The tasks performed by the in terns enhanced the participation of their mission in WTO 
activities, helping them to absorb the signifi cant amount of extra work generated by their 
role as coordinator. 
 Ambassadors affirmed that thei r country would not have been in a position to accept this 
role, had the mission not been reinforced by an  intern, to attend most of WTO meetings and 
to organise coordination meetings, in  addition to its ordinary work. 
BOX 7 
 
Burkina Faso benefits from enhanced knowledge of specific WTO-related issues. 
 
The WTO Secretariat has provided particular suppor t to Burkina Faso as one of the original 
proponents of the Cotton Initiative that had emerged as a key element in the DDA negotiations at the 
Cancun Ministerial Conference in 2003. Since then , the Cotton Four countries have actively engaged 
in the negotiations and come forward with specifi c cotton related proposals calling an end to export 
subsidies and the elimination of prod uction-related domestic support.   
 
Former intern (NTP and MIP) from Burkina Faso highlights his experience:  
 
"Usefulness and necessity of this course are beyond  doubt. Specifically this course has enhanced my 
knowledge and experience both as regards the substa nce that the process of conducting a trade policy 
at the international level. What I probably ensu red today in my Mission in Geneva responsibilities 
related to WTO issues, particularly those on the cotton case, therefore, contribute to give more 
visibility to the file." 
 
52. The results presented above for the WTO intern ship programmes are based on the findings of 
a recent independent evaluation of the intern programme.5 Below are additional other examples of 
how the WTO NTP and MIP have witnessed the desire d results. Box 8 highlights areas in which there 
have been noticeable patterns of increased notification submissions to the WTO Secretariat from its TA beneficiaries. 
                                                      
5 Evaluation (dated April, 2010) covered the period 2001-2009 for the MIP, 2005-2009 for the RCI and 
2006-2009.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 21 
 
 
   Sustainable TRTA: Under the Netherlands Trainee Progr amme national officials trained on 
WTO issues, gained exposure to certain issu es and strengthening knowledge in other issues. 
These trainees then trained other go vernment staff in their capitals.  
 Strengthening capacity on WTO issues:  Ambassadors have considered the Mission 
Internship programme, in combination with th e three-month courses which equip interns with 
the required minimum knowledge and skills, as the most useful WTO Technical Assistance 
activities. 
 Enabling greater participation in WTO:  Ambassadors that hosted RCI interns, made it 
very clear that their country would not have been in a position to accept the role of coordinator, without the support of an intern. It  enabled them to participate in regular WTO 
work as well as to tasks related to servicing coordination meetings.    
BOX 8 
Examples of noticeable increases in notifications to the WTO  
 
One of the many ways in which the effect of  WTO's technical assistance programmes in terms 
of assisting developing countries to increase their participation in the work of the WTO can be 
illustrated through the number of notifications submitted by Members. It is recalled that work 
associated to WTO notifications is an inherent pa rt of key programmes like the NTP and the MIP. As 
will be illustrated below, there has been a dramatic increase in notifications in recent years, both by 
developing and Least-developed Members. There appears to be a positive correlation between the 
countries participation in the WTO's NTP and the MIP and the submission of notifications that 
followed upon return to their capitals.  
 
Figure 1 shows the overall trend in notificati ons submitted by LDCs in 1995, 1999, 2009 and 
2010.  It reveals that there has been a substantial increase in the number of notifications submitted by 
LDCs over the years. In 1995 the first year of the entry into force of the WTO, only 35 notifications 
were submitted, but this number increased rapidly in recent years and in 2010 the LDC Members 
submitted approximately 262 notifications. A large num ber of LDCs went from zero notifications in 
recent years to come forward with one or several notifications (e.g. Burundi, Burkina Faso, Central 
African Republic, Djibouti, the Gambia, Guyana, Ma dagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Togo, etc.). It is 
noted that in nearly all cases, these countries had benefited from the intern programmes (NTP, MIP).  
Some cases stand out, as in 2010, e.g. Uganda submitted 144 notifications. Cambodia, since it 
acceded to the WTO in 2004, went from zero submi ssions to 17 in 2010. Furthermore, Burkina Faso 
has over the years increased the number of notificati ons to 12 and Tanzania made 24 notifications in 
2010. 
 
In other cases, there was a noticeable escalation of notifications by developing countries and 
sometimes a doubling or even more significant increases, for example Dominican Republic, Fiji, 
Ecuador, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Paraguay, Qa tar, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and 
Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United Arab Emir ates, Vietnam and many others. In the past two 
to three years, over two dozen developing countries have notified for the first time. 
 
Given this positive experience and the eviden ce, the current 2011 interns (NTPs and MIPs) 
are collectively working on their outstanding notif ication requirements and have benefited from 5 
different notification presentations.  They are exp ected to follow-up subsequently and provide the 
outstanding notifications.  
 
 
 
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 22  
 
  Figure 1. Number of notifications submitted by  LDC Members in 1995, 1999, 2009 & 2010. 
 
 
 
   S o u r c e :  W T O  
 
VIII.  CONCLUSION 
53. In conclusion, as this case story has tried to highlight and underscore through some specific 
examples, the WTO Secretariat’s efforts to build cap acity in beneficiary countries are bearing fruit. 
Over 30,000 officials have been trained since 2003 meaning that about 4,000 officials are trained 
every year.  Not only a considerable number of offi cials from all continents have benefited from the 
training programmes and technical co-operation activiti es, more importantly, they have been able to 
put their acquired skills and expertise to use.  Many officials return at some point in their career to 
Geneva in a capacity of trade negotiator or delega te at the Permanent Missions to the WTO and some, 
having convinced their governments of the importa nce of active involvement in the MTS, opened 
their Permanent Mission, many have attended the Mi nisterial meetings, several have achieved higher 
responsibilities in their departments following the tr aining received, many now have a strengthened 
capacity to undertake tasks that were previously le ft unattended (e.g. notifications), several have been 
able to support and/or accelerate the accession process of their countries, draft and implement legislation, prepare papers and make specific i nputs on sometimes highly complex issues in the DDA 
negotiations, and more broadly ensure an active enga gement and commitment of the beneficiary in the 
WTO. 
54. The PLS ensures in a sense the 'locking in' effect  of the officials and participants to the 
courses, as they are mostly required to fulfil certain pr erequisite training before being invited to a face 
to face training. Thus, not only ensuring continuity in the training, but also building a more effective 
relation between the WTO Secretariat and the official s.  At the national level, this encourages the 
authorities to retain officials in their functions, as they gradually build knowle dge and will, hence, be 
in a better position to perform their duties.  The PLS encourages and motivates particularly those 
officials, who are keenly interested in building their knowledge on the MTS and also those who would like to benefit from the NTP and/or MIP, so as to ge t first hand exposure to the WTO and take part in 
the DDA multilateral trade negotiations. 
55. Finally, it is expected that the introduction of RBM in the planning cycle will reinforce the 
trade capacity building programmes and provide the basis for measuring their outcomes.  Obviously, 
for RBM to be effective, this requires the full co mmitment from the WTO Secretariat, beneficiaries 
and partner institutions associated with the preparation and implementation of the TA activities. It also requires the continued full commitment from the donors' side in terms of ensuring timely and 
predictable funding, thus, facilitating the adequate planning of the activities. 
_______________   WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 23 
 
 
  ANNEX I 
The Paris Principles on Aid Effectiveness, 2005 
  
Ownership Partner countries exercise effective lead ership over their development policies 
and strategies and coordi nate development actions. 
Alignment Donors base their overall support on part ner countries' national development 
strategies, institutions and procedures. 
Harmonization Donors' actions are more harmonized, transparent and collectively effective. 
Managing for 
results Managing resources and improving decision-making for results. 
Mutual 
accountability Donors and partners are accountable for development results. 
Source:  Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.  Available at: 
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/11/41/34428351.pdf   
 
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 24  
 
  ANNEX II 
The Trade-related Technical Assistance database 
 
 
The TRTA database has enabled the conversion from ad hoc information gathering to an 
organized data registration and reporting system.  
  The rise in the number of WTO trade-related technical assistance and training activities in the past 10-15 years required the introduction of a comp rehensive, reliable information management tool.  
The increased need to plan, organize, follow-up on activities, participants, and expenditures led the 
Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, IT TC, in charge of coordinating the implementation 
of all WTO TA programmes, to centralize the in formation, and to combine data on activities and 
participants in the same interface.  Detailed info rmation on participation in past events is now 
available at Secretariat level, and the follow-up and selection of candidates for future events enabled.  
In addition, monitoring and evaluation are thus facilitated. 
 
 The TRTA DB now includes over 5,300 reco rds of individual activities, for which 
participants data exceed 50,000 registered individua ls (from Government officials, to members of the 
academic community and parliamentarians), of wh om 33,000 have completed at least one workshop , 
online course or Geneva-based event. This set of data  is invaluable for the implementation of the new 
PLS and the RBM approach.  
 
 It is foreseen that future developments in the TRTA database will include the online 
registration of participants to TA events, as well as c onsultants in the roster. In addition, the channels 
of communication between WTO actors involved in the planning, budgeting and implementation of 
projects will have to be fully integrated, so that ITTC, Budget and Control Section, the Travel Unit, 
WTO Divisions and others may share the interface.  Finally, it is the intention to enhance the 
Database, so as to include elements specifically targ eted at the indicators currently being developed in 
the framework of the RBM, so as to become a centrali zed and reliable data source at Secretariat level, 
to perform accurate and comprehensive evaluations and analysis of impact. 
  In addition to its internal use at the level of the WTO, the TRTA DB serves as the source of 
information to share data with exte rnal stakeholders, through the GTAD.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 25 
 
 
  ANNEX III 
The Global Trade-related Technical Assistance Database 
 
 
The establishment of the Global Trade-related Technical Assistance Database has enhanced 
inter-agency coordination a nd coherence in the delivery of TRTA programmes.  
  It has long been recognized that the efficient delivery of TRTA and capacity-building programmes strongly relies on an extensive and regula r sharing of information between stakeholders, 
both at the institutional and at the human levels.  With a view to enhance this communication as well 
as the visibility of the different, individual initiatives, it was noted that the development of a 
centralized, but forward-looking information tool , would represent a comparative advantage, thus 
facilitating the coordination of efforts, and ensuri ng the coherence of approaches in programmes for 
activities delivered in the regions. The GTAD wa s set up to fill this gap and was launched in 
November 2010 at the WTO, by Director-General P ascal Lamy, in the presence of several agencies.  
A pilot phase was started in early 2010, with three agencies cooperating to upload their projects in the 
GTAD, namely the EIF, the STDF and the WTO.  At the time of the launch, the number of partners 
had doubled (including ITC, UNIDO and UNCTAD).     Recognizing the value added of the GTAD to promote a better coherence in the design and implementation of TRTA programmes with partner ag encies and beneficiaries alike, other institutions 
are actively working towards joining the effort in 20 11.  The main innovative feature of the GTAD, its 
forward-looking aspect, has clearly set a precedent, a nd the database now includes close to 300 future 
projects.  In addition to those, records on past activities, which are not removed from the database 
after implementation, have started to create an uni ntended, but most useful reporting data source.  
This would, eventually, become an integral part of the RBM process. 
 
 Ownership of the GTAD includes all partner agen cies, so as to share responsibility, continued 
cooperation, but also to increase the number of opport unities to advertise this information tool, so as 
to address the largest possible audience involved in trade-related capacity-building.  Steering 
Committee meetings are scheduled annually, and in addition, the Secretariat takes every opportunity 
to present the GTAD to key players in beneficiary countries.   
 
 The usefulness of GTAD can be illustrated by  some comments made by partner agencies: 
  ITC:  "The GTAD is an important forward-l ooking instrument to enhance collaboration on a 
daily basis.  " 
 
 UNCTAD:  "...recognized GTAD as an exampl e on how to improve cooperation in TRTA, 
and a valuable source of information that would be us ed in the cluster joint programming of activities.  
The next steps would be developing more coherenc e among policies and social means, trade rules and 
business priorities and, in the national development goals, ensuring convergence of TA providers to 
move from cooperation and coor dination towards coherence." 
 
 OIF:  "GTAD is a successful initiative whic h enhanced predictability and contributes to 
reducing duplication.  The OIF believes in the value of the GTAD for planning purposes." 
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 26  
 
  ANNEX IV 
Geographical coverage of the Internship Programmes 
 
 
The graphs below illustrate the coverage of the Inte rnship Programmes by region.  It is evident that 
the sample of recipient economies are among the poor est in the world and those that require the 
greatest need for the TRTA. 
 
WTO Netherland's Trainee Programme, Regional Distribution 2003-2010 
 
 Source: WTO, ITTC 
WTO Mission Intern Programme, Regional Distribution 2003-2010 
 
 Source: WTO, ITTC  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
 Page 27 
 
 
  WTO Regional Coordinator Internship, Regional Distribution 2005-2010  
 
 Source: WTO, ITTC WT/COMTD/AFT/W/27 
Page 28  
 
  ANNEX V 
WTO E-Learning, Regional Distribution 2005 – 2010 
 
 
 
 Source: WTO, ITTC 
 
 
 
__________