WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/BFA/W/168 
16 September 2008 
 (08-4270) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration  
  
 
     
 
 
DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S BUDGETARY AND FINANCIAL REPORT 
 
FOR 2007 
 
AND REPORT OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR THEREON 
    
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 2  
 
  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Page
 
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... .4 
II. BIENNIAL BUDGET 2006 AND 2007 ...................................................................................4  
III. OVERALL EXPENDITURE IN THE WTO IN 2007...........................................................4  
 EXPENDITURE:  WTO ..........................................................................................................5  
 EXPENDITURE:  APPELLATE BODY..............................................................................11  
IV. INCOME......................................................................................................................... .........12  
V. SURPLUS ACCOUNT ...........................................................................................................13  
VI. GENERAL FUND................................................................................................................... 14 
VII. WORKING CAPITAL FUND...............................................................................................16  
VIII.  EARLY PAYMENT ENCOURAGEMENT SCHEME ......................................................16  
IX. OPERATING FUNDS............................................................................................................16  
X. FUTURE BUILDING N EEDS OF THE WTO....................................................................18  
 2006 – 2007 BIENNIUM OVERVIEW .................................................................................19  
XI. REPORT OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE 
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION FO R THE FINANCIAL PERIODS 2006 
AND 2007 OF THE BIENNIUM 2006/2007.........................................................................20  
OPINION OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION FO R THE BIENNIUM ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007...................25
 
Statement 1a - WTO Secretariat - Statement of Budgetary Expenditure 2007 .............................26  
Statement 1b - Appellate Body and its Secretariat - Statement of Budgetary  
 Expenditure 2007 .......................................................................................................27  
Statement 2 - Income and Expenditure Account for the Year 2007................................................28  
Statement 3 - Surplus Account for the Year 2007.............................................................................29  
Statement 4 - Statement of Assets and Liabilities for 2007 - GENERAL FUNDS.........................30  
Statement 5 - Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Year 2007 -  
WORKING CAPITAL FUND....................................................................................31  
Statement 6 - Statement of WTO Annex Building Fund - Phase I for the Year 2007 ...................32  
Statement 7 - Statement of Sign ificant Accounting Policies.............................................................33  
SCHEDULE A - 2007 Early Paymen t Encouragement Scheme Interest to be distributed  
to Members in 2009............................................................................................................. ....34  
SCHEDULE B/TABLEAU B/CUADRO B - Members Outstanding Contributions  
as at 31 December 2007 ......................................................................................................... .37 
SCHEDULE C - Observers Statement of Outstanding Contributions  
as at 31 December 2007 ......................................................................................................... .42 
APPENDIX - FOLLOW-UP OF RECOMMENDATIONS RAISED  
DURING THE MANDATE OF THE AUSTRIAN COURT OF AUDIT  
(FINANCIAL PERIODS 2002 TO 2007)...........................................................................................43   WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 3 
 
 
  ANNEX 1 ........................................................................................................................ ......................50  
ANNEX 2 ........................................................................................................................ ......................51  
ANNEX 3A ....................................................................................................................... ....................52  
ANNEX 3B....................................................................................................................... .....................53  
 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 4  
 
   
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. In accordance with Regulations 24, 26 and 29  of the World Trade Organization Financial 
Regulations (WT/L/156/Rev.1), the Director-General  hereby submits the B udgetary and Financial 
Report of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the financial year ended 31 December 2007, the 
second year of the 2006-2007 biennium.  The a nnual accounts are presented in Swiss francs.   
2. At its meeting on 14, 16 and 23 October 1998, the General Council adopted the resolution in 
document WT/GC/W/102/Rev.1 which set out the conditions  of service applicable to the staff of the 
WTO Secretariat.  These conditions of service have been applied in the WTO Secretariat with effect from 1 January 1999. 
3. The WTO Financial Rules and Financial Regulati ons were approved by the General Council 
in November 1995 (WT/GC/M/8) and August 2003 (W T/GC/M/82), respectively.  They have been 
applied as from 1 January 1996 and 1 January 2004 r espectively. They were subsequently revised on 
9 May 2007 (WT/GC/M/108). 
II. BIENNIAL BUDGET 2006 AND 2007 
Approved Budget for 2006-2007
 
 4. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Co mmittee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
(CBFA) (Document WT/BFA/82), Members of the WTO, in approving the second WTO biennial budget, appropriated CHF 175,000,150 and CHF 180,352,150 for the years 2006 and 2007 
respectively (Document WT/GC/M/100). 
5. For 2006, the appropriation was CHF 170,274,150 for the WTO Secretariat and 
CHF 4,726,000 for the regular expenditure of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat.  
6. In accordance with the procedures established for implementing biennial budgeting in the 
WTO, Members reviewed the 2007 appropriations in the course of the mid-term review, taking into 
consideration only the unexpected and unavoidable/ statutory changes pertaining to the financial 
implications of the application of the methodology for salary adjustments as approved by the General Council on 15 May 2003 (WT/GC/M/80).  All other elements of the budget were retained at 
their 2006 level. 
7. In this respect, subsequent to the recomme ndation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration (Documents WT/BFA/93 and WT /BFA/93/Add.1), Members of the WTO, in 
approving the revised 2007 budget, appropriated CHF 181,976,450 for 2007 which is made up of 
CHF 176,865,250 for the WTO Secretariat and CHF 5, 111,200 for the regular expenditure of the 
Appellate Body and its Secret ariat (Document WT/GC/M/106).  
III. OVERALL EXPENDITURE IN THE WTO IN 2007 
8. In the course of 2007, expenditure was incurre d in respect of the annual budget of the WTO 
as well as extra budgetary funds, made up of trus t funds and other funds.  The total overall 
expenditure of the Organization in 2007 amounted  to CHF 198,957,248.  Expenditure under the 
annual budget of the Organization accounted fo r 87 per cent of the total, corresponding to 
CHF 173,920,118.  Expenditure against extra budgetary funds represented 13 per cent or 
CHF 25,037,130 (excluding overhead).  Expenditure  under the Operating Funds (Appellate Body 
Operating Fund, Security Enhancement Operating Fund and Ministerial Operating Fund), which are 
financed from the regular budget, amounted to CHF 1,912,303 (paragraphs 81 to 85).  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 5 
 
 
  2007 Regular Budget  
 
9. As noted in paragraph 7, Members of the WTO appropriated CHF 181,976,450 for the 
financial year 2007, CHF 176,865,250 for the WTO Secretariat and CHF 5,111,200 for the regular expenditure of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat (Document WT/GC/M/106).  
EXPENDITURE:  WTO 
 2007  Budgetary Situation
 
 
10. Expenditure for the WTO and the Appellate Body Secretariat for 2007 amounted to 
CHF 173,920,118, equating to a budgetary saving of CHF 8,056,332.  This budgetary saving is 
comprised of CHF 7,603,294 for the WTO Regular B udget and CHF 453,037 for the Appellate B ody 
and its Secretariat (Statements 1a and 1b). 
WTO Regular Budget  
 P
ERSONNEL -RELATED COSTS  
 11. Sections (1 and 2) include the cost of salari es, pension contributions and common staff costs 
associated with established posts and temporary assistance, respectively.   
12. A budgetary surplus of CHF 6,417,078 on personnel -related costs is the net result of various 
under and over-expenditures under a number of s ub-items.  The savings that occurred under 
Section 1 (Staff Work Years) covered the over-expe nditure under Section 2 (Temporary Assistance). 
   C H F
 
 Section 1 - Staff Work Years   6,716,235  Section 2 - Temporary Assistance  (299,157)
 
 Total    6,417,078  
 
13. Under Section 1 (Staff Work Years), the savi ng of CHF 6,716,235 can be sub-divided into 
under-expenditures of CHF 4,043,970 in respect of Sa laries, CHF 1,083,963 in respect of Pensions,  
CHF 588,302 with respect to 'Common Staff Costs'  and an additional saving of CHF 1,000,000 with 
respect to the non-utilization of the 2007 provision ear-marked for the Restructuring Plan (WT/GC/M/112). The estimated saving with resp ect to vacant posts for 2007 amounted to 
CHF 3,927,900 of which CHF 1,804,494 was utilised fo r short term temporary contracts against these 
vacant posts.  For Section 2 (Temporary Assistan ce), expenditure exceeded the appropriations by 
CHF 299,157.  
14. This saving under Section 1 includes the budgetary savings realised from the financial 
implications of the application of the methodology for salary adjustments as approved by the 
General Council on 15 May 2003 (WT/GC/M/80).  Against a provision of a 2.0 per cent salary 
increase for 2007, the weighted average of  the in creases announced for 2007 was in fact 1.08  per 
cent representing a  budgetary saving (based on a full staffing table) of  CHF 733,400 and 
CHF 148,500 for salaries and for pension contributions respectively. 
15. The saving under ‘Common Staff Costs' of CHF 588,302 is mainly due to a saving on 
medical premiums where premiums increased by 1. 40 per cent  whereas a provision was made for an 
anticipated increase of 10 per cent.  Staff turnover  contributed to variances under the other elements 
where staff profiles differed from those anticipated.  For certain sub-items, variances occurred as  entitlements were taken in a different year than  when they had been foreseen, as well as unforeseen 
costs related to the early retirement of staff members. WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 6  
 
  16. Under Common Staff Costs, the savings are comprised of:  
(a) Medical Insurance – CHF 540,616:  The approved 2007 budget c ontained provision 
for the increase of medical insurance premiums of 10 per cent.  Finally, medical premiums were revised by only 1.4 per cent. 
(b) Family Allowances – CHF 358,474, reflec ting variations in staff profiles and  
allocations corresponding to vacant posts. 
(c) Language Allowances – CHF 32,064:  this en titlement is payable to staff recruited 
prior to 1998.  Expenditure is, as anticip ated, decreasing as older staff separate. 
(d) Rental Subsidy – CHF 83,712. 
(e) Non-residence allowance – CHF 3,997:  as with language allowances, savings will 
continue to be realised as staff separate. 
(f) Installation Grants – CHF 63,833. 
(g) Home leave – CHF 163,424:  influenced by a lower number of entitlements taken 
in 2007. 
(h) Separations – CHF 118,304:  comprised of untaken leave upon termination and 
termination indemnities. 
 
17. These savings were offset by over-expe nditure under the following sub-items: 
(i) Travel and Removal Costs – CHF 153,231:  comprised of unforeseen staff departures;  
interview travel costs of candidates and installation travel for new recruits.  
(j) Education Grants - CHF 450,312:  primarily due to staff profiles changes. 
(k) Repatriation Grants – CHF 172,577:  as more staff decided to take up early retirement 
than had been anticipated. 
  WT/BFA/W/168 
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  18. Section 2 (Temporary Assistance):  The ove r-expenditure under this section in 2007 
amounted to CHF 299,157.  As mentioned above, th is over-expenditure was offset by savings under 
vacant posts (Section 1 – Work Years). 
Budgetary Situation of Temporary Assistance 2007  
 
 
 Budget Expenditure Balance 
Messengers/Drivers and Manual Workers 195,000 114,265  80,735  
Reproduction 70,000 115,523  (45,523) 
Pool 589,100 258,417  330,683  
Conference Staff 50,000 102,459  (52,459) 
Guards 15,000 0  15,000  
Secretaries/Clerks 105,800 403,189  (297,389) 
Translators 6,719,000 6,349,588  369,412  
Interpreters 1,846,000 1,924,230  (78,230) 
Consultants 721,400 867,720  (146,320) 
EDP Consultants 1,455,200 1,471,297  (16,097) 
Overtime 346,000 370,750  (24,750) 
Replacements 940,000 976,414  (36,414) 
Interns 272,500 286,634  (14,134) 
Common Staff Costs 424,800 808,471  (383,671) 
Grand Total 13,749,800 14,048,957  (299,157) 
 
 19. With the exception of the sub-item messengers /drivers/manual workers, pool, guards and 
translators, the budgetary allocations for all ot her sub-items were exceeded.  The over-expenditure 
with respect to Common Staff Costs is directly re lated to the expenditure incurred for all the sub-
items under temporary assistance including tho se replacements against vacant posts under 
Section 1 - Work Years. 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
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  A
DMINISTRATIVE COSTS  
 20. This part of the budget covers items rela ted to communications, premises, permanent 
equipment, expendable supplies and contractual ser vices such as reproduction costs, EDP software 
etc.  For this part of the budget (Part B), a net budgetary saving of CHF 875,925 has been realised in 
2007.  In general, divisions did not exceed th eir budget allocations concerning their specific 
requirements.  However, variances against approve d appropriations were primarily influenced by 
changes in project priorities and unforeseen activiti es.  The redistribution of EDP allocations to 
accommodate the re-prioritizing of projects contribut ed to some of the variances linked with EDP 
expenditure.  
21. The overall budgetary saving on administrative costs is the net result of various under and 
over-expenditures on a number of sub-items.   
Budgetary savings were incurred for the following sections:  
  CHF
  
 
Section 3 - Communications  505,776  
Section 5 - Permanent Equipment  213,611  Section 6 - Expendable Equipment  254,624  Section 7 - Contractual Services  377  
 And were reduced by an over-expenditure under: 
 
Section 4 - Building Facilities  (98,463)
 
 Total     875,925
 
 
22. Under Section 3 (Communications), the overall budgetary saving of CHF 505,776 is 
comprised of under-expenditures of CHF 290,874 fo r 'Telecommunications' (telephones and faxes) 
due to different providers, a redu ced level of activity and the remote access site facility, which is no 
longer subscribed.  For 'Postal Services', reduced volume and the fact that the Secretariat's Mailing 
Unit actively encourages competition amongst service providers on an on-going basis to obtain the lowest possible mailing rates genera ted budgetary savings of CHF 214,902. 
23. Section 5 (Permanent equipment), a budgetary  saving of CHF 213,611 was realized under this 
section for 2007.  Under the subheading of 'Lea sed Purchases', a budgetary saving of CHF 270,946 
was primarily realised on the replacement costs of the new switchboard originally estimated at 
CHF 1.5 million were concluded at CHF 1 million and reproduction equipment where it was deemed 
more economical to opt for an outright purchase.  This saving was offset by over-expenditure of 
CHF 57,335 under the sub-heading purchases, as printing equipment men tioned above, and one 
official car originally planned to be funded th rough a leasing arrangement were ultimately purchased. 
24. Section 6 (Expendable Equipment), the budgeta ry saving of CHF 254,624 was primarily 
realised under 'Office Supplies' as from 2007 all o ffice supplies are purchased online and on demand, 
thereby significantly reducing stock levels costs,  and 'Reproduction', due to reduced activity and 
re-charging of costs for services carried out for other divisions. 
25. Under Section 7 (Contractual Services), the bud getary saving of CHF 377 realised under this 
section is comprised of savings of CHF 161,375 wi th respect to 'Reproduction' and CHF 55,192 for 
the sub-item Other (vehicle repair, running co sts, related insurance and office equipment 
maintenance).  This saving was reduced by  an over-expenditure of CHF 97,961 under  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 9 
 
 
  'Office Automation'1 and  CHF 118,229 with respect to the S ecurity Outsourcing Contract services as 
additional guards were necessary to cover unforesee n security surge peaks and to conduct training 
sessions.  
26. The savings under Part B were offset  by over-expenditure under the following: 
27. Section 4  (Building Facilities), the overspe nding of CHF 98,463 was primarily incurred 
under the subheading of 'Maintenance and Insurance' , where additional expenditure was incurred to 
equip the windows of the Centre William Rappard w ith an anti-shatter film and commence the cabling 
necessary for the new switchboard CHF 112,883.  Under the subheading 'Utilities' additional 
expenditure of CHF 16,892 was incurred to cover hi gher heating fuel costs.  This over-expenditure 
was reduced through savings of CHF 31,310 realised  under 'Rental' as less storage space and fewer 
outside conference rooms were needed in 2007. 
OTHER  
28. The overall budgetary saving of CHF 170,292 unde r Part C is the net result of various under 
and over-expenditures on a number of sub-items.  These savings were incurred for the following 
sections:  
  CHF  
 
Section 9 - Missions  9,048 Section 10 - Trade Policy Training Courses  309,170 Section 12 - Unforeseen  100,000 
 
And was reduced by an over-expenditure under: 
 
Section 8 - Staff Overheads   (16,155) Section 11 - Various  (231,771)
 
 
Total   170,292  
 29. Under Section 9 (Missions), the overall saving of CHF 9,048 is comprised of an 
over-spending of CHF 78,010 under 'Official Missi ons' which is offset by a budgetary saving of 
CHF 87,058 under 'Technical Missions'. 
30. Under Section 10 (Trade Policy Training Courses) , pursuant to the Ministerial Declaration 
(Document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1), the General Counc il, in adopting the 2002 budget, approved the 
funding from the regular budget of:  (i) the Geneva Week;  (ii) two short LDC courses and;  iii) one 
Special Trade Policy Course.  In 2003, this pr ogramme was extended and increased by one Special 
Trade Policy Course and the introduction of the Un iversity Outreach Programme.  In 2004, due to 
logistical difficulties, the fifth regular Trade Policy Training Course was dropped.  With the exception 
of a follow-up course with respect to the Special Courses delivered in 2005, the programme remained 
unchanged in 2006 and 2007. 
31. The overall saving of CHF 309,170 is comprised of the following:  
(a) with respect to the four regular Trade Policy Training Courses a budgetary saving of 
CHF 202,617 was realized;   
(b) a budgetary saving of CHF 49,176 was made on the two short LDC courses; 
                                                     
 
1 Refer to Section 5 – Permanent Equipment EDP. WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 10  
 
  (c) Geneva Week:  from an initial overall budget of CHF 536,600, the overall budgetary 
saving amounted to CHF 162,921 of which CHF 142,689 is reflected under this 
section; 
(d) a budgetary over-expenditure of CHF 8,970 with respect to three short Dispute 
Settlement Courses; 
(e) expenditure of CHF 91 was incurred with respect to 'Distance Learning' where no 
provision was made in 2007; 
(f) as external funding could not be assured for th e follow-up course to last year's second 
Specialised Course SPS, an over-spending  of CHF 76,251 was incurred.  This 
follow-up course has subsequently been included in the 2008-2009 biennial budgets. 
 
32. With respect to Section 12 (Unforeseen Expend iture), no expenditure was recorded under this 
section.  The entire appropriation of CHF 100,000 is thus recorded as a saving.  
33. Over-expenditure was incurred under the following sections. 
34. Section 8  (Staff Overhead Costs):  the over-e xpenditure of CHF 16,155 primarily pertained 
to hearing costs associated with cases brought before the 'ILO-Tribunal', under the heading of 
'Joint Services', and higher 2007 premiums of th e accident and invalidity insurance under the sub-
heading 'Insurance'.  This over-expenditure was part ly offset by savings under the  'Retired Medical 
Insurance' as anticipated increases in  the premiums were not attained. 
35. Section 11 (Various):  the over-expenditure of CHF 231,771 for this section is comprised of 
an over-expenditure under 'Publications' of CH F 601,891 due to the introduction of the new 
accounting policy with respect to the cost of sale s for publications, and 'Library' - CHF 53,991 - due 
to an increased number of subscriptions.  This over-spending was offset by:  savings under 'Dispute 
Settlement Panels' - CHF 169,349 - due to a reduced number of cases, 'Public Information Activities' - 
CHF 135,809, 'Experts' - CHF 50,000 and mis cellaneous other savings of CHF 68,953. 
36. To avoid budgetary fluctuations  with respect to expenditure for Ministerial Conferences, the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration decided in 1999 (WT/BFA/44) to create a 
provision in the regular budget for this event and for it  to be carried forward in Non-Ministerial years.  
The expenditure under this heading concerns any t ype of expenditure that the organization would 
have had to incur should the Ministerial be held  at the headquarters in Geneva, and excludes all 
expenditure relating to its change of venue, wh ich is underwritten by the country hosting the 
Ministerial Conference. 
37. In 2004, the provision for the Ministerial Conference Operating Fund (MOF) was increased 
by CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000 (Document WT/BFA/70,   Schedule I – B,  Section 11 – Various).  
The annual provision for the replenishment of the MOF of CHF 600,000 was charged and credited to 
the Ministerial Operating Fund in 2007. 
38. Section 13 (Contribution to the International Trad e Centre (ITC)): contributions to the ITC in 
2007 amounted to CHF 16,625,950, resulting in a budgetary saving of CHF 140,000 as the overall 
surplus for previous ITC biennium was credited to the funding organizations.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 11 
 
 
  39. In accordance with WTO Financial Regulation 24 and WTO Financial Rule 4.4, transfers 
between WTO budgetary sections of CHF 645,546 are necessary in order to cover excess expenditure 
over approved appropriations by savin gs as detailed in paragraphs 11-37.  Authority is sought to 
increase these appropriations accordingly, as follows (Statement 1a): 
 
Section  From  To 
Section 1   - Work Years 299,157   
Section 3   - Communications 98,463   
Section 10 - Trade Policy Training Courses 247,926   
      
Section 2   - Temporary Assistance   299,157 
Section 4   - Building Facilities   98,463 
Section 8   - Staff Overheads   16,155 
Section 11 - Various   231,771 
Total 645,546 645,546 
 
EXPENDITURE:  APPELLATE BODY 
 
40. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
(WT/BFA/51), the General Council approved (WT/GC/M /61) that the financing of the Appellate 
Body would be divided into two categories:  (i) 'P ermanent Costs';  and (ii) variable costs.  The 
permanent costs form part of the regular budget procedure and are charged against the corresponding 
appropriations according to the Fi nancial Regulations and Rules.  In this respect, WTO Members 
appropriated CHF 5,111,200 for the permanent costs of the Appellate Body for the financial year 
2007 including the forth regular funding of the replenishment of the Appellate Body Operating Fund 
of CHF 1,400,000, against which the variable costs associated with each appeal are charged 
(Document WT/BFA/93). 
2007  Budgetary Situation  
 41. Expenditure for the Appellate Body Secretariat for 2007 amounted to CHF 4, 658,163, 
equating to a budgetary saving of CHF 453,037 (Statement 1b). 
P
ERSONNEL -RELATED COSTS  
42. The budgetary savings of CHF 429,701 on pers onnel-related costs were the net result of 
under-expenditure of CHF 448,283 under Section 1 and an over-expenditure of CHF 18,582 under 
Section 2.  Under Section 1 (Staff Work Years), the saving resulted from staff rotation and vacancies 
whilst, with respect to Section 2 (Temporary A ssistance), over-expenditure was primarily due to 
additional internships, overtime and the common st aff costs associated to temporary assistance hired 
to cover vacancies.  In maintaining a uniform st andard cost for both the WTO and the Appellate Body 
Secretariat, part of the savings under Section 1 is due to the fact that the sta ndard cost applied to the 
Appellate Body Secretariat, as that of the WTO S ecretariat's, which is not representative of the 
relatively small number of staff of this secretariat.  WT/BFA/W/168 
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  A
DMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER COSTS  
43. A budgetary saving of CHF 23,336 was realised on 'Administrative and Other Costs', which is 
the net result of various over and under- expenditures on a number of sub-items.  
44. With the exception of 'Building Facilities and Vari ous' (publications), all other items realised 
budgetary savings.  Section 4 – Building Facilities recorded an overspending for the renovation of 
offices.  
45. Over-expenditure was incurred for the following sections:  
  CHF   
Section 4 - Building Facilities  (7,932) Section 11 - Various  (39,049) 
 
which were offset by savings under the following sections:  
Section 3 - Communications  1,661  Section 5 - Permanent Equipment  26,581 
Section 6 - Expendable Supplies  12,534  
Section 7 - Contractual Services  4,644 Section 8 - Staff Overheads  19,345 Section 9 - Missions  5,552
 
 
Total     23,336  
 
46. In accordance with WTO Financial Regulation 24  and Financial Rule 4.4, transfers between 
budgetary sections of CHF 65,563 necessary in or der to cover excess expenditure over approved 
appropriations by savings as detailed in paragraphs  42 through 45.  Authority is sought to increase 
these appropriations accordingly, as follows (Statement 1b): 
Section From  To 
Section 1   - Work Years 18,582   
Section 6   - Expendable Equipment 12,534   
Section 5   - Permanent Equipment 9,550  
Section 8   - Staff Overheads 19,345  
Section 9   - Missions 5,552  
Section 2   - Temporary Assistance   18,582 
Section 4   - Building Supplies   7,932 
Section 11 - Various 39,049 
Total 65,563 65,563 
IV. INCOME 
47. 2007 expenditure was funded from two sources:  (i ) contributions assessed on Members;  and  
(ii) miscellaneous income. 
  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 13 
 
 
  48. At the adoption of the income budget, contri butions for 2007 were assessed on Members at 
the amount of CHF 180,500,000.  In addition, new Members Viet Nam and Tonga were assessed 
CHF 466,976 and CHF 11,720 during 2007 (Statement 2) .  Actual collections as at 31 December 2007 
in respect of 2007 contributions represented CHF 169,798,680 (including in terest of CHF 238,546 
earned by Members in 2005 in the context of the Early Payment Encouragement Scheme). 
49. The details of miscellaneous income regarding (i) a comparison with 2006 figures and (ii) the 
excess of actual 2007 miscellaneous income over es timated amounts (also reported in Statement 3) 
are provided below. 
 
2006 2007 2007 2007 
Actual Estimated Actual Balance   
CHF CHF CHF CHF 
Sale of Publications/Souvenirs & Royalties 452,102 300,000 539,905  239,905
Profit or (loss) on exchange 144,881 0 -416,767  -416,767
Savings on previous year's outstanding obligations 
 for WTO Secretariat 170,121 120,000 514,961  394,961
Savings on previous year's outstanding obligations 
 for Appellate Body and its Secretariat 1,261 0 242  242
Rental of meeting rooms an d office space at Centre  
 William Rappard 136,520 150,000 136,128  -13,872 
Contributions of Observer Countries 833,760 700,000 847,410  147,410
Interest on Current Accounts 125,488 40,000 203,462  163,462
Various 825,068 166,450 1,059,288  892,838
Total 2,689,201 1,476,450 3,301,396 1,408,179
 
50. Various other income for 2007 comprises the following: 
  CHF  
 
Refund of prior year's expenditure2 769,416 
Work done for delega tions and others 243,258 
Discount on suppliers' invoices  256 
Miscellaneous (identity photos, sale of us ed furniture, online services, etc.)  46,358  
  
Total  1,059,288  
 V. SURPLUS ACCOUNT 
51. The Surplus Account (Statement 3) shows a surplus amounting to CHF 12,051,716 as at 
31 December 2007.  The surplus account showed an opening surplus balance of CHF 6,996,223 as at 
1 January 2007.  The movements in the account are explained below. 
52. The account was debited by two transfers, in accordance with the recommendation of the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration to the General Council for the use of the 2006 
surplus (WT/BFA/101):  an amount of CHF 1,500,000 to finance the restructuring plan in 2008 and 
                                                     
 
2 Includes CHF 500,000 with respect to the credit of the provision of 2006 for the Restructuring 
Operating Fund (ROF) (see also paragraph 86). WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 14  
 
  an amount of CHF 5,496,223 to reduce Members' contribution against the budget for 2008 
(Schedule B). 
53. Additionally, the account was debited by an amount of CHF 231,455 for adjustments related 
to the Publications inve ntory.  This includes a write-off for several years accumulation of obsolete 
inventory in the amount of CHF 322,187 and an off-setting adjustment of the inventory value based 
on the physical count of stock in the amount of CHF 90,732. 
54. These debits in the account were offset by: 
(a) The decrease in the provision for contributions in arrears of CHF 2,339,964
3. 
  
(b) An excess in actual versus estimated mis cellaneous income of CHF 1,407,937 for the 
WTO Secretariat and CHF 242  for the Appellate Body Secretariat. 
 
(c) The 2007 overall budgetary surplus of CHF 8,056,332 for the WTO Secretariat and 
the Appellate Body Secretariat. 
 
55. The net effect of the movements explained above resulted in an accumulated surplus of 
CHF 12,051,716 at the end of 2007 (Statement 3).   
56. In accordance with the World Trade Organi sation Financial Regulation 26.3. (document 
WT/L/156/Rev.2), the Director-General will submit his proposal on the use of the credit balance of 
the Surplus Account to the Committee on Budget, Fi nance and Administration in the course of 2008 
(Statement 3).  
VI. GENERAL FUND 
Assets  
 
57. At 31 December 2007, cash in hand represented CHF 10,000;  cash at bank and in the postal 
checking account amounted to CHF 47,964,314.  Co ntributions receivable from Members amounted 
to CHF 25,306,400 at 31 December 2007 as shown in Schedule B.  The corresponding amount for 
31 December 2006 was CHF 27,646,364. 
58. Contributions receivable from WTO Observers were recorded as a receivable asset and 
amounted to CHF 1,134,200 as at 31 December 2007 as shown in Schedule C.  The corresponding 
amount for 31 December 2006 was CHF 890,831. 
59. A receivable of CHF 344,618 is due for th e Cancun Ministerial Meeting since 2003. 
60. Miscellaneous accounts receivable at 31 Dece mber 2007 totalled CHF 4,561,005.  This 
amount includes staff advances of CHF 1,990,185 for salary, travel and education grants (of which 
CHF 40,600 concerns the Appellate Body and Its S ecretariat).  In respect of United States taxes 
receivable, an amount of CHF 1,759,440 is due from their authorities.  CHF 591,489 was recorded as 
recoverable Swiss taxes, an amount which includ es VAT refunds and withholding taxes on interest.  
Advances to suppliers amounted to CHF 40,209.   Total 2007 invoices receivable amounted to 
CHF 94,919.  Various other r eceivables totalled CHF 84,763. 
                                                      
 3 Contributions receivable from WTO members amounted  to CHF 25,306,400 at 31 December 2007 as 
compared with CHF 27,646,364 at the end of 2006, i.e. a decrease of CHF 2,339,964 in contributions 
outstanding.   WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 15 
 
 
  61. Outstanding invoices of CHF 94,919 consisted of the following: 
  CHF  
 
Sale of publications 64,877 Retirees' sickness insurance 26,636 
Miscellaneous budget invoices 3,406
 
Total 94,919  
 62. Total Inventory of CHF 749,270 represents th e value of stock of WTO publications, 
co-publications, non-WTO publications, and souven irs following adjustments for write-offs and 
physical stock reconciliation. 
63. Prepaid 2007 expenditure is CHF 123,381 (posta ge, subscriptions, prepaid parking, etc). 
64. A receivable in the amount of CHF 158,951 is due to the General Fund from the WTO Annex 
Building Fund in respect of invoices paid in 2007. 
Liabilities
 
 
65. Accounts payable at 31 December 2007 amounted to CHF 4,328,371 and included the 
following:  (i) amounts payable to suppliers:  CHF 3,247,801;  (ii) amounts payable to WTO staff (e.g. travel claims), to consultants and interns fo r un-liquidated payments on contracts:  CHF 862,968;  
and, (iii) other payables of CHF 217,602. 
66. CHF 830,377  (Schedule A) in respect of inte rest earned in 2007 will be applied against 
assessed contributions for the year 2009 in accord ance with the provisions of the Early Payment 
Encouragement Scheme (see paragraph 80 below) .  The 2006 interest of CHF 508,375 has been 
apportioned and deducted from the 2008 asse ssments on relevant Members.   
67. Advance contributions received from Member s pertaining to 2008 and 2009 amounted to 
CHF 7,651,340 and CHF 64,128, respectively for a total of CHF 7,715,468.   
68. Payments made in advance from WTO Observers amounted to CHF 61,749.  
69. Total outstanding obligations at 31 December 2007 amounted to CHF 2,068,378 with respect 
to the WTO Secretariat and CHF 1,628 for the Appellate Body and its Secretariat. 
70. CHF 25,306,400 covered all contributions in a rrears from Members as at 31 December 2007 
(Statement 4 and Schedule B). 
71. The provision for the Ministerial Operating Fund shows a total of CHF 875,885. 
72. In accordance with the decision of the Ge neral Council (WT/GC/M/72) a provision of 
CHF 1,000,000 has been created to be used as  buffer account in connection with the ‘Doha 
Development Agenda Global Trust Fund'. 
73. The provision for the Security Enhancement Operating Fund (SEOF) shows a total of 
CHF 439,705. 
74. A provision of CHF 1,500,000 has been create d to be used in connection with the 
restructuring plan.  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 16  
 
  75. The balance of the Appellate Body Opera ting Fund (ABOF) amounted to CHF 961,554 on 
31 December 2007. 
76. The balance sheet of all other extra-budgetary funds stood at CHF 22,702,533 on the same 
date (see document WT/BFA/W/169). 
77. As mentioned in paragraph 51 above, the 2007 surplus amounted to CHF 12,051,716. 
VII. WORKING CAPITAL FUND 
78. The Working Capital Fund amounted to CHF 9,677,552 as at 31 December 2007 
(Statement 5).  The principal of the Fund consis ts of the 2007 opening balance of CHF 5,567,445 plus 
interest on investments and the current account of  the Working Capital Fund credited to the Fund 
during 2007 amounting to CHF 212,96 6.  Advances made by Members total CHF 3,897,141 as at 
31 December 2007.   
79.  Current account balance amounted to CHF 9,379,142 as at 31 December 2007.  An amount 
of CHF 223,844 has been recorded as receivable from Members as well as CHF 74,566 representing 
withholding tax on interest earned as at 31 Decemb er 2007 Early Payment Encouragement Scheme. 
VIII.  EARLY PAYMENT ENCOURAGEMENT SCHEME 
80. Pursuant to the Council's approval (C/M/226) of the recommendation of the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration (L/6384) to introduce a system to encourage payment of contributions, interest earned on the current year's contributions is refunded to Members on the basis of calculations which take account of the amount and date of payment.  Schedule A shows the 
apportionment of CHF 830,378 earned as interest in 2007 (Schedule A/Statement 4).  The apportioned 
amounts will be deducted from the releva nt Members' contributions for 2009. 
IX. OPERATING FUNDS 
Appellate Body Operating Fund (ABOF)
 
 
81. Expenditure related to the permanent costs of th e Appellate Body and its Secretariat has been 
reported in the previous section.  This section consid ers the variable cost expenditure of the Appellate 
Body consisting of the number of cases brought before the Body and their duration.  The forth 
replenishment of the fund in 2007 was made thr ough the inclusion of a separate appropriation under 
the regular budget, i.e. CHF 1,400,000 (Documen t WT/BFA/93, Schedule 1–C, Section 11 - Various). 
82. The opening balance of this fund in 2007 amounted to CHF 465,692.  Interest earned, 
amounting to CHF 78,165, was credited to the fund for the financial period 2007.  After recording 
expenditure for 2007 of CHF 982,303, the balance of the fund amounting to CHF 961,554 is carried 
forward to 2008.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 17 
 
 
  Statement of Appellate Body Operating Fund Expenditure  
as at 31 December 2007  
      CHF
 
 
Opening balance as at 1 January 2007    465,692 
 Inflows as at 31 December 2007: 
 
Transfer from the regular budget  1,400,000 Interest earned during the course of the year 78,165
 
Sub-total  1,478,165  
Expenditure as at 31 December 2007   
 
Interpreters  (26,600) Transcribers  (26,823) 
Temporary Assistance (35,853) Travel of Members (361,925) Member's fees (479,050) Miscellaneous (33,051) 
Postage  (19,001)
 
Sub-total  (982,303)  Closing balance as at 31 December 2007  961,554
 
 Ministerial Operating Fund (MOF)
 
83. In 1999 (WT/BFA/44), the Committee on Budget Finance and Administration decided to 
reduce the burden of the costs associated with a Ministerial Conference by spreading the costs over 
two years with a budgetary appropriation in each  year of the regular budget of the WTO of 
CHF 400,000.  In 2004, the provision for the Ministerial Conference Operating F und was increased by 
CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000 (Document WT/BFA/70, Schedule 1 – B, Secti on 11 – Various) and was 
maintained in 2007. 
84. To the opening balance of CHF 275,885 of the Ministerial Conferences Operating Fund, the 
entire appropriation of CHF 600,000 was credited. With no expenditure being incurred in 2007, the 
balance of the fund stands at CHF 875, 885 and is carried forward to 2008. 
Security Enhancement Operating Fund (SEOF)  
85. In 2004, Members approved the funding of a five year plan of the Security Enhancement 
Programme through an operating fund (SEOF)4 in order to enhance the security at WTO premises.  
The first instalment of CHF 1,119,000 was appropr iated in 2005, the second instalment in 2006 
amounted to CHF 796,000.  After effecting the 2007 instalment to the lease of CHF 330,000, the overall balance of the fund as at 31 December 2007 stands at CHF 439,705. This amount has been carried forward to 2008. 
 
                                                     
 
4 Document CRP(04)22. WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 18  
 
  Statement of Expenditure 2007 SEOF
 
 
  CHF  
 
Balance carried forward from 2006 439,705 
2007 Replenishment5 330,000 
Expenditure: Permanent Equipment / Lease / Security (330,000)  
 Balance carried forward to 2008 439,705
 
 
 
Restructuring Operating Fund 2007 (ROF)  
 
86. Pursuant the CBFA's recommendation, that in light of the fact that developments in the course 
of 2006 had precluded the finalization of a restruct uring plan recommended that an operating fund be 
created to accumulate the designated funds.  The Restructuring Operating Fund (ROF) was credited 
with the funds foreseen for this purpose in 2006 of CHF 500,000 and carried forward to 2007, 
document (WT/BFA/93/Add.1).  In 2007, at th e recommendation of the CBFA, Members endorsed 
the proposal to fund the ROF entirely from the 2006 surplus (WT/GC/M/112).  Consequently, the 2006 provision credited to the fund was reversed and credited to miscellaneous income as savings 
under prior year's expenditure.  In consequence,  the 2007 provision of CHF 1,000,000 under Section 1 
was not utilized.  The balance of the fund as at 31 December 2007 stands at CHF 1,500,000. The 
policy applicable to this restructuring will be  that defined in document WT/BFA/W/137.  
X. FUTURE BUILDING NEEDS OF THE WTO
6 
 
87. Contacts with the Swiss authorities concerni ng the future building needs of the WTO 
continued throughout 2007.  The WTO learned early in the year that the IUHEI library would vacate 
the space occupied in the basement of the South Wing by late summer. In July, the Swiss authorities 
outlined their vision of how to meet the future hous ing needs of the WTO, bearing in mind the desire 
to house all staff under one roof.  In  November, they presented an amended approach, still respecting 
the one-roof solution, according to which the Sw iss Confederation would contribute CHF 70 million 
to cover the work of renovation of the Centre William Rappard, the rental of the former Serono 
building and other related works.  In addition, the WTO would be provided with an interest-free loan 
of CHF 60 million from the Swiss gove rnment to construct a new building on the area of the south car 
park.  In December, the General Council appr oved a recommendation of the Committee on Budget, 
Finance and Administration (WT/GC/M/112, pa ragraph 190, and WT/BFA /101, paragraph 40) 
authorizing the Director-General to undertake nego tiations with the host country authorities with a 
view to reaching a mutually-agreed solution to meet  the long-term housing needs of the Organization. 
 
                                                      
5 Funded through Section 11 of regular WTO budget. 
6 WT/BFA/SPEC/104.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 19 
 
 
  2006 – 2007 BIENNIUM OVERVIEW 
 
88. This section of this document summarizes th e expenditure for each of the years of the 
biennium 2006 and 2007 as well as the overall surplus acc ounts for each of the years.  In addition, a 
separate section of the main points for e ach of the budgets has been summarized. 
Budget Expenditure 2006-2007  
89. Expenditure for the WTO and the Appellate Body Secretariat for 2006 amounted to 
CHF 172,466,412 equating to a budgetary saving of CHF 2,533,738.  This budgetary saving is comprised of CHF 1,957,371 for WTO Regular Budget and a budgetary surplus of CHF 576,367 for Appellate Body and its Secretariat.   
90. Expenditure for the WTO and the Appellate Body Secretariat for 2007 amounted to 
CHF 173,920,118 equating to a budgetary saving of CHF 8,056,332.  This budgetary saving is comprised of CHF 7,603,294 for WTO Regular Budget and a budgetary surplus of CHF 453,037 for Appellate Body and its Secretariat.   
Surplus Account 2006-2007
 
91. The Surplus Account for 2006 (Statement 3,  document WT/BFA/W/157) shows a surplus 
amounting to CHF 6,996,223 as at 31 December 2006.  The opening deficit balance of CHF 309,983 on 1 January 2006 was covered from the Working Ca pital Fund in accordance with WTO Financial 
Regulation 26.4. 
92. The Surplus Account for 2007 (Statement 3,  document WT/BFA/W/168)) shows a surplus 
amounting to CHF 12,051,716 as at 31 December 2007.  The opening balance of CHF 6,966,223 was 
utilised in funding the Restructuring Operating Fu nd CHF 1,500,000 and transferring the balance of 
CHF 5,496,223 to be held as adva nce contributions for 2008 in accordance with WTO Financial 
Regulation 26.3 (i). WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 20  
 
  XI. REPORT OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE WORLD 
TRADE ORGANIZATION FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIODS 2006 AND 2007 OF 
THE BIENNIUM 2006/2007 
GENERAL
 
93. The WTO Financial Rules and WTO Financ ial Regulations were approved by the 
General Council in November 1995 (WT/GC/M/8) a nd August 2003 (WT/GC/M/82), respectively.  
They have been applied as from 1 January 1996 and 1 January 2004 respectively and were subsequently revised on 9 May 2007 (WT/L/156/ Rev.2 and WT/L/157/Rev.1; WT/GC/M/108). The 
examination has been carried out in accordance w ith those regulations and rules, and with the 
financial resolutions and decisions of the WTO. 
94. The General Council approve d (Document WT/GC/M/112) the 2006 transfers between 
budgetary sections proposed in doc ument WT/BFA/W/157, paragraphs 41 and 47, in accordance with 
WTO Financial Regulation 24 a nd WTO Financial Rule 4.4. 
95. The audit of the 2007 accounts has been carri ed out on the assumption that the transfers 
between budgetary sections proposed in documen t WT/BFA/W/168, paragraphs 39 and 46, in 
accordance with WTO Financial Regulation 24 and WT O Financial Rule 4.4, will be approved by the 
WTO General Council. 
EXPLANATORY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
 
 
Outturn  
 96. 2006 - Appropriations authorized by the Members of the WTO for 2006 were 
CHF 170,274,150 for the WTO Secretariat (Doc ument WT/BFA/W/157 - Statement 1a), and 
CHF 4,726,000 in respect of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat (Document WT/BFA/W/157 - Statement 1b).  The overall budget of CHF 175,000, 150 (WTO Secretariat and the Appellate Body 
and its Secretariat) was to be financed by contributions of CHF 173,700,000 and estimated 
miscellaneous income of CHF 1,300,150 (WT/BFA/82). 
97. 2007 - Appropriations authorized by the Members of the WTO for 2007 were 
CHF 176,865,250 for the WTO Secretariat (Statement 1a), and CHF 5,111,200 in respect of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat (Statement  1b).  The overall budget of CHF 181,976,450 (WTO 
Secretariat and the Appellate Body and its Secretar iat) was to be financed by contributions of 
CHF 180,500,000 and estimated miscellaneous income of CHF 1,476,450 (WT/BFA/93 and 
WT/BFA/93/Add.1). 
98. Expenditure under the WTO Secretariat in 2006 amounted to CHF 168,316,779, leaving a 
budgetary surplus of CHF 1,957,371.  With respect to the Appellate Body and its Secretariat, 2006 expenditure amounted to CHF 4,149,633, resulting in a budgetary surplus of CHF 576,367.  The total excess of income over expenditure amounted  to CHF 3,922,789 (Doc ument WT/BFA/W/157 -
 Statement 2). 
99. Expenditure under the WTO Secretariat in 2007 amounted to CHF 169,261,956, leaving a 
budgetary surplus of CHF 7,603,294.  With respect to the Appellate Body and its Secretariat, 2007 expenditure amounted to CHF 4,658,163, resulting in a budgetary surplus of CHF 453,037.  The total excess of income over expenditure am ounted to CHF 9,943,207 (Statement 2).  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 21 
 
 
  Outstanding Contributions  
 
100. Outstanding contributions as at 31 December 2005 for WTO Members amounted to 
CHF 31,032,182 (WT/BFA/W/142 - Schedule B).  This was reduced by CHF 3,385,818 in 2006 and CHF 2,339,964 in 2007.  The total outstanding c ontributions as at 31 December 2007 amounted to 
CHF 25,306,400 (Schedule B).  This is made up of  CHF 11,180,016 with respect to 2007 and the 
balance relates to outstanding dues for previous years. 
Outstanding obligations as at 31 December 2006 and 31 December 2007
 
 
101. The total provision for outstanding obligations at the end of 2006 amounted to 
CHF 2,308,087. This is comprised of an amount of  CHF 2,306,139 with respect to the regular budget 
of the WTO Secretariat and CHF 1,947 with respect to the Appellate Body and its Secretariat. 
102. With respect to the year 2007, the total provision for outstanding obligations amounted to 
CHF 2,024,829, which is comprised of CHF 2,023,201 for the regular budget of the WTO Secretariat and CHF 1,628 for the Appellate Body and Its Secretariat.  
 
  2006 2007 
Part Section WTO Appellate 
Body WTO Appellate 
Body 
A Sect  1 Work Years 37,877  99,543  
 Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 1,262,987 1,134 1,031,165 1,628 
B Sect  3 Communications 22,310  1,940  
 Sect  4 Building Facilities 103,617  386,365  
 Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 272,770 313 138,223  
 Sect  6 Expendable 16,364  26,227  
 Sect  7 Contractual Services 389,828  124,740  
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads 85,190  111,924  
 Sect 11 Missions 604    
 Sect 11 Various 114,592 500 103,075  
Sub-total 2,306,139 1,947 2,023,201 1,628 
Annual Total  2,308,087  2,024,829 
 
103. At the end of the biennium the General Fund contained an amount of CHF 22,702,533 that 
remained available under extra-budgetary funds . In addition, the closing position on 
31 December 2007 of the Appellate Body Operating Fund amounted to CHF 961,554. 
104. Expenditure in 2007 under the Security Enha ncement Operating Fund (SEOF) amounted to 
CHF 330,000. 
US Tax  
 105. The External Auditor refers to the reports of  the External Auditor on the accounts of the WTO 
for the biennium 2004/2005 (WT/BFA/W/142) and for the financial period 2006 (WT/BFA/W/157) where the issue on US Tax has been raised. 
106. In principle, staff members of US nationality or holding US permanent residence working for 
international institutions have to declare and pa y taxes on their income.  According to an ILO 
Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) jurisprudence, the "l ast-income method" taxation has to be applied.  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 22  
 
  However, the refund obtained from the US Tax authorities is based on the "first-income method" 
leading to additional costs which are not recovera ble and therefore charged as an expenditure under 
the position "Staff Overheads".  These expenditures were amounting to CHF 50,726 in 2007 (CHF 49,924 in 2006).  
107. In addition, the External Auditor noted a significant increase of US tax amounts receivable 
from the US tax authorities over recent years:  
Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
US tax amount receivable 
from US authorities in CHF 354,326 390,188 722,293 1,177,340 1,759,440
 
108. The External Auditor noted that the amount r eceivable from the US tax authorities increased 
by 143 per cent in the biennium 2006-2007 (from CHF 722,293 at the end of 2005 to CHF 1,177,340 at the end of 2006 to CHF 1,759,440 at the end of 2007).  
109. One reason for this increase is due to the fact that only USD 253,075 have been received in 
2007 from the US Tax Authorities covering a partial amount of the claims relating to the years 2002-
2005.  
110. As already mentioned in previous reports, the Ex ternal Auditor would like to highlight again 
that: 
• the additional costs arising from the application of the last-income method; 
• the potential foreign exchange loss as well as; 
• the opportunity costs (e.g. loss of interest) fo r the delayed reimbursement of the US tax 
amount receivable. 
have to be carried by all Member States. 111. The External Auditor recommends that the WTO Secretariat should continue its efforts to 
improve the current situation and to investigate possibilities for cooperation with other comparable 
international organisations. 
Book Shop
 
 
112. The External Auditor was informed that obsol ete inventory amounting to CHF 322,187 had to 
be written off.  This amount was set-off by CHF 90,7 32 due to an adjustment of the inventory value 
based on the physical count of stock at the e nd of 2007.  The net amount of CHF 231,455 was booked 
against surplus. 
113. WTO Financial Rules (Rule 11.4) request an au thorization of the Deputy Director-General 
with respect to write-off of losses inter alia of as sets.  The External Auditor noted that such an 
authorization has been obtained. 
114. WTO confirmed that with this write-off in 2007 all required corrections have been performed. 
Nevertheless, the External Auditor recommends that  consideration should be given to outsource the 
book shop as the running of a book shop can not be c onsidered as a WTO core business.  This would 
be in line with previous outsourcing projects such  as security, cafeteria, cleaning as well as current 
projects e.g. the administration of US Tax claims and after-hours driver service.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 23 
 
 
  Translation Service  
 
115. The External Auditor performed a review of th e Translation Service during the course of the 
interim audit in January 2008.  No major items ha ve been identified.  A separate Management Letter 
highlighting some minor weaknesses has been issued. 
WTO Annexe (Avenue de France)  
 
116. Pursuant to the agreement between the WTO a nd the Swiss authorities an interest-free loan 
facility of CHF 5 million has been made available to the WTO.  This loan facility was considered as 
part of a loan of CHF 50 million to cover the pr e-construction/studies phase of a new building.   
117. When the decision was taken by all parties to add other elements to the project relating to 
archives and security resulting in an increase in th e amount of the loan to CHF 60 million, further 
preparatory work was required for these elements.  This preparatory work exceeded the amount of 
CHF 5 million.  It was foreseen that this add itional expenditure would be regularized as the 
administrative process for the project moves forward. 
118. However, in 2006, the process with regard to the new building was suspended.  It was noted 
that the actual cost for the pre-construction/studies phase as at 31 December 2007 was exceeding the CHF 5 million by CHF 158,951. 
119. The External Auditor was inform ed that following an exchange of letters the Swiss authorities 
declared their willingness to cover the amount exceeding the CHF 5 million. 
Liquidity Management
 
 
120. It is noted that the asset position "cash at ba nk" in WTO is comprised of WTO funds as well 
as donor owned funds dedicated to the Extra Budgeta ry Funds (EBF).  The fact that WTO and EBF 
funds are held in one bank account impacts the liqui dity management of both, WTO and EBF.  This 
can result into undesirable cross -financing between WTO and donor ow ned funds as well as a lack of 
transparency. 
121. Therefore, the External Auditor recommends th at in the scope of the IPSAS project WTO 
should ensure a clear split of WTO funds and donor owned funds. 
Leasing  
 
122. To enhance the security at WTO premises a leasing contract over five years amounting to 
CHF 1,609,000 has been concluded.  The leasing cont ract foresees that the lessor pays the invoices 
provided by WTO in context with security equipment while WTO pays a yearly instalment of CHF 330,000 over five years. 
123. The yearly instalment of CHF 330,000 has been paid since 2005 giving a total of 
CHF 990,000 at the end of 2007.  However, the Exte rnal Auditor noted that the invoices paid by the 
lessor only amounted to CHF 231,235 at the end of 2007 resulting in an amount receivable from the 
lessor of CHF 758,765 at the end of 2007.  The Exte rnal Auditor would like to highlight that this 
amount receivable is not reflected in the statements. WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 24  
 
  124. The External Auditor recommends that esp ecially until the accounts are fully IPSAS 
compliant a narrative section should be added within  the Director General's Report to list all ongoing 
lease contracts.  
Follow-up of recommendations
 
 125. A follow-up of recommendations raised during the mandate of the Austrian Court of Audit 
(Financial Periods 2002 to 2007) is contained in the Appendix. 
 
 
 
 
(signed) 
 
_________________________________________ 
Josef Moser 
President of the Austrian Court of Audit  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 25 
 
 
  OPINION OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR ON THE ACCOUNTS 
OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION FOR THE 
BIENNIUM ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 
 
126. The representatives of the Austrian Court of Aud it have examined the Financial Statements in 
document WT/BFA/W/157 relating to the financia l period 2006 including Statements 1 to 6, 
S c h e d u l e s  A ,  B ,  C ,  D ,  E ,  F ,  G ,  H ,  I  a n d  a n  Annex and the Financial Statements in document 
WT/BFA/W/168 relating to the financial period 2007,  including Statements 1 to 7 and Schedules A, 
B, C.  Furthermore, the representatives of the Aust rian Court of Audit have examined the Financial 
Statements on Extra-Budgetary Funds in documen t WT/BFA/W/158 relating to the financial period 
2006 and document WT/BFA/W/169 relating to the fina ncial period 2007 on a sample basis.  Their 
examination included a general review of the acc ounting procedures and such tests of the accounting 
records and other supporting evidence, as they consider ed necessary in the circ umstances.  As a result 
of the examination, the opinion is given that these statements were prepared in conformity with the 
accounting policies described in the Annex of the document WT/BFA/W/157 and in Statement 7 of 
document WT/BFA/W/168 and that such policies were applied on a basis consistent with that of the 
biennium 2004/2005. They present fairly the financ ial position of the World Trade Organization as at 
the end of each of the two financial periods covering the biennium 2006/2007.  The financial 
statements were prepared in accord ance with the stated accounting pr inciples.  The transactions were 
in accordance with the Financial Rules and th e Financial Regulations set out in WT/L/157, 
WT/L/156/Rev.1, WT/L/157/Rev.1 and WT/L/156/ Rev.2 including further instructions in 
WT/BFA/W/121 and with legislative authority. 
127. Without qualifying the opinion it is noted that at the end of the biennium 2006/2007 the total 
of expenses for repayments for a certain multi-year  finance leasing contract were CHF 0.7 million 
higher than the equivalent amounts invoiced for leasing items. 
 
 
 
(signed) 
 
_________________________________________ 
Josef Moser 
President of the Austrian Court of Audit 
 
   
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 26 Statement 1a  
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
WTO Secretariat  
 
Statement of Budgetary Expenditure 2007  
(in Swiss francs)  
  
Part Section Original 
Appropriations 
(WT/GC/M/106) Expenditure Balance Proposed 
Transfers Final 
Appropriations Balance 
A Sect  1 Work Years 115,893,500 109,177,265 6,716,235  (299,157) 115,594,343 6,417,078 
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 13,749,800 14,048,957 (299,157) 299,157 14,048,957 (0) 
B Sect  3 Communications 2,033,000 1,527,224 505,776  (98,463) 1,934,537 407,313 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities 3,663,000 3,761,463 (98,463) 98,463 3,761,463 (0) 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 2,320,100 2,106,489 213,611    2,320,100 213,611 
  Sect  6 Expendable 1,165,500 910,876 254,624    1,165,500 254,624 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services 7,114,200 7,113,823 377    7,114,200 377 
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads 3,559,500 3,575,655 (16,155) 16,155 3,575,655 (0) 
  Sect  9 Missions 2,799,000 2,789,952 9,048    2,799,000 9,048 
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 3,541,000 3,231,830 309,170  (247,926) 3,293,074 61,244 
  Sect 11 Various 4,160,700 4,392,471 (231,771) 231,771 4,392,471 (0) 
  Sect 12 Unforeseen 100,000 0 100,000    100,000 100,000 
D Sect 13 ITC 16,765,950 16,625,950 140,000    16,765,950 140,000 
Grand Total 176,865,250 169,261,956 7,603,294  0 176,865,250 7,603,294 
  
 
 
  (signed)  (signed)  
  _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 
  Pascal Lamy Robert Luther 
  Director-General Director 
   Administration and General Services Division  
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 27 
Statement 1b  
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
Appellate Body and its Secretariat  
 
Statement of Budgetary Expenditure 2007  
(in Swiss francs)  
 
 
Part Section Original 
Appropriations 
(WT/GC/M/106) Expenditure Balance Proposed 
Transfers Final 
Appropriations Balance 
A Sect  1 Work Years 2,799,000 2,350,717 448,283  (18,582) 2,780,418 429,701 
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 65,600 84,182 (18,582) 18,582 84,182 (0) 
B Sect  3 Communications 6,500 4,839 1,661    6,500 1,661 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities 18,000 25,932 (7,932) 7,932 25,932 0 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 39,000 12,419 26,581  (9,550) 29,450 17,031 
  Sect  6 Expendable 20,000 7,466 12,534  (12,534) 7,466 0 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services 15,000 10,356 4,644    15,000 4,644 
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads 39,000 19,655 19,345  (19,345) 19,655 0 
  Sect  9 Missions 10,000 4,448 5,552  (5,552) 4,448 (0) 
  Sect 11 Various 2,099,100 2,138,149 (39,049) 39,049 2,138,149 0 
Grand Total 5,111,200 4,658,163 453,037  0 5,111,200 453,037 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
(signed) (signed)  
  _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 
  Pascal Lamy Robert Luther 
  Director-General Director 
   Administration and General Services Division  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 28  
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
  Statement 2  
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year 2007  
(in Swiss francs)  
       
EXPENDITURE   CHF INCOME     CHF 
Expenditure:     Contributions assessed on Members   180,500,000 
WTO Secretariat 169,261,956         
Appellate Body and its Secretariat 4,658,162  173,920,118Contributions assessed on New 
Members     
      Tonga  11,720   
Miscellaneous - Loss on exchange   416,767 Viet Nam  466,976 478,696 
Excess of income over expenditure:     Miscellaneous:     
WTO Secretariat 9,489,927   Publica tions sales and royalties  539,905   
Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 453,279  9,943,207      
           
      Savings on previous year's outstanding 
obligations:     
      WTO Secretariat  514,961   
      Appellate Body and Its Secretariat  242   
             
      Rental of meeting room, office 
space and parking at Centre William Rappard to others  136,128   
      Contributions of Observers  847,410   
      Interest on current accounts  203,462   
      Various  1,059,288  3,301,396 
    184,280,092       184,280,092 
 
 
 (signed) (signed) 
  _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 
 
 Pascal Lamy Robert Luther 
 Director-General Director 
  Administration and General Services Division  
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 29WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
Statement 3  
Surplus Account for the Year 2007  
(in Swiss francs)  
       
DEBITS   CHF CREDITS   CHF 
    Balance as at 1st January 2007    6,996,223
Utilization of 2006 Surplus:           
Application against 2008 Member contributions 5,496,223  Decrease of provision for contributions in arrears   2,339,964
Replenishment of Restructuring Operating Fund 1,500,000  6,996,223       
    Excess of income over expenditure:      
       Contribution assessed on two new Members subsequent to the    
     adoption of the 2007 scale of contributions Viet Nam 
and Tonga 478,696   
Write-off publications obsolete inventory 322,187          
Adjustment for inventory publications 2007 (90,732)  231,455 2007 Estimated Miscellaneous Income (1,476,450)     
     WTO Secretariat 2,884,387     
     Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 242  1,408,179    
          
     2007 Budgetary Surplus      
     WTO Secretariat 7,603,295     
     Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 453,037  8,056,332  9,943,207
            
Accumulated surplus as at 31 December 2007  12 ,051,716        
    19,279,394       19,279,394
 
 
 
  
 (signed) (signed) 
  _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 
 
   Pascal Lamy   Robert Luther 
 Director-General   Director 
    Administration and General Services Division 
  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 30 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
Statement 4  
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for 2007 - GENERAL FUNDS   
(in Swiss francs) 
ASSETS   CHF LIABILITIES    CHF 
Cash in Hand 10,000   Accounts payable:      
Cash at Bank 47,964,314  47,974,314 Suppliers  3,247,801   
      Staff/SSA/Interns  862,968   
      Miscellaneous  217,602  4,328,371 
Receivable Contributions from Members   25,306,400 In terest earned to be distributed to Members     
      In 2006  508,375   
Receivable Contributions from Observ ers   1,134,200 I n 2007  830,377  1,338,752 
            
Receivable Cancun Ministerial Meeting in 2003  344,618 Contributions in advance by Members   2,219,245  
     5,496,223  7,715,468 
      Payments made in advance by Observers    61,749 
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable:     Reserve for 2007 ob ligations outstanding as at 31 December 2007    
WTO Secretariat 4,520,405   WTO Secretariat  2,068,378   
Appellate Body and Its Secretariat 40,600  4,561,005 Appellate Body and Its Secretariat  1,628  2,070,006 
             
Inventory - Publications   749,270 Provision for contributions in arrears    25,306,400 
             
Prepaid Expenditure   123,381 Provision for Ministerial Operating Fund    875,885 
             
      Provision for Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund  1,000,000 
             
Receivable Annex Building Fund (Statement  6)   158,951 Provision for Security  Enhancement Operating Fund  439,705 
      Restructuring Operating Fund    1,500,000 
      Appellate Body Operating Fund    961,554 
      Extra-budgetary Funds (document WT/BFA/W/169)  22,702,533 
      Accumulated Surplus as at 31 December 2007    12,051,716 
    80,352,139       80,352,139 
1) The value of the Centre William Rappard donated by the Swi ss authorities in application of the Headquarters Agreement has be en estimated at CHF 56,000,000. 
2) Furniture equipment, IT equipment and ve hicles are charged to the budget at time of purchase. The value at cost of items sti ll held at 31 Decembe r 2007 was CHF 22,786,319. 
3) Stocks of publications for sale and free distri bution and other expendable stores were also held. 
 
 (signed) (signed) 
  _____________________________________ _______________________________________ 
 Pascal Lamy  Robert Luther 
 Director-General  Director  
  Administration and Ge neral Services Division  
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 31WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
Statement 5  
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for  the Year 2007  
WORKING CAPITAL FUND  
(in Swiss francs) 
       
ASSETS   CHF LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL FUND     CHF 
Working Capital Fund held in current account   9,379,142 Principal of Fund:      
     Sums held to the credit of WTO:      
     Balance as at 1 January 2007  5,567,445   
     Interest on investments during 2007  212,407   
      Interest on current account during 2007  559  5,780,411
            
            
Receivable from Members   223,844 Advances made by Members as at 1 Janu ary 2007 3,803,157   
     Advance Viet Nam 46,853    
Receivable Withholding Tax   74,566 Advance Tonga 47,131 93,984 3,897,141
             
             
             
             
             
             
    9,677,552       9,677,552 
 
  
 
  
  (signed) (signed) 
  _____________________________________ _______________________________________ 
 Pascal Lamy    Robert Luther 
 Director-General    Director 
    Administration and General Services Division  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 32 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
 
Statement 6  
Statement of WTO Annex Building Fund - Phase I for the Year 2007  
(in Swiss francs) 
       
DEBITS   CHF CREDITS     CHF 
Funds held in current account   9,182 Loan payable to FIPOI    5,000,000
             
Receivable Withholding Tax   5 A ccumulated interest    3,290
           
Preliminary Study and Building Plan Costs   5,153,054  Due to WTO General Fund    158,951
             
     
             
             
         
             
             
             
             
             
    5,162,241       5,162,241 
 
 
 
 
 
  (signed) (signed) 
  _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 
 
 Pascal Lamy  Robert Luther  Director-General Director 
  Administration and General Services Division 
  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 33 
 
 
  Statement 7  
 
Statement of Significant Accounting Policies 
 
128. Following decisions by the World Trade Organization, the accounts of WTO were maintained 
in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the WTO, as adopted by the General 
Council (WT/GC/M/8 and WT/GC/M/82, respectively). 
129. The accounts are maintained on a fund basis.  A General Fund and a Working Capital Fund, 
supplemented when appropriate by Trust Funds , have been established in accordance with 
Chapters V, VI and VII of the Fi nancial Regulations of the WTO. 
130. The financial period consists of one calendar year. 
131. The accounts are maintained and contributions are assessed in Swiss francs.  Assets or 
liabilities in other currencies are converted to Swi ss francs at the official United Nations rate of 
exchange at the date of the transaction. 
132. Gains or losses on exchange are added to or deducted from miscellaneous income. 
133. Income, including contributions assessed on WTO Members, and expenditure are accounted 
for on an accrual basis. 
134. Any achieved surplus for the financial year is at  the disposal of the Members of World Trade 
Organization. 
135. Provisions are made for the entire amount of contributions receivable from Members of 
World Trade Organization and for losses and returns in  respect of publications sales.  A reserve is 
maintained for all outstanding obligations at the end of the financial year. 
136. Fixed assets purchased during the financial year are charged to the budget at the time of 
purchase.  The value at cost of items still held in  inventory (excluding the bookshop inventory) is 
recorded in a note on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. 
 
 
     (signed)  (signed)  _______________________________  __________________________________ 
  Pascal Lamy Robert Luther 
  Director-General Director    Administration and General Services Division 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 34  
 
  SCHEDULE A 
2007 Early Payment Encouragement Scheme  
Interest to be distributed to Members in 2009  
 
Member Interest 
Albania 235 
Angola 1,110 
Antigua and Barbuda 212 
Armenia 187 
Australia 11,940 
Austria 18,039 
Barbados 144 
Belgium 30,022 
Belize 141 
Benin 89 
Bolivia 10 
Botswana 291 
Brazil 9,012 
Brunei Darussalam 467 
Bulgaria 1,582 
Cambodia, Kingdom of 287 
Cameroon 152 
Canada  48,760 
Chile 2,640 
China, People's Republic of 12,443 
Columbia 1,747 
Costa Rica 1 
Croatia 1,731 
Cuba 579 
Cyprus 840 
Czech Republic 7,374 
Denmark 3,328 
Dominican Republic 790 
Ecuador 1,159 
Egypt 471 
El Salvador 148 
Estonia 1,059 
Fiji Islands 198 
Finland 8,499 
Former Yugoslav Repu blic of Macedonia 21 
France 3,111 
Georgia 196 
Germany 106,585 
Ghana 52  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 35 
 
 
  Member Interest 
Greece 4,777 
Guatemala 771 
Guyana 81 
Haiti 39 
Honduras 53 
Hong Kong, China 42,265 
Hungary 6,196 
Iceland 589 
India 3,389 
Indonesia 7,866 
Ireland 18,047 
Israel 5,464 
Italy 49,181 
Japan 58,954 
Jordan 565 
Kenya 430 
Korea, Republic of 19,364 
Kuwait 724 
Kyrgyz Republic 131 
Latvia 734 
Lesotho 5 
Liechtenstein 337 
Lithuania 959 
Luxembourg 4,967 
Macao, China 930 
Madagascar 76 
Malaysia 16,103 
Maldives 129 
Malta 509 
Mauritius 406 
Mexico 17,737 
Moldova 185 
Mongolia  211 
Morocco 2,207 
Mozambique 207 
Myanmar, Union of 4 
Nepal, Kingdom of 164 
Netherlands, Kingdom of 33,322 
New Zealand  3,338 
Nigeria 1 
Norway 10,252 
Oman 930 
Pakistan 1,754 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 36  
 
  Member Interest 
Panama 332 
Papua New Guinea 325 
Philippines 1,871 
Poland 10,869 
Portugal 1,212 
Romania 83 
Rwanda 67 
Saint Kitts and Nevis 182 
Saint Lucia 145 
Saint Vincent and Grenadines 88 
Saudi Arabia 9,444 
Singapore 29,493 
Slovak Republic 2,563 
Slovenia 2,169 
Solomon Islands 212 
South Africa 5,131 
Spain 27,491 
Sri Lanka 218 
Switzerland 18,529 
Suriname 162 
Swaziland 234 
Sweden  17,690 
Chinese Taipei 434 
Tanzania 26 
Thailand 13,841 
Trinidad and Tobago 398 
Tunisia 1,226 
Turkey 6,555 
United Arab Emirates 6,506 
United Kingdom 69,255 
United States 7,370 
Uruguay 32 
Venezuela 4,024 
Viet Nam 1,984 
Zambia 212 
Grand Total 830,378 
 
  
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 37SCHEDULE B/TABLEAU B/CUADRO B 
 
          ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 2007  
 STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007/ ETAT DES ARRIERES DE CONTRIBUTI ONS MESURES ADMINISTRATIVES CURR ENT YEAR SITUATION  
 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2007/ ESTADO DE CONTRIBUCIONES PENDIENTES AL 31 DE  DICIEMBRE DE 2007 MEDICAS ADMIN ISTRATIVAS SITUATION DE L'ANN EE COURANTE  
          (see/voir/véase p. 6) SITUACIÓN DEL AÑO EN CURSO  
  Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CATEGORY/CATEGORIE Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CHF 
  1969- 1989-       IV Assessment Interest Payments Outstanding Advance 
  1988  2002  2 003  2004  2 005  2006  2 007  TOTAL I II III INACTIVE/ Contribut ion Intérêts Paiements Arriérés Avance 
 Members / Membres / Miembros   INACTIVA Contribución Intereses Pagos Pendiente Adelantado 
 Albania/Alba nie/Albania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  34,295 (41) (34,254) 0  
 Angola  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  182,305 (213) (182,092) 0  
 Antigua and Barbuda/Antigua-et-Barbuda/ 
Antigua y Barbuda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (1) (27,074) 0 41,967  
 Argentina/Argentine/Argentina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  608,285 0 (608,285) 0 45  
 Armenia/Arménie/Armenia  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (24) (27,051) 0 6  
 Australia/Australie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,019,795 (4,026) (2,015,769) 0 4,026  
 Austria/Autriche 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,530,610 (4,967) (2,525,643) 0 - 
 Bahrain/Bahreïn 0 0 0 0 0 0 142,436 142,436  142,595 (159) 0 142,436 - 
 Bangladesh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  187,720 (124) (187,596) 0 - 
 Barbados/Barbade 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  30,685 (44) (30,641) 0 - 
 Belgium/Belgique/Bélgica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4,757,980 (3,927) (4,754,053) 0 - 
 Belize/Belice 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (35) (27,040) 0 - 
 Benin/Bénin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 0 (27,075) 0 2,999  
 Bolivia/Bolivie 0 0 0 0 0 0 39,947 39,947  41,515 0 (1,568) 39,947 - 
 Botswana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  57,760 (90) (57,670) 0 90  
 Brazil/Brésil/Brasil 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,573,960 (1,798) (1,572,162) 0 568,375  
 Brunei Darussalam/Brunéi Darussalam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  74,005 0 (74,005) 0 - 
 Bulgaria/Bulgarie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  216,600 (342) (216,258) 0 - 
 Burkina Faso 0 0 0 0 4,672 26,038 27,029 57,739  1 27,075 (46) 0 27,029 - 
 Burundi 641,028 374,409 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 1,140,831  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Cambodia,Kingdom/Cambodge,Royaume du/ 
Camboya,Reino  0 0 0 0 36 36  63,175 0 (63,139) 36 - 
 Cameroon/Cameroun/Camerún 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  52,345 0 (52,345) 0 21,821  
 Canada/Canadá 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  6,638,790 (14,021) (6,624,769) 0 - 
 Central African Republic/Rép ublique centrafricaine/ 
República Centroafricana 542,793 374,409 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 1,042,596  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Chad/Tchad 813,684 347,217 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 1,286,295   1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Chile/Chili 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  534,280 (275) (534,005) 0 - 
 China, People's Republic of/Chine, République  
populaire de/ China, República Popular de  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  8,528,625 0 (8,528,625) 0 - 
 Colombia/Colombie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  346,560 (123) (346,437) 0 133,927  
 Congo 504,227 322,874 35,374 38,534 41,850 39,951 37,905 1,020,715   1 37,905 0 0 37,905 - 
 Costa Rica 0 0 0 0 0 0 161,332 161,332  166,060 (81) (4,647) 161,332 - 
 Côte d'Ivoire 0 110,163 96,894 101,153 103,788 104,220 108,300 624,518   1 108,300 0 0 108,300 - 
 Croatia/Croatie/Croacia  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  281,580 (429) (281,151) 0 - 
 Cuba 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  102,885 (185) (102,700) 0 - 
 Cyprus/Chypre/Chipre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  122,740 (218) (122,522) 0 - 
 Czech Republic/République tchèque/República Checa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,104,660 (1,759) (1,102,901) 0 - 
 Democratic Republic of the Congo/République  
démocratique du Congo/República Democrática del  
Congo 496,277 466,051 24,608 30,506 25,110 26,055 27,075 1,095,682  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 -  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 38           ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 2007  
 STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007/ ETAT DES ARRIERES DE CONTRIBUTI ONS MESURES ADMINISTRATIVES CURR ENT YEAR SITUATION  
 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2007/ ESTADO DE CONTRIBUCIONES PENDIENTES AL 31 DE  DICIEMBRE DE 2007 MEDICAS ADMIN ISTRATIVAS SITUATION DE L'ANN EE COURANTE  
          (see/voir/véase p. 6) SITUACIÓN DEL AÑO EN CURSO  
  Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CATEGORY/CATEGORIE Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CHF 
  1969- 1989-       IV Assessment Interest Payments Outstanding Advance 
  1988  2002  2 003  2004  2 005  2006  2 007  TOTAL I II III INACTIVE/ Contribut ion Intérêts Paiements Arriérés Avance 
 Members / Membres / Miembros   INACTIVA Contribución Intereses Pagos Pendiente Adelantado 
 Denmark/Danemark/Dinamarca 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,759,875 (3,484) (1,756,391) 0 - 
 Djibouti 0 258,330 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 383,724  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Dominica/Dominique 0 21,237 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 146,631  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Dominican Republic/Républ ique dominicaine/ 
República Dominicana 596,035 0 0 0 0 0 7,867 603,902  196,745 0 (188,878) 7,867 - 
 Ecuador/Equateur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  148,010 (168) (147,842) 0 36,419  
 Egypt/Egypte/Egipto 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  433,200 (279) (432,921) 0 - 
 El Salvador 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  106,495 (154) (106,341) 0 538  
 Estonia/Estonie/Estonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  135,375 (254) (135,121) 0 - 
 European Communities/Com munautés européennes/ 
Comunidades Europeas  (a) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 - 
 Fiji/Fidji 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (46) (27,029) 0 - 
 Finland/Finlande/Finlandia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,095,635 (2,328) (1,093,307) 0 - 
 Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia/Ex- 
République Yougoslave de  Macédoine/Ex República 
Yugoslava De   Macedonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  43,320 0 (43,320) 0 41,685  
 France/Francia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  8,943,775 (15,063) (8,928,712) 0 - 
 Gabon/Gabón 0 48,039 52,292 56,196 56,916 52,110 50,540 316,093  1 50,540 0 0 50,540 - 
 Gambia/Gambie 590,173 280,474 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 996,041  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Georgia/Georgie  0 0 0 0 0 273 273  28,880 0 (28,607) 273 - 
 Germany/Allemagne/Alemania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  15,871,365 (31,229) (15,840,136) 0 - 
 Ghana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  70,395 (41) (70,354) 0 - 
 Greece/Grèce/Grecia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  871,815 (1,281) (870,534) 0 - 
 Grenada/Grenade/Granada 0 0 0 0 0 26,039 27,074 53,113 1 27,075 (1) 0 27,074 - 
 Guatemala 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  115,520 (228) (115,292) 0 - 
 Guinea/Guinée 0 258,330 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 383,724  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Guinea-Bissau/Guinée-Bissau 0 258,330 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 383,724  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Guyana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (9) (27,066) 0 11,193  
 Haiti/Haïti/Haití 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (9) (27,066) 0 - 
 Honduras 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,361 32,361  66,785 (114) (34,310) 32,361 - 
 Hong Kong, China/Hong Kong, Chine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5,463,735 (11,818) (5,451,917) 0 - 
 Hungary/Hongrie/Hungría 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,021,630 (1,813) (1,019,817) 0 1,100,000  
 Iceland/Islande/Islandia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  77,615 (158) (77,457) 0 - 
 India/Inde 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,498,150 (1,611) (1,496,539) 0 - 
 Indonesia/Indonésie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,395,265 (577) (1,394,688) 0 - 
 Ireland/Irlande/Irlanda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,306,790 (4,717) (2,302,073) 0 - 
 Israel/Israël 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  956,650 (1,332) (955,318) 0 - 
 Italy/Italie/Italia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  7,201,950 (9,249) (7,192,701) 0 - 
 Jamaica/Jamaïque 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  88,445 (24) (88,421) 0 - 
 Japan/Japon/Japón 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  10,429,290 (16,562) (10,412,728) 0 - 
 Jordan/Jordanie/Jordania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  119,130 (170) (118,960) 0 - 
 Kenya 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 54  75,810 (90) (75,666) 54 - 
 Korea, Republic of/Corée, République de/ 
Corea, República de  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4,566,650 (6,502) (4,560,148) 0 - 
 Kuwait/Koweït 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  382,660 (252) (382,408) 0 - 
 Kyrgyz Republic/Ré publique kirghize/ 
República Kirguisa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (36) (27,039) 0 1,575   
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 39          ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 2007  
 STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007/ ETAT DES ARRIERES DE CONTRIBUTI ONS MESURES ADMINISTRATIVES CURR ENT YEAR SITUATION  
 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2007/ ESTADO DE CONTRIBUCIONES PENDIENTES AL 31 DE  DICIEMBRE DE 2007 MEDICAS ADMIN ISTRATIVAS SITUATION DE L'ANN EE COURANTE  
          (see/voir/véase p. 6) SITUACIÓN DEL AÑO EN CURSO  
  Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CATEGORY/CATEGORIE Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CHF 
  1969- 1989-       IV Assessment Interest Payments Outstanding Advance 
  1988  2002  2 003  2004  2 005  2006  2 007  TOTAL I II III INACTIVE/ Contribut ion Intérêts Paiements Arriérés Avance 
 Members / Membres / Miembros   INACTIVA Contribución Intereses Pagos Pendiente Adelantado 
 Latvia/Lettonie/Letonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  102,885 (190) (102,695) 0 - 
 Lesotho 0 0 0 0 0 0 24,988 24,988  27,075 (50) (2,037) 24,988 - 
 Liechtenstein 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  43,320 (87) (43,233) 0 - 
 Lithuania/Lituania  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  180,500 (43) (180,457) 0 - 
 Luxembourg/Luxemburgo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  664,240 (1,127) (663,113) 0 - 
 Macao, China/Macao, Chine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  129,960 (124) (129,836) 0 - 
 Madagascar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (20) (27,055) 0 3,312  
 Malawi 2,755 162,390 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 290,539  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Malaysia/Malaisie/Malasia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,279,715 (4,311) (2,275,404) 0 - 
 Maldives/Maldivas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (44) (27,031) 0 - 
 Mali/Malí 0 0 0 0 0 24,287 27,073 51,360  27,075 (2) 0 27,073 - 
 Malta/Malte 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  79,420 (172) (79,248) 0 172  
 Mauritania/Mauritanie 683,999 374,409 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,001 27,075 1,183,748   1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Mauritius/Maurice/Mauricio 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  63,175 (125) (63,050) 0 - 
 Mexico/Mexique/México 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3,999,880 (7,120) (3,992,760) 0 - 
 Moldova/Moldova  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (45) (27,030) 0  
 Mongolia/Mongolie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (57) (27,018) 0 - 
 Morocco/Maroc/Marruecos 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  288,800 (346) (288,454) 0 - 
 Mozambique 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  32,490 (46) (32,444) 0 46  
 Myanmar, Union of/Myanmar, Union du/ 
Myanmar, Unión de 0 0 0 0 0 0 910 910  55,955 (49) (54,996) 910 - 
 Namibia/Namibie 0 0 0 0 0 0 37,865 37,865  37,905 (40) 0 37,865 - 
 Nepal, Kingdom of /Nép al, Royaume du /Nepal,  
Reino de   0 0 0 0 0 0  30,685 (41) (30,644) 0  
 Netherlands, Kingdom of/Pays-Bas, Royaume des/ 
Países Bajos, Reino de los 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  6,059,385 (11,117) (6,048,268) 0 - 
 New Zealand/Nouvelle-Zélande/Nueva Zelandia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  453,055 (875) (452,180) 0 - 
 Nicaragua 0 0 0 0 0 396 37,833 38,229  37,905 (72) 0 37,833 - 
 Niger/Níger 342,864 342,095 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 810,353  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Nigeria/Nigéria 0 0 0 0 0 0 399,054 399,054  400,710 (43) (1,613) 399,054 - 
 Norway/Norvège/Noruega 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,521,615 (2,920) (1,518,695) 0 - 
 Oman/Oman/Omán  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  216,600 (192) (216,408) 0 - 
 Pakistan/Pakistán 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  285,190 (518) (284,672) 0 - 
 Panama/Panamá 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  169,670 (159) (169,511) 0 82,891  
 Papua New Guinea/Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée/ 
Papua Nueva Guinea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  41,515 (63) (41,452) 0 2,147  
 Paraguay 0 0 25,608 81,886 73,656 62,532 61,370 305,052  1 61,370 0 0 61,370 - 
 Peru/Pérou/Perú 0 0 0 0 0 63,767 220,210 283,977  220,210 0 0 220,210 - 
 Philippines/Filipinas 0 0 0 0 0 0 216,548 216,548  866,400 0 (649,852) 216,548 - 
 Poland/Pologne/Polonia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,449,415 (2,699) (1,446,716) 0 - 
 Portugal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  976,505 (311) (976,194) 0 - 
 Qatar 0 0 0 0 0 0 214,629 214,629  214,795 (166) 0 214,629 - 
 Romania/Roumanie/Rumania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  422,370 (140) (422,230) 0 - 
 Rwanda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 0 (27,075) 0 -  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 40           ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 2007  
 STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007/ ETAT DES ARRIERES DE CONTRIBUTI ONS MESURES ADMINISTRATIVES CURR ENT YEAR SITUATION  
 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2007/ ESTADO DE CONTRIBUCIONES PENDIENTES AL 31 DE  DICIEMBRE DE 2007 MEDICAS ADMIN ISTRATIVAS SITUATION DE L'ANN EE COURANTE  
          (see/voir/véase p. 6) SITUACIÓN DEL AÑO EN CURSO  
  Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CATEGORY/CATEGORIE Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CHF 
  1969- 1989-       IV Assessment Interest Payments Outstanding Advance 
  1988  2002  2 003  2004  2 005  2006  2 007  TOTAL I II III INACTIVE/ Contribut ion Intérêts Paiements Arriérés Avance 
 Members / Membres / Miembros   INACTIVA Contribución Intereses Pagos Pendiente Adelantado 
 Saint Kitts and Nevis/Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis/ 
Saint Kitts y Nevis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (54) (27,021) 0 - 
 Saint Lucia/Sainte-Lucie/Santa Lucía 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (27) (27,048) 0 - 
 St. Vincent and the Grenadines/Saint-Vincent-et-les 
Grenadines/San Vicente y las Granadinas   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (38) (27,037) 0 - 
 Saudi Arabia/Arabie Sao udite/ Arabia Saudita  0 0 0 0 0  1,431,365 0 (1,431,365) 0 - 
 Senegal/Sénégal 0 0 0 0 260 36,444 36,031 72,735  1 36,100 (69) 0 36,031 - 
 Sierra Leone/Sierra Leona 705,983 374,409 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 1,205,786  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Singapore/Singapour/Singapur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3,790,500 (7,345) (3,783,155) 0 - 
 Slovak Republic/République slovaque/ 
República Eslovaca 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  362,805 (625) (362,180) 0 - 
 Slovenia/Slovénie/Eslovenia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  301,435 (549) (300,886) 0 - 
 Solomon Islands/Iles Salomon/Islas Salomón 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (1) (27,074) 0 12,592  
 South Africa/Afrique du Sud/Sudáfrica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  877,230 (1,332) (875,898) 0 - 
 Spain/Espagne/España 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4,629,825 (5,409) (4,624,416) 0 - 
 Sri Lanka 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  151,620 (113) (151,507) 0 - 
 Suriname 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 0 (27,075) 0 - 
 Swaziland/Swazilandia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  34,295 (54) (34,241) 0 - 
 Sweden/Suède/Suecia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,413,285 (2,767) (2,410,518) 0 - 
 Switzerland/Suisse/Suiza 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2,537,830 (5,359) (2,532,471) 0  
 Chinese Taipei/Taipei Chinois/Taipei Chino  0 0 0 0 0 631,954 631,954  3,489,065 (7,111) (2,850,000) 631,954  
 Tanzania/Tanzanie/Tanzanía 0 0 0 0 0 0 29,785 29,785  43,320 (44) (13,491) 29,785 - 
 Thailand/Thaïlande/Tailandia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,824,855 (3,680) (1,821,175) 0 - 
 Togo 111,427 302,299 23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 539,120  1 27,075 0 0 27,075 - 
 Tonga 2)  11,720 11,720  11,720 0 0 11,720  
 Trinidad and Tobago/Trinité-et-Tobago/ 
Trinidad y Tabago 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  90,250 (149) (90,101) 0 - 
 Tunisia/Tunisie/Túnez 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  229,235 (372) (228,863) 0 - 
 Turkey/Turquie/Turquía 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,369,995 (1,805) (1,368,190) 0 - 
 Uganda/Ouganda 0 0 0 0 0 0 27,047 27,047  27,075 (28) 0 27,047 - 
 United Arab Emirates/Emirats arabes unis/ 
Emiratos Árabes Unidos 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1,037,875 (520) (1,037,355) 0 - 
 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern 
Ireland/Royaume-Uni de Gra nde-Bretagne et d'Irlande 
du Nord/Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  9,896,815 (20,034) (9,876,781) 0 - 
 United States of America/Etats-Unis d'Amérique/ 
Estados Unidos de América 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,141,865 8,141,865  26,807,860 (4,978) (18,661,017) 8,141,865  
 Uruguay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  70,395 (153) (70,242) 0 - 
 Venezuela 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  545,110 (66) (545,044) 0 145,448   
   WT/BFA/W/168
 Page 41          ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES 2007  
 STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007/ ETAT DES ARRIERES DE CONTRIBUTI ONS MESURES ADMINISTRATIVES CURR ENT YEAR SITUATION  
 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2007/ ESTADO DE CONTRIBUCIONES PENDIENTES AL 31 DE  DICIEMBRE DE 2007 MEDICAS ADMIN ISTRATIVAS SITUATION DE L'ANN EE COURANTE  
          (see/voir/véase p. 6) SITUACIÓN DEL AÑO EN CURSO  
  Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CATEGORY/CATEGORIE Swiss Francs/Francs suisses/Francos suizos CHF 
  1969- 1989-       IV Assessment Interest Payments Outstanding Advance 
  1988  2002  2 003  2004  2 005  2006  2 007  TOTAL I II III INACTIVE/ Contribut ion Intérêts Paiements Arriérés Avance 
 Members / Membres / Miembros   INACTIVA Contribución Intereses Pagos Pendiente Adelantado 
 Viet Nam/Viet Nam /Viet Nam 1)  0 0 0  466,976 0 (466,976) 0  
 Zambia/Zambie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  27,075 (23) (27,052) 0 7,972  
 Zimbabwe 0 0 0 0 0 0 46,930 46,930  46,930 0 0 46,930 - 
 Sub-Total/Total partiel/Total parcial 6,031,245 4,675,465 534,686 621,367 632,682 800,500 11,180,016 24,475,961 1 2 0 18 180,978,696 (238,546) (169,560,134) 11,180,016 2,219,246  
Former Contracting Parties to GATT 1947 which are not WTO Members/ Anciennes parties contractantes au GATT de 1947 qui ne sont p as Membres de l'OMC/Antiguas Partes Contratantes del GATT de 1947 que no son Miembros de la OMC  
  Yugoslavia/Yougoslavie 0  830,439           830,439                 - 
  Sub-Total/Total partiel/Total parcial 0  830,439           830,439 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0  
                    
  GRAND TOTAL / TOTAL GENERAL 6,031,245  5,505,904 534,686 621,367 632,682 800,500 11,180,016 25,306,400 1  2 0 18 180,978,696 (238,546) (169,560,134) 11,180,016 2,219,246  
                 
 Surplus 2006                 5,496,223 
                 
  GRAND TOTAL / TOTAL GENERAL after Surplus 
2006 6,031,245 5,505,904 534,686 621,367 632,682 800,500 11,180,016 25,306,400 1  2 0 18 180,978,696 (238,546) (169,560,134) 11,180,016 7,715,469  
 1) Viet Nam became a Member on 11 January 2007                
 2) Tonga became a Member on  27 July 2007                
2007: Summary /Résumé /Resumen       
       CHF % 
Contributions assessed on Members            
Contributions mises à la charge des Membres      180,500,000     
Contribuciones señaladas a los Miembros                
(1) New Members                 
(1) Nouveaux Membres       478,696      
(1) Nuevos Miembros             180,978,696   
Less interest returned          
Moins intérêts ristournés    (238,546)     
Menos intereses devengados                
Less payments for 2007                 
Moins paiements pour l'année 2007           (169,560,134)      
Menos montos pagados para 2007             (169,798,680)  93.82%  
2007 Contributions outstanding         
Arriérés pour 2007          
Contribuciones pendientes para 2007     11,180,016 6.18%  
           100.00%  
                 
1) Viet Nam 
2) Tonga 
       466,976 
11,720   
478,696 
 
  
  WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 42 SCHEDULE C 
Observers Statement of Outstanding Contributions  
as at 31 December 2007  – (in Swiss Francs) 
 
  Advance/ 
Avances/ OBSERVER  GOVERNMENTS / 
GOUVERNEMENTS OBSERVATEURS / 
GOBIERNOS OBSERVADORES 1995 
1996 
   1997 
   2000 
   2001 
   2002  
   2003  
   2004  
   2005  
  Total 
   Anticipos 
para 
      1998 1999 
  
              2006  
  
  2007  
   
     
Afghanistan                 1,254 25,110 26,055 27,075 79,494   
Algeria /Algérie /Argelia 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Andorra /Andorre /Andorra 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Azerbaijan /Azerbaïdjan /Azerbaiyán 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 27,075 27,075   
Bahamas / Bahamas / Bahamas 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 58,869  
Belarus /Bélarus / Belarús 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Bhutan /Bhoutan /Bhután 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Bosnia and Herzegovina /Bosnie-Herzégovine 
/Bosnia y Herzegovina       0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Cap Verde /Cap-Vert /Cabo Verde 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 164  
Comoros*                     0 6,231 6,231   
Equatorial Guinea 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 27,075 27,075   
Ethiopia /Éthiopie /Etiopía 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Holy See /Saint-Siège /Santa Sede  0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Iran/Iran/Iran                   0 0 0 0   
Iraq/Iraq/Iraq 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 4,610 27,075 31,685   
Kazakhstan /Kazakhstan /Kazajstán 0  0 0 0 0   0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Lao People's Democratic Republic 
/République démocratique populaire lao /       0 0                   
República Democrática Popular Lao 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Lebanon /Liban /Líbano 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 26,055 27,075 53,130   
Liberia/Libéria/Liberia            1,038 1,038  
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya/Jamahiriya Arabe 
Libyenne/Jamahiriya Arabe Libia 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 27,075 27,075   
Montenegro (Republic of)/Montenegro 
(République de)                 0 0 0 0 0   
Russian Federation /Fédération de Russie 
/Federación de Rusia 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Samoa /Samoa /Samoa 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Sao Tome And Principe /Sao Tomé-et-
Principe /Santo Tomé y Príncipe 0  0 0 0 0 17,860 21,315  23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 164,569   
Serbia (Republic of) /Serbia (République de )           0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Seychelles /Seychelles /Seychelles     17,160 18, 165 18,990 19,935 21,315  23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 220,959   
Sudan /Soudan /Sudán 0  4,152 17,160 18,165 18,990 19,935 21,315  23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 225,111   
Tajikistan /Tadjikistan /Tayikistán 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 2,715  
Tonga /Tonga /Tonga 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Ukraine /Ukraine /Ucrania 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Uzbekistan /Ouzbékistan /Uzbekistá n 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 1  
Vanuatu /Vanuatu /Vanuatu 32, 655  17,130 17,160 18,165 18,990 19,935 21,315  23,070 24,084 25,110 26,055 27,075 270,744   
Viet Nam /Viet Nam /Viet Nam           0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0   
Yemen /Yémen /Yemen 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 14 14   
TOTAL  32,655  21,282 51,480 54,495 56,970 77,665 85,260  92,280 97,590 125,550 160,940 278,033 1,134,200 61,749  
*Comoros has become an Observer as at  9 October 2007              WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 43 
 
 
  APPENDIX 
 
FOLLOW-UP OF RECOMMENDATIONS RAISED DURING THE MANDATE OF THE 
AUSTRIAN COURT OF AUDIT (FIN ANCIAL PERIODS 2002 TO 2007) 
 
A. TRAINING PROGRAMMES  
Audit Comments  
 1. The information received from the Logistics Un it revealed that for 2006 the prepaid amount 
of flight tickets, which have not been used, am ounted to CHF 537,709.50.  However, in 2006 one 
third of the purchase value of the unused  flight tickets was not recoverable.  
2. In addition the External Auditor noted that neither the receivable nor the irrecoverable 
amounts relating to unused air tickets are disclosed in the current accounting system.  
3. The External Auditor recommends: 
• to recognize flight tickets of no-show particip ants as receivable against the travel agency 
which originally provided the tickets; 
• to disclose the difference between the amounts paid for the ticket and the amounts 
reimbursed as irrecoverable receivables that should be written off. 
Status
 
 
4. The Secretariat is in the process of establishing a procedure to disclose the cost of un-used air 
tickets.  A draft proposal was shared with the auditors  at the time of their January 2008 visit.  A final 
decision on what specific procedures to adopt is pending a final review. 
5. At the time of finalization of this report, add itional reimbursements have been received.  The 
difference between expenditure and reimbursements for 2006 has been reduced from CHF 237,539.95 
to CHF 187,512.35, representing 3.0 per cent of  overall airfare costs under the 2006 DDA Global 
Trust Fund.  
B. PROCUREMENT  
Audit comments  
 6. The External Auditor recommended in a previ ous report that actions should be taken to 
comply with the requirements mentioned in WTO Financial Regulation 45 in Chapter X 'Internal 
Control'
1 including the establishment of a "Procurement and Supplier Selection Policy" as well as 
signature authorities (value related) for external co mmitments taking into consideration the value of 
the total commitment and the life-span of the acquisition.  
7. The External Auditor noted that progress was achieved in administering the procurement 
process.  However, the establishment of a sound  "Procurement and Supplier Selection Policy" 
addressing the above raised issues has not yet been tackled. 
                                                      
1 "The Director-General shall establish rules for the procurement of equipment, supplies and other 
requirements, including rules governing the invitation of tenders." WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 44  
 
  Status
 
 8. On the basis of a vacancy announcement open to in ternal and external candidates, a new Head 
of the Procurement Unit has been chosen and will ta ke up her duties shortly.  As a specialist in the 
field of procurement, one of her immediate tasks will indeed be to put the service on a more 
professional basis, which clearly will include the more formal recording of existing policies and 
completing them when necessary. 
C. O
VERTIME  
Audit comments  
9. The review of the External Auditor revealed that: 
• No conditions regarding the compensation of  overtime have been formally established 
by the Director General as stipulated in the WTO Staff Rules (Rule 106.6a); 
• WTO does not have an electronic time recording system which would permit the 
monitoring of working hours done by staff members; 
• the prior request by the supervisor to the st aff member to perform overtime is not always 
complied with. 
10. The External Auditor recommends that the WTO: 
• Comply with the provision in the WTO St aff Rules and establish conditions for the 
compensation of overtime; 
• consider implementing rules that overtime should be compensated by time off and only 
on an exceptional basis through payments; 
• consider the implementation of an electronic time recording system; 
• establish a standard claim template for the recording of overtime (if possible IT 
supported). 
11. In addition, the External Auditor recommends th at, in those areas where overtime is done on a 
regular basis: 
• The pattern of the overtime worked should be monitored and a shift-work principle 
implemented where appropriate. 
12. Additional staff should be hired or the possibilit y of outsourcing to third parties considered 
where appropriate. 
Status  
13. In terms of procedure, all requests for overtime must be approved by the director before the 
overtime is worked. This procedure has been reinforced in instructions to directors. 
14. The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) was asked to consider a proposal with regard to 
changing the rules on overtime.  The proposal was prompted by concern in the CBFA over the costs 
associated with overtime.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 45 
 
 
  15. The JAC noted that 85 per cent of total over time costs in 2004-2006 was generated by only 
two divisions:  Administration (AGSD) and Language Services (LSDD).  It was felt that overtime in Language Services was the result of a level of services demanded by Members, and, as such, the 
control of the Secretariat was very limited. 
16. Where improvements can effectively be made is in the area of overtime for drivers, which 
accounted for almost 20 per cent of total costs in 2006.  The JAC recommended that drivers should be 
asked to work overtime only in truly exceptional circumstances
 and that staff and management needs 
for transportation services outside normal working hour s, with the exception of the Director-General 
essentially for security reasons, should be met by reimbursing taxi fares on demand.  This 
recommendation was approved by the Director-Gener al at end February 2008.  There is now a 
standard template for the recording of overtime, and consideration will be given to an electronic 
system for recording overtime. 
D. IPSAS 
Audit Comments  
17. The External Auditor recommends that an implementation plan for IPSAS should be 
established tackling inter alia  the following items: 
• Project team and resource requirements. 
• Time frame for implementation. 
• Analysis of impacted divisions. 
• Impact and requirements on IT-system. 
• External consultancy and traini ng of relevant staff members. 
 18. The External Auditor recommends that the i ssue of implementation of IPSAS should be 
addressed to the General Council as well as to the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration. 
Status
 
19. Draft terms of reference for the IPSAS proj ect team have been submitted to Senior 
Management. 
E. US TAX 
Audit Comments  
20. The External Auditor reiterates the reco mmendations that the WTO Secretariat: 
• May verify the reason for the increase of receivables relating to US tax as well as their 
recoverability; 
 
• review the administrative process of handling the US tax claims, taking also into 
consideration the training of a back-up person as well as the possibility of outsourcing this process to a third party;  and 
 
• continue its efforts to renegotiate the Ta x Reimbursement Agreement with a view to 
obtaining reimbursement of taxes calculated acco rding to the last income method in line 
with the ILOAT decision. 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 46  
 
  Status
 
21. See Annex 1 - Letter to US Ambassador:  21 August 2007 
• The reason for the increase in receivables over the past years has two principal reasons:  
(i) the number of cases and (ii) the total salaries of the individuals concerned.  The number of individuals concerned grew from 21 in 2004 to 23 in 2006.  The total salaries 
of the individuals concerned grew from USD 3.4 million in 2004 to USD 4.1 million in 
2006.  Higher total salaries results in higher taxes which fall under the Tax Reimbursement Agreement. 
 
• The Secretariat has also contracted with a fi duciary to provide back-up assistance in the 
processing of tax claims. 
 
F. C
ANCUN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE  
Audit comments  
22. The External Auditor recommended to continue the efforts to receive reimbursement of the 
outstanding amount of CHF 344,618. 
Status  
• Letter to Mexican Ambassador 5 February 2007. 
• Interim response 6 March 2007. 
• Letter with explanatory message sent to Mexican Ambassador 4 April 2007. 
• Letter to Mexican Mission January 2008. 
• Mexico has the intention of liquidating the Cancun-Ministerial arrears in 2008. 
 G. WTO
 PENSION PLAN 
Audit comments  
23. The External Auditor would like to suggest to take into consideration a segregation of duty 
between the functions of Director of Administra tion and General Services Division and the Secretary 
of the WTOPP to avoid a potential conflict of interest. 
Status  
24. The WTOPP Management Board has given due c onsideration to this suggestion and will 
continue to do so in the context of its review of the funding position of the Plan which is being carried 
out in 2008. 
H. WTO  PUBLICATIONS UNIT 
Audit Comments  
25. The External Auditor appreciated the initiatives taken and acknowledged that certain progress 
was achieved.  However, there is still room for im provement with respect to the inventory process. 
Status  
26. No specific action is required.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 47 
 
 
  27. The Finance Department has made several reco mmendations to further improve the inventory 
process following the 2007 inventory experience. 
I. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM FORMER YUGOSLAVIA  
Audit comments  
28. The External Auditor noted that no further pr ogress regarding this issue was achieved.  
Although the External Auditor is aware of the political  relevance of this issue, it is recommended that 
in the course of the introduction of IPSAS, this i ssue should be re-considered under fair value aspects 
(see IPSAS 23). 
Status  
29. At the United Nations, where Former Yugoslavi a has outstanding contributions amounting to 
USD 8 million, the issue has been continuously deferre d for future consideration, idem at the last 
General Assembly on 19 September 2007, see Annex 2-Note in the file of Former Yugoslavia. 
J. PROCUREMENT RULES  
Audit comments  
30. The review of the procurement rules revealed an inconsistency between the "Administrative 
Manual for Budgetary and Financia l Control Matters" and the Financial Rules of the World Trade 
Organization regarding the amount for wh ich a competitive bidding is required. 
Status  
31. The Financial Rules and Regulations including th e Procurement Rules have been revised on 
28 March 2007. 
K. INTERNAL OVERSIGHT  
Audit comments  
32. The need for an internal oversight function was highlighted by the External Auditor in various 
reports. 
Status  
33. The Director-General's Budget Proposals for the biennium 2006-2007 included 2 new posts 
(internal auditor and support position)  for the year 2007.  The Internal Auditor has taken up her duties 
on 17 March 2008. 
L. CENTRAL ARCHIVE AND IT DATABASE  
Audit comments  
34. The External Auditor identified the need for a central archiv ing system and IT-database for 
the storage and recording of WTO contracts. WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 48  
 
  Status
 
35. A central archiving system and IT database ha ve been established for all WTO contracts.  
There is a safe for the safekeeping of the original s.  There is also a MS Access database organising 
and storing the details and PDF imag es of all contracts. This is al ways an on-going moving target as 
new contracts are initiated on a regular basis.  The archivist will be meeting with the new Head of 
Procurement when she takes up her duties to conti nue to work on the paper flow from that unit. 
M. AFTER SERVICE HEALTH BENEFITS  
Audit comments  
36. The External Auditor noted that the liabilities pertaining to the premiums for medical and 
dental insurance for retirees had not been recognize d in the financial statements, but only been paid 
and expressed as an ongoing charge to the regular budget. 
Status  
37. An actuary has been engaged to determine th e accrued liability regarding the post-retirement 
health insurance benefit. The report has been r eceived and will be examined in the near future. 
N. ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT  
Audit comments  
38. The External Auditor highlighted the lack  of written procedures for the opening and 
maintenance of accounts. 
Status  
39. Procedures have been formalized with written instructions from the Director, AGSD to both 
Finance and Budget Sections.  See Annex 4 attached. 
O. WTO  ANNEXE  
Audit comments  
40. With respect to the new WTO Annexe, the Exte rnal Auditor has raised the following issues: 
• Risk analysis to be conducted. 
• Accounting procedures and related in ternational standards (IPSAS 11). 
• Tax related issues. 
• Cost of the draft project study. 
 41. Contractual agreements with third parti es and internal roles and responsibilities. 
Status
 
42. The original WTO II project has now been overt aken by an expanded project which includes 
an important renovation of the Centre William Rapp ard (CWR), the movement of the Rue Rothschild 
offices to temporary accommodation at the Chemin des Mines (CDM), moving certain services from 
the CWR to the CDM, and ultimately the constructi on of an extension to the CWR in the south car 
park area.   WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 49 
 
 
  43. In this context, intensive contacts and nego tiations have been taking place with the Swiss 
authorities.  Now that these negotiations have reac hed the point whereby an  agreement between the 
WTO and the Swiss authorities has been reached, it will be possible to examine thoroughly the 
elements raised by the auditors. 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 50  
 
  ANNEX 1 
 
 
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO  
 
Direct line: (+41 22) 739 50 47 
Direct fax: (+41 22) 739 57 89 
Email: lawrence.emler@wto.org   
H.E. Mr Peter F. Allgeier Ambassador 
Permanent Representative to the WTO 
Permanent Mission of the United States to the WTO Route de Pregny 11 1292 Chambésy 
 Reference:   US Taxes  
21 August 2007 
 
Dear Ambassador Allgeier, 
  I refer to Mr. Shark's letter of 19 December 2006 where he informed me that your authorities 
were not in a position to re-open negotiations of the tax agreement between the United States and the 
WTO.   As you are aware, in his Report on the Direct or-General's Budgetary and Financial Report for 
2005
1, the WTO External Auditor addressed extensivel y the question of the taxation of US staff 
members and of the taxation method applied, as well  as the consequential additional cost to the WTO 
budget.  Based on his review of the relevant facts and figures, the External Auditor recommended that 
the Secretariat continue its efforts to renegotiate  the current Tax Reimbursement Agreement between 
the WTO and the United States with a view to obtai ning reimbursement of taxes calculated according 
to the last income method in line with the ILOAT decision.  This report was adopted by the General 
Council on 14-15 December 2006. 
 
 You will understand that the Director-General  considers it his duty to act promptly upon 
decisions of the General Council with respect to recommendations of the External Auditor and to 
report back expeditiously on their implementation.  
 We therefore trust that the United States will be  able to reconsider the position expressed in 
the last paragraph of your letter of 19 December 2006 in order that the Director-General may report 
back to the Committee on Budget, Finance and Ad ministration at an early date on the progress 
achieved with respect to this matter.     
Yours faithfully 
  
(signed) 
 
Rufus Yerxa 
Deputy Director-General 
                                                     
 
1 WT/BFA/W/142.  WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 51 
 
 
  ANNEX 2 
 
Contribution arrears of the former Socialis t Republic of Yugoslavia at the United Nations  
 
  A follow-up of the outstanding contributions from Former Yugoslavia since 2002 shows that 
this item has been regularly scheduled at the General Assembly, but at each time postponed to a 
following meeting:  
09/01/2002 56
thGeneral 
Assembly Item discussed for the first time 
28/07/2003 58thGeneral 
Assembly Up-date of information on outstandings former Yugoslavia 
03/04/2004 58thGeneral 
Assembly deferred to 59th session 
16/02/2005 59thGeneral 
Assembly deferred 
16/09/2005 60thGeneral 
Assembly deferred for future consideration 
27/12/2006 61stGeneral 
Assembly deferred to 62nd session 
19/09/2007 General  
Assembly deferred 
 
 WT/BFA/W/168 
Page 52  
 
  ANNEX 3A 
 
 
To: 
 Budget and Control Section 
Finance and Accounts Section 
 Date: 10/04/2008 
From: 
 Robert Luther Ref:       
cc: 
 Philippe Perreard 
Subject: 
 Creating or modifying the chart of accounts in the Oracle system 
 
 In order to exercise more consistent control ove r the accounts used in the Oracle accounting system, a 
new procedure has been implemented to ensure th at any requests for new accounts, or changes to 
existing accounts, be managed centrally.   
 
Effective immediately, we request that the att ached form be used to request new accounts, or 
modifications of existing accounts, and that comp leted forms be sent to the Finance and Accounts 
Section for processing.  The Finance and Accounts S ection will coordinate the actual modifications in 
the Oracle system.   
This procedure applies to the account segment of the accounting flex-field.  Other segments such as 
cost centre or project code do not require this fo rm.  The protocol relating to these segments will be 
distributed separately.   If you have any questions, or would like to discuss ch anges to the chart of accounts, do not hesitate to 
contact John Breckenridge in the Finance and Accounts Section. 
   WT/BFA/W/168 
 Page 53 
 
 
  ANNEX 3B  
 
REQUEST FOR ACCOUNT CREATION   / MODIFICATION   
 
 
Requestor  
Name :       Section :       
 
Account number : *       
Account type :                         
Account description :       
Open date :       Modification date :       
Reason for 
creation/modification :       
 
 
Authorizing officer :       Date :       
 
 APPROVAL 
 ____________________________ _________________ 
   Chief of Finance and Accounts Date 
 
 
 ____________________________ _________________ 
   Chief of Budget and Control Date 
  
 ____________________________ _________________ 
   Director of Administration Date 
 and General Services Division  
  
Reserved for Finance & Accounts Section 
 
Account created / modified by :  Date :  
 
* Account numbers allocated by Chie f of Finance and Accounts Section  
 
 
__________