WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED 
WT/BFA/W/250 
21 October 2011 
 (11-5271) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration  
  
 
 
2012-2013 BUDGET PROPOSALS 
   
Table of contents 
Page 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION  BY THE  DIRECTOR-GENERAL ............................................................... 2  
II. BUDGET  PROPOSALS ............................................................................................................. 7  
2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE WTO SECRETARIAT ..................................... 9  
2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE APPELLATE BODY AND ITS 
SECRETARIAT .......................................................................................................... 10  
DRAFT SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2012 ............................................................... 12  
III. BUDGET  PROPOSALS  BY KEY  BUDGETARY  VARIATIONS ......................................... 16  
IV. BUDGET  PROPOSALS  BY KEY  OUTPUTS  AND  PROJECTS ........................................... 21  
V. BUDGET  PROPOSALS  BY SECTION  AND  LINE ............................................................... 27  
VI. BUDGETING  PRACTICES,  POLICIES,  EFFICIENCY,  ECONOMY  AND  
ENVIRONMENTAL  MEASURES .......................................................................................... 45  
VII. KEY  ORGANIZATIONAL  EVOLUTION  SINCE  1995 ......................................................... 48  
VIII. WORKLOAD  INDICATORS .................................................................................................. 52  
IX. 2011  PROJECTED  BUDGET  PERFORMANCE .................................................................... 55  
  WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 2  
 
  I. INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL 
1. In a few weeks, the Doha Round, the lat est round of trade negotiations among the WTO 
membership, will mark its 10
th anniversary.  This is the 6th biennial draft budget since the launch of a 
Round that aims to achieve a major reform of th e international trading system through the further 
reduction of trade barriers and revised trade rules.  While the Round has not yet been completed, the 
global financial crisis has under scored the vital importance of the multilateral trading system as a 
barrier to protectionism and as a factor of resilience for the world economy.  
2. While demands and expectations placed on the WTO remain important, I am fully aware that 
the global financial crisis has also adversely a ffected the fiscal situation of a number of WTO 
Members.  National and international publicly fu nded bodies have been requested to slow down 
spending.  The WTO Secretariat is not an exception.  Several Members, including some of the key 
contributors, have called for budget restraint.  The rise of the Swiss Franc (CHF) against most international currencies also places additional constraints on Members when paying their 
contributions to the WTO. 
3. I have taken this opportunity to review the expected trends in activities of the Secretariat over 
the next biennium and to examine what acti ons could be taken to provide Members with zero 
nominal growth in the WTO budget for 2012  and zero real growth for 2013 .  My budget 
proposals include the proposal for the regular budget of  the International Trade Centre (ITC), jointly 
and equally funded by the WTO and UNCTAD, and presented in a separate document by the ITC 
Executive Director.     
2012-2013 BUDGET ESTIMATES 
(in Million Swiss Francs) 
 
Expenses 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
WTO 177.1  (0.0)  177.1  3.5 180.6 -0.01% 1.96% 
International Trade 
Centre 18.9  0.0  18.9  0.2 19.1 0.11% 1.09% 
Grand Total 196.0  -  196.0  3.7 199.7 0.00% 1.87% 
 
4. In reviewing the activity levels of the Secretaria t, it is important to remember that the WTO is 
a Member-driven Organization.  Members determ ine the pace of negotiations and accessions, the 
level of disputes, monitoring and trade-related t echnical assistance needs, all of which may have a 
significant impact on the budget of the Organization.  The review of activity levels did not identify 
any notable reductions for the next biennium.  Th e Secretariat’s overall activity level is, in fact, 
expected to increase slightly.  The dispute settle ment mechanism is facing increasingly complex and 
voluminous cases, leading to difficulty in delivering services on time, especially at the appeal level.  
There is no sign of a slowdown in this trend un til at least mid-2013.  The increase in monitoring 
activity is expected to continue, more specifica lly in the area of Regional Trade Agreements and 
Trade Policy Reviews, where more reviews are expect ed in 2012 in order to catch up on the current 
backlog.  The economic research and statistics area is  being expected to deliver more analysis to 
support, for instance, the work of WTO committees,  joint activities with other institutions and G20 
studies.  Accession activity has also become significan tly more intense and is not expected to ease in 
the short term at least.  The resources required to support the Round negotia tions will depend on the 
programme of work agreed during the 8th Ministerial Conference in December 2011.  In the absence 
of more detailed indications from Members, the Secr etariat plans to maintain these resources at their 
current level in order to be able to respond qui ckly to any surge in negotiating activity.  The 
Secretariat has, in fact, observed that a reduced intensity in negotiations is generally offset by 
increased demands on services supporting the administration and implementation of existing  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 3 
 
 
  agreements.  Finally, trade-related technical assist ance or capacity building is the only area where the 
activity level is not expected to rise.  The obser ved slowdown in voluntary contributions received by 
the DDA Global Trust Fund will probably lead to a reduction in the use of WTO expert staff in 
technical assistance.  Based on this review of activ ity levels, I have identified three distinct areas 
where additional resources will be re quired during the next biennium.  
5. First, there is an urgent need to reinforce the Secretariat's reso urces to support the dispute 
settlement mechanism .  Existing staff resources can no longer absorb the increased complexity of 
disputes.  Additional legal resources are required to reduce the pressure on existing staff and to reduce 
delays in processing disputes.  The Secretariat is seeking to add two posts in the Appellate Body 
Secretariat and one post in the Legal Affairs Division. 
6. Secondly, the Secretariat should continue to strengthen its monitoring and surveillance 
services .  Surveillance of national trade policies is a fundamentally important activity extending 
across the work of the WTO and its regular Committees and Bodies.  The number of Trade Policy Reviews conducted and the work associated with Re gional Trade Agreements will continue to rise in 
2012, especially in order to eliminat e the current backlog.  This will give rise to additional travel 
expenditure, up to now partly funded by the DDA  Global Trust Fund, and additional document 
production expenditure.  In addition, the Secretariat has launched a project to integrate the existing 
non-tariff-measure information sources in the WTO and to link them with tariff and trade data.  This 
newly created comprehensive "umbrella database" a pplication will be a unified point of access to all 
information sources on trade in goods in the WTO.  The successful conclusion of this project will 
reinforce the WTO's leadership role  in providing accurate information on trade policy measures.  This 
project will essentially absorb IT resources. 
7. Finally, during the next biennium the WTO will c onclude its largest ever real estate operation.  
The completion of the Building Project  by the end of 2012 will mark the end of a project that started 
in 2008.  The existing Centre William Rappard will have been entirely renovated and its two 
courtyards will have been converted; one into a conf erence centre and the other into an atrium.  In 
addition, a new administrative building hosting 30 0 work stations and 200 underground parking 
spaces will have been built.  An additional underground car park will also become available to replace 
the existing car park located at the Chemin des Min es.  Finally, a security perimeter will be installed 
around the WTO headquarters building.  The Building Pr oject has been funded to a very large extent 
by the Swiss Authorities.  In addition, Members have set aside over the last three years some 
CHF 20 million to cover the installation and equipmen t costs.  Despite the c onsiderable challenges, 
Building Project costs have so far been kept within the agreed overall envelope.  However, it is still 
too early to state that all financial risks have b een fully removed.  Funding is required in 2012 to 
move some 500 staff, the IT data centre and the prin ting facility to their final location.  In 2013, the 
WTO will be required to pay the first instalment of the 50-year, CHF 60 million interest-free loan.  
8. Against the above background of increased res ource demands and in order to propose a zero 
nominal growth budget for 2012, I required the Secr etariat to undertake an in-depth review of its 
operations.  The current economic climate indeed provides a unique opportunity for the WTO and its Members to review critically the internal and extern al services provided by the Secretariat.  What are 
the costs of existing services? Which services or ac tivities could be discontinued or performed more 
cost-effectively?  
9. As already identified during the Secretariat Version 3 exercise, the Secretariat does not yet 
possess the right tools to conduct a detailed review of the costs of its services or activities and is, 
therefore, not in a position to mana ge optimally its resources.  The current budgeting system is largely 
designed to support management methods in place since the 1980s.  Its primary objective is to 
monitor the type of income and expenditure with some occasional links to the amount and type of 
activity.  It tracks how much the Secretariat spends on salaries, overtime, travel or on the rental of WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 4  
 
  printing equipment.  The current system cannot, howe ver, indicate how much of this expenditure has 
been directed to the enhancement of negotiations, dispute settlement or outreach activities.  The current system also limits management accountabilit y, especially with respect to the use of staff 
resources.  The modernization of the management of resources  based on outputs has become a 
priority and will be fully engaged as of 1 January  2012 and integrated in th e subsequent biennial 
budget proposals.  This project will not give rise to additional costs and will be conducted using 
existing internal resources and systems.  The Secr etariat will thus be able to enhance the budget 
discussions with Members by providing more relevant  and more targeted info rmation on expenditure.  
How much is invested in supporting negotiations or dispute settlement?  What is the cost of a Trade 
Policy Review?  Members will be able to take bette r informed decisions regarding the services to be 
provided by the Secretariat. 
10. In the meantime, the Secretariat has identified a number of actions that would have to be 
taken to  streamline its operations to make annual savi ngs of at least CHF 3 million in order to 
achieve the above targets of zero nominal growth in 2012 and zero real growth in 2013 .  The 
savings would accrue from adjustments to services provided to Members and from modifications to 
the internal operations of the Secretariat.  
11. Substituting full minutes with summarized minutes of meetings  could save at least 
CHF 0.8 million per year.  The production of full minutes of committee meetings, especially when it includes annexes with full verbatim statements, is a source of significant costs and delays.  Minutes 
have an average length of 20 pages.  However, f our Bodies, representing half of the total amount of 
minutes produced, have minutes with average length cl ose to 45 pages.  The length of a document has 
a direct impact on its production costs.  The prod uction of documents generates typing, reviewing, 
translating, revising, formatting, printing and shipping costs.  The lengthier the document, the more expensive it becomes and the more time it takes to  be released.  The production of full minutes 
requires a considerable amount of time, and they ar e often released several months after the meeting 
has taken place.  The substitution of full minut es by summarized minutes would provide synthesized 
and timely information.  Professional staff would draf t these reports for rapid circulation to Members.  
This change would lead to important savings as the pr oduction of records of meetings is a core task of 
the Secretariat.  The direct saving is estimated to  be at least CHF 0.8 million per year in the short 
term, predominantly in staff costs including translati on and to a lesser degree in printing and shipping.  
The rules of procedure for meetings of WTO bodi es are predominantly based on the rules of the 
General Council that provide that records of the discussions of the General Council shall be in the 
form of minutes. The practice with respect to the production of reports of meetings has evolved over 
time and differently depending on the body concerned.  The Secretariat recognizes that Members might have specific concerns and that the approach  may need to be adjusted depending on the body or 
alternatively by using modern technology to reta in instead digital records of meetings.    
12. Establishing electronic notification forms under the relevant transparency provisions in 
the WTO agreements and moving to online submission and distribution of notifications  could 
save up to CHF 0.6 million per year.  E-forms or templates have not yet been established across all relevant agreements. The lack of such e-forms and templates to notify leads to lengthy submissions in 
printed form containing dispersed information, and information provided in diverse forms which 
render it difficult to analyse and almost impossible to transform to accessible databases. The use of 
forms and a further move towards digital submis sions will:  simplify work, reduce the burden to 
notify (of relevance for developing countries with more limited resources), help attach importance to 
quality over quantity and al so help to standardize the content of the notifications under each 
notification obligation under specific agreements, while reducing the labour-intensive administrative 
process for the Secretariat that carries high cost s, and still maintaining th e necessary diversity of 
reporting formats between agreements. The establishment of electronic forms for all types of 
notifications, combined with a move to the dig ital submission thereof, would not only improve the  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 5 
 
 
  cost effectiveness of processing by the Secretariat, but would also result in an increased and enhanced 
transparency. 
13. Moving away from the traditional distribution of documents in printed form  could save 
at least CHF 0.6 million per year.  The distributio n of documents in printed form has been the 
traditional method of communicating information since the creation of the GATT.  The advent of 
modern communication methods has gradually re duced the importance and the use of printed 
documents.  There are currently no formal restrict ions on the distribution of documents in printed 
form.  Excluding staff costs, the WTO currently spends CHF 3 million per year on the printing and 
distribution of documents by post across the globe.  The following six proposals could reduce these costs by 20 per cent or by CHF 0.6 million per year:   
(a) Restricting the number of copies of each document provided in a printed form to 
every Member. 
(b) Reducing the list of recipients of WTO printed documents, currently amounting to 
1,341. 
(c) Implementing an online subscription model to fit more accurately the needs of 
recipients.   
(d) Issuing TBT and SPS notifications only in electronic form would save some 
5.4 million printed pages (7.5 per cent of the total number of pages printed or 14.2 per 
cent if excluding printed publications). 
(e) Reducing the distribution of printed documents within the Secretariat could save up 
to 1.9 million pages. 
(f) Substituting meeting minutes by summarized reports could also save up to 1 million 
printed pages. 
14. Improving the scheduling of meetings  and capping the number of meetings running 
simultaneously that require interpretation could save at least CHF 0.2 million per year.  The WTO 
currently hosts some 6,900 sessions per year, of wh ich 800 require interpretation services.  There are 
few guidelines and restrictions on how  meetings are planne d and booked.  The major limiting factor is 
the number of meeting rooms available.  The availa bility of free-lance interpreters is also limited 
during certain peak periods. A large number of mee tings are tentatively booked for multiple dates, 
cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, planned for a longer duration than necessary or sometimes 
planned outside normal operating hours.  While these practices have only limited consequences on 
meetings requiring no specific services, they have substantial cost consequences in the case of 
meetings that require the full spectrum of service s, especially interpretation and a sound operator.  
The freedom provided to users in planning meetings has a cost, as interpretation services and conference services are systematically reserved bu t not necessarily used.  The utilization rate of 
contracted interpretation services can be as low as 60 -70 per cent.  Scheduling of meetings requiring 
the full spectrum of services to fill all available meeting slots and capping the number of these 
meetings running simultaneously would optimize the use of interpretation services.  Members could 
also consider grouping the formal meetings of  the eleven Committees depending on the Council for 
Trade in Goods into monthly sessions of the Council that could last 2 to 3 days.  The merging of 
smaller committees or the appointment of the same ch air could also further facilitate the scheduling of 
meetings.  
15. The three above savings would modify the services provided by the Secretariat to the 
Members.  At the same time, the Secretariat would take a number of actions to streamline and 
significantly reduce the cost of its internal operations, including: 
(a) Limiting the use of temporary assistance by reducing the availability of funds in 
respect of vacant posts could save up to CHF 1.2 million per year. WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 6  
 
  (b) Implementing a harmonized form atting standard for documents  produced by the 
Secretariat would save up to CHF 0.4 million per year.  It would also greatly improve the efficiency and speed of document produc tion; both in trade-related divisions and 
central production services.  
(c) Establishing common processes and tools to be used by all serving Committee 
Secretaries  could save up to CHF 0.2 million per year. 
(d) Reviewing the travel policy  for staff and consultants and moving to real cost 
reimbursement could save up to 7 per cent of  the travel budget or CHF 0.2 million per 
year.  These savings could be used to ab sorb the travel expenditure required for 
additional TPRs which is currently funded by the DDA Global Trust Fund.  
(e) Reducing transportation services  and selling two vehicles could save up to 
CHF 0.3 million per year. 
(f) Replacing the internal distribution of mail and documents  by a self-service 
collection system could save up to CHF 0.2 million per year. 
(g) Reducing the distribution of newspapers and magazines  by half could save 
CHF 0.1 million per year. 
16. All of the above measures would ha ve to be adopted in order to  achieve the productivity gains 
required for zero nominal budget growth.  These measures would also give rise to a redistribution of posts across the Secretariat.  As part of that exer cise, the Secretariat would continue to absorb those 
regular or core activities which are not related to technical assistance but which are currently financed 
by the Doha Development Global Trust Fund. 
 
   
 Pascal Lamy 
 Director-General 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
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  II. BUDGET PROPOSALS 
17. The Director-General hereby submits his budget estimates for the expenses and income of the 
World Trade Organization (WTO) for the years 2012-2013.  
18. The presentation of the budget proposals for the biennium 2012-2013 respects the approach 
outlined in WTO Financial Regulation 5.1  The biennium consists of two consecutive financial periods 
covering each year of the biennium.   
19. The proposals reflect needs based on the project ed level of activity in the WTO and assume 
that this level will be maintained over the period of the next biennium .  Increases for general inflation 
have been absorbed. 
20. The proposals provide for a zero nominal increase in the WTO budget in 2012 and for a 
1.87 per cent increase in 2013. 
 
2012-2013 BUDGET ESTIMATES 
(in Swiss Francs)  
 
Expenses 2011 Inc/Dec  
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
WTO Secretariat 190,381,300 (418,800) 189,892,500 3,610,600 193,573,100  -0.22% 1.90%
Appellate Body 5,622,600 418,800 6,041,400 63,200 6,104,600  7.45% 1.05%
Total 196,003,900   - 196,003,900 3,673,800 199,677,700  0.00% 1.87%
 
Income 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff 
2012 Diff 
2013 
Contributions from 
WTO Members 194,300,000 - 194,300,000 3,700,000 198,000,000 0.00% 1.90%
Miscellaneous 
Income 1,703,900 - 1,703,900 (26,200) 1,677,700 0.00% -1.54%
Total 196,003,900 - 196,003,900 3,673,800 199,677,700 0.00% 1.87%
 
21. For 2012, it is proposed to finance the amount of CHF 196,003,900 as follows: 
a) through contributions from Members in the amount of CHF 194,300,000;  and 
b) by miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,703,900. 
 
22. For 2013, it is proposed to finance the amount of CHF 199,677,700 as follows: 
a) through contributions from Members in the amount of CHF 198,000,000;  and 
b) with miscellaneous income estimated at CHF 1,677,700. 
 
23. Members' contributions are assessed on the basis of annually up-dated trade statistics pursuant 
to Financial Regulation 12.3(b).2  Contributions from Members are considered due and payable in full 
on 1 January of the respective budget year. 
                                                      
1 WT/L/156/Rev.2. 
2 WT/L/156/Rev.2. WT/BFA/W/250 
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  2012-2013 PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED  WTO BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
A               
Sect  1 Work Years         
(a) Salary 89,084,300 476,300 89,560,600 2,024,300 91,584,900  0.53% 2.26 %
(b) Pension 18,770,100 251,000 19,021,100 425,900 19,447,000  1.34% 2.24 %
(c) Common Staff Costs 18,456,200 163,600 18,619,800 (121,900) 18,497,900  0.89% -0.65 %
Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 15,992,700 (822,200)  15,170,500 70,000 15,240,500  -5.14% 0.46%
B         
Sect  3 Communications         
(a) Telecommunications 506,500 167,500 674,000 0 674,000  33.07 % 0.00 %
(b) Postal Charges 1,280,000 (174,300) 1,105,700 (60,000) 1,045,700  -13.62 % -5.43 %
Sect  4 Building Facilities         
(a) Rental 625,000 68,000 693,000 585,000 1,278,000  10.88 % 84.42 %
(b) Utilities 1,929,000 0 1,929,000 (170,000) 1,759,000  0.00% -8.81 %
(c) Maintenance and In surance 1,312,000 380,000 1,692,000 300,000 1,992,000  28.96 % 17.73 %
Sect  5 Permanent Equipment         
(a) Permanent Equipment 1,025,000 285,000 1,310,000 100,000 1,410,000  27.80 % 7.63 %
(b) Permanent Equipment Lease 64,000 (20,000) 44,000 0 44,000  -31.25 % 0.00 %
Sect  6 Expendable 1,281,000 (80,000) 1,201,000 0 1,201,000  -6.25% 0.00 %
Sect  7 Contractual Services         
(a) Reproduction 1,620,600 (150,000) 1,470,600 (100,000) 1,370,600  -9.26% -6.80 %
(b) Office Automation 3,365,000 0 3,365,000 0 3,365,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(c) Other 238,000 0 238,000 0 238,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(d) Security Outsourcing 4,013,000 (50,000) 3,963,000 0 3,963,000  -1.25% 0.00 %
C         
Sect  8 Staff Overheads         
(a) Training 1,525,000 0 1,525,000 0 1,525,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(b) Insurance 3,011,000 105,000 3,116,000 200,000 3,316,000  3.49% 6.42 %
(c) Joint Services 255,000 0 255,000 0 255,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(d) Miscellaneous 36,000 30,000 66,000 0 66,000  83.33 % 0.00 %
Sect  9 Missions         
(a) Missions Official 1,533,000 118,000 1,651,000 100,000 1,751,000  7.70% 6.06 %
(b) Missions Technical 1,406,000 0 1,406,000 0 1,406,000  0.00% 0.00 %
Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 3,315,000 (575,700) 2,739,300 112,000 2,851,300  -17.37 % 4.09 %
Sect 11 Various         
(a) Representation and Hospitality 299,000 0 299,000 500 299,500  0.00% 0.17 %
(b) Dispute Settlement Panels 987,000 0 987,000 0 987,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(c) Experts 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(d) Appellate Body Members 793,500 0 793,500 0 793,500  0.00% 0.00 %
(e) Library 700,000 (100,000) 600,000 0 600,000  -14.29 % 0.00 %
(f) Publications 803,000 (23,000) 780,000 1,000 781,000  -2.86% 0.13 %
(g) Public Information Activities 380,000 (80,000) 300,000 0 300,000  -21.05 % 0.00 %
(h) External Auditors 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 0 600,000 0 600,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(j) ISO 57,000 0 57,000 0 57,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(k) Other 130,000 10,000 140,000 0 140,000  7.69% 0.00 %
(l) Appellate Body Operating Fund 1,600,000 0 1,600,000 0 1,600,000  0.00% 0.00 %
D         
Sect 12 ITC 18,911,000 20,800 18,931,800 207,000 19,138,800  0.11% 1.09 %
Grand Total 196,003,900 0 196,003,900 3,673,800 199,677,700  0.00% 1.87% WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 9 
 
 
 2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 
THE WTO SECRETARIAT  
(in Swiss Francs) 
Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
A       
Sect  1 Work Years       
(a) Salary 86,975,300 230,800 87,206,100 1,932,500 89,138,600  0.27% 2.22 %
(b) Pension 18,326,100 196,900 18,523,000 403,800 18,926,800  1.07% 2.18 %
(c) Common Staff Costs 18,027,200 57,400 18,084,600 (71,200) 18,013,400  0.32% -0.39 %
Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 15,927,100 (822,200)  15,104,900 70,000 15,174,900  -5.16% 0.46%
B       
Sect  3 Communications       
(a) Telecommunications 500,000 167,500 667,500 0 667,500  33.50 % 0.00 %
(b) Postal Charges 1,280,000 (174,300) 1,105,700 (60,000) 1,045,700  -
13.62 % -5.43 %
Sect  4 Building Facilities       
(a) Rental 625,000 68,000 693,000 585,000 1,278,000  10.88 % 84.42 %
(b) Utilities 1,916,000 0 1,916,000 (170,000) 1,746,000  0.00% -8.87 %
(c) Maintenance and In surance 1,307,000 380,000 1,687,000 300,000 1,987,000  29.07 % 17.78 %
Sect  5 Permanent Equipment       
(a) Permanent Equipment 1,000,000 285,000 1,285,000 100,000 1,385,000  28.50 % 7.78 %
(b) Permanent Equipment Lease 64,000 (20,000) 44,000 0 44,000  -31.25 % 0.00 %
Sect  6 Expendable 1,261,000 (80,000) 1,181,000 0 1,181,000  -6.34% 0.00 %
Sect  7 Contractual Services       
(a) Reproduction 1,605,600 (150,000) 1,455,600 (100,000) 1,355,600  -9.34% -6.87 %
(b) Office Automation 3,355,000 0 3,355,000 0 3,355,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(c) Other 238,000 0 238,000 0 238,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(d) Security Outsourcing 4,013,000 (50,000) 3,963,000 0 3,963,000  -1.25% 0.00 %
C       
Sect  8 Staff Overheads       
(a) Training 1,500,000 0 1,500,000 0 1,500,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(b) Insurance 2,999,000 105,000 3,104,000 200,000 3,304,000  3.50% 6.44 %
(c) Joint Services 255,000 0 255,000 0 255,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(d) Miscellaneous 34,000 30,000 64,000 0 64,000  88.24 % 0.00 %
Sect  9 Missions       
(a) Missions Official 1,496,000 105,000 1,601,000 100,000 1,701,000  7.02% 6.25 %
(b) Missions Technical 1,406,000 0 1,406,000 0 1,406,000  0.00% 0.00 %
Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 3,315,000 (575,700) 2,739,300 112,000 2,851,300  -17.37 % 4.09%
Sect 11 Various       
(a) Representation and Hospitality 298,000 0 298,000 500 298,500  0.00% 0.17 %
(b) Dispute Settlement Panels 987,000 0 987,000 0 987,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(c) Experts 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(e) Library 690,000 (100,000) 590,000 0 590,000  -14.49 % 0.00 %
(f) Publications 803,000 (23,000) 780,000 1,000 781,000  -2.86% 0.13 %
(g) Public Information Activities 380,000 (80,000) 300,000 0 300,000  -21.05 % 0.00 %
(h) External Auditors 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 0 600,000 0 600,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(j) ISO 57,000 0 57,000 0 57,000  0.00% 0.00 %
(k) Other 130,000 10,000 140,000 0 140,000  7.69% 0.00 %
D       
Sect 12 ITC 18,911,000 20,800 18,931,800 207,000 19,138,800  0.11% 1.09 %
Grand Total 190,381,300 (418,800)  189,962,500 3,610,600 193,573,100  -0.22% 1.90%
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 10  
 
 2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR  
THE APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff  
2013 
A       
Sect  1 Work Years       
(a) Salary 2,109,000 245,500 2,354,500 91,800 2,446,300  11.64% 3.90%
(b) Pension 444,000 54,100 498,100 22,100 520,200  12.18% 4.44%
(c) Common Staff Costs 429,000 106,200 535,200 (50,700) 484,500  24.76% -9.47%
Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 65,600 0 65,600 0 65,600  0.00% 0.00 %
B       
Sect  3 Communications       
(a) Telecommunications 6,500 0 6,500 0 6,500  0.00% 0.00%
Sect  4 Building Facilities       
(b) Utilities 13,000 0 13,000 0 13,000  0.00% 0.00%
(c) Maintenance and Insurance 5,000 0 5,000 0 5,000  0.00% 0.00%
Sect  5 Permanent Equipment       
(a)Permanent Equipment 25,000 0 25,000 0 25,000  0.00% 0.00%
Sect  6 Expendable 20,000 0 20,000 0 20,000  0.00% 0.00 %
Sect  7 Contractual Services       
(a) Reproduction 15,000 0 15,000 0 15,000  0.00% 0.00%
(b) Office Automation 10,000 0 10,000 0 10,000  0.00% 0.00%
C       
Sect  8 Staff Overheads       
(a) Training 25,000 0 25,000 0 25,000  0.00% 0.00%
(b) Insurance 12,000 0 12,000 0 12,000  0.00% 0.00%
(d) Miscellaneous 2,000 0 2,000 0 2,000  0.00% 0.00%
Sect  9 Missions       
(a)Missions Official 37,000 13,000 50,000 0 50,000  35.14% 0.00%
Sect 11 Various       
(a) Representation and Hospitality 1,000 0 1,000 0 1,000  0.00% 0.00%
(d) Appellate Body Members 793,500 0 793,500 0 793,500  0.00% 0.00%
(e) Library 10,000 0 10,000 0 10,000  0.00% 0.00%
(l) Appellate Body Operating Fund 1,600,000 0 1,600,000 0 1,600,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total 5,622,600 418,800 6,041,400 63,200 6,104,600  7.45%  1.05%
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 11 
 
 
 2012-2013 BUDGET ESTIMATES MISCELLANEOUS INCOME  
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff.  
2012 Diff. 
2013 
Contributions of Observer 
Countries 850,000  53,495 903,495 17,205 920,700  6.3% 1.9%
Sale of Publications & 
Royalties 300,000  0 300,000 (60,000) 240,000  0.0% -20.0%
Trust Fund contributions 230,000  (30,000) 200,000 (30,000) 170,000  -13.0% -15.0%
Savings on previous year's 
outstanding obligations 143,000  7,000 150,000 (50,000) 100,000  4.9% -33.3%
Rental of meeting rooms & 
office space  140,000  0 140,000 100,000 240,000  0.0% 71.4%
Other 40,900 (30,495) 10,405 (3,405) 7,000  -74.6% -32.7%
TOTAL 1,703,900 0 1,703,900 (26,200) 1,677,700 0.0% -1.5%
 
24. No major changes in miscellaneous income  are expected in 2012.  The amount of 
contributions collected from Observers has been ad justed to reflect the actual amount due based on 
the number of Observers at the time of the budget preparation process.  The receipts from the sale of printed publications are expected to decrease due  to the increased distribution of free electronic 
downloadable publications.  Rental income may increase in 2013 once the WTO building project has 
been completed.  
25. The proposed assessed contributions from Members amount to CHF 194,300,000 in 2012.  
The following draft scale of contributions has b een prepared based on a minimum contribution of 
0.015 per cent for Members whose share in the total tr ade of all Members is less than 0.015 per cent.  
The draft scale also takes into account the amounts to  be deducted from the rele vant contributions for 
2010 under the terms of the Early Payment Encouragement Scheme.  The 2013 assessment will be 
based on up-dated trade statistics in 2012, pursuant to Financial Regulation 12.3(b).
3  
                                                      
3 See also WT/BFA/W/105/Rev.1, paragraph 3(d). WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 12  
 
 DRAFT SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2012 
(in Swiss Francs and a minimum contribution of 0.015) 
 
MEMBER 2012 
Contribution
CHF 2012 
Contribution 
 Interest4 
earned in 2010 
for 2012 
 CHF 2012 net 
Contribution
CHF 
Albania 54,404 0.028% 46 54,358
Angola 441,061 0.227% 156 440,905
Antigua and Barbuda 29,145 0.015% 18 29,127
Argentina 716,967 0.369% 529 716,438
Armenia 31,088 0.016% 12 31,076
Australia 2,380,175 1.225% 2,513 2,377,662
Austria 2,432,636 1.252% 2,217 2,430,419
Bahrain 184,585 0.095% 191 184,394
Bangladesh 211,787 0.109% 101 211,686
Barbados 29,145 0.015% 4 29,141
Belgium 4,414,496 2.272% 5,184 4,409,312
Belize 29,145 0.015% 22 29,123
Benin 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Bolivia, Plurinational State of 58,290 0.030% 0 58,290
Botswana 62,176 0.032% 24 62,152
Brazil 2,088,725 1.075% 1,590 2,087,135
Brunei Darussalam 75,777 0.039% 71 75,706
Bulgaria 340,025 0.175% 338 339,687
Burkina Faso 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Burundi 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Cambodia 73,834 0.038% 13 73,821
Cameroon 71,891 0.037% 0 71,891
Canada 5,727,964 2.948% 7,319 5,720,645
Cape Verde 29,145 0.015% 17 29,128
Central African Republic 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Chad 46,632 0.024% 0 46,632
Chile 748,055 0.385% 160 747,895
China, People's Republic of 14,156,698 7.286% 3,779 14,152,919
Colombia 437,175 0.225% 407 436,768
Congo 52,461 0.027% 0 52,461
Costa Rica 161,269 0.083% 195 161,074
Côte d'Ivoire 116,580 0.060% 0 116,580
Croatia 322,538 0.166% 359 322,179
Cuba 145,725 0.075% 86 145,639
Cyprus 139,896 0.072% 141 139,755
Czech Republic 1,581,602 0.814% 1,6 26 1,579,976
Democratic Republic of the Congo 68,005 0.035% 0 68,005
Denmark 1,884,710 0.970% 2,192 1,882,518
Djibouti 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Dominica 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Dominican Republic 163,212 0.084% 0 163,212
Ecuador 198,186 0.102% 191 197,995
Egypt 579,014 0.298% 471 578,543
El Salvador 91,321 0.047% 4 91,317
                                                      
4 Interest earned in 2010 under the Early Payment Encouragement Scheme (L/6384) to be deducted 
from the 2012 contributions.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 13 
 
 
 MEMBER 2012 
Contribution
CHF 2012 
Contribution 
 Interest4 
earned in 2010 
for 2012 
 CHF 2012 net 
Contribution
CHF 
Estonia 188,471 0.097% 214 188,257
European Union 0 0.000% 0 0
Fiji 29,145 0.015% 29 29,116
Finland 1,239,634 0.638% 1,342 1,238,292
Former Yugoslav Republic of M acedonia 58,290 0.030% 0 58,290
France 8,545,314 4.398% 9,914 8,535,400
Gabon 40,803 0.021% 0 40,803
Gambia 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Georgia 52,461 0.027% 51 52,410
Germany 17,135,317 8.819% 19,374 17,115,943
Ghana 97,150 0.050% 0 97,150
Greece 973,443 0.50 1% 812 972,631
Grenada 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Guatemala 137,953 0.071% 107 137,846
Guinea 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Guinea-Bissau 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Guyana 29,145 0.015% 23 29,122
Haiti 29,145 0.015% 14 29,131
Honduras 99,093 0.051% 0 99,093
Hong Kong, China 5,073,173 2.611% 6,160 5,067,013
Hungary 1,268,779 0.653% 0 1,268,779
Iceland 89,378 0.046% 107 89,271
India 3,240,924 1.668% 1,029 3,239,895
Indonesia 1,509,711 0.777% 92 1,509,619
Ireland 2,300,512 1.184% 2,861 2,297,651
Israel 866,578 0.446% 1,014 865,564
Italy 7,074,463 3.641% 6,872 7,067,591
Jamaica 77,720 0.040% 12 77,708
Japan 9,310,856 4.792% 6,574 9,304,282
Jordan 155,440 0.080% 153 155,287
Kenya 101,036 0.052% 53 100,983
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2,261,652 1.164% 1,441 2,260,211
Korea, Republic of 5,298,561 2.727% 5,062 5,293,499
Kuwait 617,874 0.318% 451 617,423
Kyrgyz Republic 29,145 0.015% 35 29,110
Latvia 159,326 0.082% 170 159,156
Lesotho 29,145 0.015% 16 29,129
Liechtenstein 46,632 0.024% 56 46,576
Lithuania 281,735 0.145% 58 281,677
Luxembourg 825,775 0.425% 0 825,775
Macao, China 163,212 0.084% 124 163,088
Madagascar 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Malawi 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Malaysia 2,209,191 1.137% 1,810 2,207,381
Maldives 29,145 0.015% 25 29,120
Mali 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Malta 79,663 0.041% 93 79,570
Mauritania 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Mauritius 60,233 0.031% 70 60,163WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 14  
 
 MEMBER 2012 
Contribution
CHF 2012 
Contribution 
 Interest4 
earned in 2010 
for 2012 
 CHF 2012 net 
Contribution
CHF 
Mexico 3,516,830 1.810% 3,527 3,513,303
Moldova 36,917 0.019% 34 36,883
Mongolia 31,088 0.016% 21 31,067
Morocco 367,227 0.189% 270 366,957
Mozambique 40,803 0.021% 33 40,770
Myanmar, Union of 38,860 0.020% 25 38,835
Namibia 44,689 0.023% 43 44,646
Nepal 31,088 0.016% 18 31,070
Netherlands 6,272,004 3.228% 6,588 6,265,416
New Zealand 444,947 0.229% 541 444,406
Nicaragua 44,689 0.023% 0 44,689
Niger 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Nigeria 699,480 0.360% 63 699,417
Norway 1,756,472 0.904% 1,796 1,754,676
Oman 293,393 0.151% 149 293,244
Pakistan 363,341 0.187% 376 362,965
Panama 178,756 0.092% 130 178,626
Papua New Guinea 48,575 0.025% 14 48,561
Paraguay 81,606 0.042% 14 81,592
Peru 330,310 0.170% 0 330,310
Philippines 722,796 0.372% 774 722,022
Poland 2,115,927 1.089% 2,254 2,113,673
Portugal 996,759 0.513% 704 996,055
Qatar 443,004 0.228% 5 442,999
Romania 709,195 0.365% 584 708,611
Rwanda 29,145 0.015% 31 29,114
Saint Kitts and Nevis 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Saint Lucia 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 29,145 0.015% 14 29,131
Senegal 46,632 0.024% 32 46,600
Sierra Leone 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Singapore 4,379,522 2.254% 5,062 4,374,460
Slovak Republic 744,169 0.383% 653 743,516
Slovenia 376,942 0.194% 412 376,530
Solomon Islands 29,145 0.015% 28 29,117
South Africa 1,084,194 0.558% 1,225 1,082,969
Spain 4,995,453 2.571% 3,643 4,991,810
Sri Lanka 136,010 0.070% 28 135,982
Suriname 29,145 0.015% 25 29,120
Swaziland 29,145 0.015% 15 29,130
Sweden 2,485,097 1.279% 2,974 2,482,123
Switzerland 2,642,480 1.360% 3,127 2,639,353
Chinese Taipei 3,122,401 1.607% 3,815 3,118,586
Tanzania, United Republic of 68,005 0.035% 50 67,955
Thailand 2,110,098 1.086% 2,375 2,107,723
Togo 29,145 0.015% 0 29,145
Tonga 29,145 0.015% 19 29,126
Trinidad and Tobago 132,124 0.068% 122 132,002
Tunisia 248,704 0.128% 132 248,572 WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 15 
 
 
 MEMBER 2012 
Contribution
CHF 2012 
Contribution 
 Interest4 
earned in 2010 
for 2012 
 CHF 2012 net 
Contribution
CHF 
Turkey 1,863,337 0.959% 1,399 1,861,938
Uganda 40,803 0.021% 0 40,803
Ukraine 788,858 0.406% 372 788,486
United Arab Emirates 2,150,901 1.107% 934 2,149,967
United Kingdom 9,019,406 4.642% 10,441 9,008,965
United States 23,687,113 12.191% 922 23,686,191
Uruguay 89,378 0.046% 39 89,339
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of 742,226 0.382% 0 742,226
Viet Nam 736,397 0.379% 58 736,339
Zambia 52,461 0.027% 20 52,441
Zimbabwe 29,145 0.015% 27 29,118
TOTAL 194,300,000 100.000 % 152,151 194,147,849
 
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 16  
 
 III. BUDGET PROPOSALS BY KEY BUDGETARY VARIATIONS 
26. This part of the budget proposals provides the e xplanation of the key budgetary variations 
between the approved 2011 budget and the propo sed 2012 budget, and between the proposed 2012 
and 2013 budgets.  Variations are provided on a cons olidated basis and by budget section.  Budgetary 
variations are further divided into three categor ies:  (i) statutory increases related to approved 
methodologies, such as the revision to salary scales and including the ITC budget increase;  (ii) staff 
resource variations related to the creation of new staff positions or changes in the requirements for 
temporary assistance;  and (iii) other variations.   
27. Statutory and ITC budget increases have been fu lly offset by staff resource variations and 
other variations in 2012. 
CONSOLIDATED BUDGETARY VARIATIONS 2012 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 expressed in relation to 2011 budget 
 
Part Section Statutory & 
ITC Staff  
Inc/Dec Other  
Inc/Dec Sub-total % 
 A Sect  1 Work Years 10,400 663,500 217,000 890,900  0.71% 
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 18,900 (841,100) 0 (822,200) -5.14% 
 B Sect  3 Communications 0 0 (6,800) (6,800) -0.38% 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities 0 0 448,000 448,000  11.59% 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 0 0 265,000 265,000 24.33% 
  Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 0 0 (80,000) (80,000) -6.25% 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services 0 0 (200,000) (200,000)  -2.17% 
 C Sect  8 Staff Overheads 205,000 0 (70,000) 135,000 2.80% 
  Sect  9 Missions 0 0 118,000 118,000  4.01% 
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 0 0 (575,700) (575,700) -17.37% 
  Sect 11 Various 0 0 (193,000) (193,000)  -2.99% 
 D Sect 12 ITC 20,800 0 0 20,800 0.11% 
Grand Total 255,100 (177,600) (77,500) 0  0.00% 
  increase 0.13% -0.09% -0.04% 0.00% 
 
28. The WTO budget increases by CHF 3.7 million in 2013.  Statutory and ITC budget increases 
account for 63 per cent of the overall increase in th e WTO budget.  The other variation is essentially 
due to the start of the reimbursement of the CHF 60  million interest-free loan contracted as part of the 
WTO building project.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 17 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED BUDGETARY VARIATIONS 2013 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 expressed in relation to 2012 budget 
 
Part Section Statutory & ITCStaff 
Inc/Dec Other 
 Inc/Dec Sub-total % 
 A Sect  1 Work Years 2,111,300 0 217,000 2,328,300  1.83% 
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 0 70,000 0 70,000  0.46% 
 B Sect  3 Communications 0 0 (60,000) (60,000)  -3.37% 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities 0 0 715,000 715,000  16.57% 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 0 0 100,000 100,000 7.39% 
  Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 0 0 0 0  0.00% 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services 0 0 (100,000) (100,000)  -1.11% 
 C Sect  8 Staff Overheads 0 0 200,000 200,000  4.03% 
  Sect  9 Missions 0 0 100,000 100,000  3.27% 
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 0 0 112,000 112,000  4.09% 
  Sect 11 Various 0 0 1,500 1,500  0.02% 
 D Sect 12 ITC 207,000 0 0 207,000  1.09% 
Grand Total 2,318,300 70,000 1,285,500 3,673,800  1.87% 
 increase 1.18% 0.04% 0.66% 1.87%  
Inflation 
 
29. WTO expenditure is mainly incurred in Switzerland,  where inflation is estimated to be nil in 
2011.  This budget proposal is based on the assu mption of continued stability in inflation in 
Switzerland for the period.  An unexpected rise in inflation in 2012 could lead to a revision of the 
budget proposals as part of the Mid-Term Review. Fluc tuations in the rate of exchange of the Swiss 
francs should have limited impact on the budget as e xpenditure is predominantly incurred in Swiss 
francs. 
Statutory Increases  
 
30. Statutory increases provide for:  (i) no adju stment to the WTO salary scales in accordance 
with the established methodology5;  (ii) a provision for a 5 per cent increase in medical insurance 
premiums for 2012 and 4 per cent for 2013;  (iii) an adjustment to the WTO staff profile to reflect 
changes in staff benefit entitlements, offset by an over/under-estimation of statutory entitlements 
pertaining to the previous exercise;  and (iv) the revaluation of the vacancy factor6, reflecting the 
impact of the changes in the standard cost.  Th ese are the primary elements that contribute to the 
statutory increase presented.  A detailed analysis of all elements that have been taken into account in 
deriving the WTO Standard Costs for 2012 and 2013 is provided in the section on the Evolution of 
Overall Staff Costs on paragraphs 51-54.  
Staff Resources  
 
31. The budget proposals provide for the creation of three new staff positions fully funded as of 
1st January 2012.  These staff positions are urgen tly required to support the dispute settlement 
mechanism.  It is proposed to increase legal resource s by two posts in the Appellate Body Secretariat 
and by one post in the Legal Affairs Division.  Th ey will be open to junior professionals at the entry 
level grade 6.  
                                                      
5 WT/BFA/64. 
6 Representing the time lag from the announcement of the vacancy notice for a post a nd the actual recruitment. WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 18  
 
 32. As a continuation of the restructuring exercise conducted in the current biennium, it is 
envisaged to redeploy at least 15 posts across the Secretariat during the biennium.  The aim of the 
redeployment is to continue to shift resources fro m support to trade-related functions and also to 
continue the effort to gradually absorb those re gular WTO activities currently  funded by the trust 
fund, thus reducing the dependency on extra- budgetary financing for regular activities.  
33. In parallel, the allocation for temporary assistan ce, under Section 2, is proposed to be reduced 
by CHF 882,200 in 2012.  Reductions are proposed in  all categories of temporary assistance except IT 
consultancy services.  These reductions in te mporary assistance can only be achieved through the 
streamlining of services provided to Members and inte rnally within the Secret ariat, such as reduced 
translation, transportation, mailing and docum ent production services.  Additional temporary 
assistance is required in 2013, essentially for the hire of IT consultants to assist in the development 
and streamlining of databases and enhance trade data analytics.   
34. The following two tables provide a summary of the various elements pertaining to the 
increase in staff resources. 
STAFF RESOURCES VARIATIONS 2012 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Part Line Item Sect  1 Work 
Years Sect  2 
Temporary 
Assistance Grand Total 
A (a) Salary  476,300  0  476,300  
  (b) Pension   251,000  0  251,000  
  (c) Common Staff Costs  163,600  0  163,600  
  (a) Temporary Assistance (a) Support 0  (100,000)  (100,000)  
    (b) Translators 0  (200,000)  (200,000)  
    (c) Interpreters 0  (181,100)  (181,100)  
    (d) Consultants 0  (202,100) (202,100) 
    (e) IT Consultants 0  152,000  152,000  
    (f) Replacements 0  (200,000)  (200,000)  
    (g) Internships 0  0  0  
    (h) Overtime 0  (100,000)  (100,000)  
  (i) Common Staff Costs  0  9,000 9,000 
Grand Total   890,900  (822,200) 68,700  
 
STAFF RESOURCES VARIATIONS 2013 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Part Line Item Sect  1 Work 
Years Sect  2 
Temporary 
Assistance Grand Total 
A (a) Salary   2,024,300 0  2,024,300 
  (b) Pension   425,900 0  425,900 
  (c) Common Staff Costs   (121,900) 0  (121,900)
  (a) Temporary Assistance (d) Consultants -  (10,000)  (10,000) 
    (e) IT Consultants -  80,000  80,000 
Grand Total   2,328,300 70,000  2,398,300 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 19 
 
 
 Other increases/decreases   
 
35. Other variations, not related to statutory adjustments or staff resources, are detailed in the 
following table.  They would result in a decr ease of CHF 77,500 for 2012 and an increase of 
CHF 1,285,500 for 2013.  The increase under Section 1 Work Years represents the cost related to the 
reclassification of 5 per cent of the established posts. 
36. The overall decrease of CHF 77,500 for 2012, is co mprised primarily of:  (i) decreases in the 
number of Technical Training Courses of CHF 575 ,700, whilst increasing the numbers of shorter 
courses and hence the number of participants;  (ii)  a decrease of CHF 174,300 with respect to the 
foreseen reduction in the postal delivery of doc uments; (iii) a decrease of CHF 100,000 in newspaper 
and magazine subscriptions; iv) a decrease of CHF 200,000 in reproductio n and related supplies 
expenditure; (v) a decrease of CHF 50,000 in the secur ity outsourcing services;  offset by:  (vi) an 
increase of CHF 380,000 to conduct further building modifications and accommodate the move of the 
data centre currently situated at Ch emin des Mines; (vii) the regradings of 5 per cent of the posts for a 
total amount of CHF 217,000; (vi) an increase under permanent equipment to acquire security and a 
specific filming equipment for the documents repr oduction facility for a total of CHF 285,000; (viii) 
and increases of CHF 167,500 expected under telephone  expenditure, essentially related to mobile 
communication; and (ix) an increase of CHF 118,000 in  official missions to co ver for increases in the 
number of TPR and the off-campus internal worki ng session of the Appellate Body Secretariat.  
37. The overall increase of CHF 1,285, 500 for 2013 is mainly due to:  (i) an increase of 
CHF 1,200,000 pertaining to the repayments schedul e of the interest-free loan of CHF 60 million for 
the building of the extension to the Centre Willia m Rappard reduced by a saving of CHF 600,000 in 
rental expenditure related to the building currently o ccupied at Chemin des Mines; (ii) an increase of 
CHF 112,000 for the rescheduling of Geneva base d trade policy courses; (iii) an increase of 
CHF 200,000 for the contribution to the retirees' health insurance;  (iv) an increase of CHF 100,000 in 
the TPR official mission allocation;  (vi) the regrad ing of 5 per cent of the posts for a total amount of 
CHF 217,000; (vii) an increase of CHF 500,000 in renovation and maintenance expenditure for the 
new WTO complex reduced by a saving of CHF 170, 000 in building utilities expenditure related to 
the building previously rented; and (viii) a fu rther decrease of CHF 100,000 in documents 
reproduction expenditure rela ted to reduced number of printed documents.  WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 20  
 
 OTHER VARIATIONS 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Part Section Line Other 
 2012 Other 
 2013 
A Sect  1 Work Years (a) Salary 182,400  182,400 
    (b) Pension 34,600  34,600 
    (c) Common Staff Costs 0  0 
B Sect  3 Communications (a) Telecommunications 167,500  0 
    (b) Postal Charges (174,300) (60,000) 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities (a) Rental 68,000  585,000 
    (b) Utilities 0  (170,000) 
    (c) Maintenance and Insurance 380,000  300,000 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment (a) Permanent Equipment 285,000  100,000 
    (b)Permanent Equipment Lease (20,000)  0 
  Sect  6 Expendable (a) Expendable Supplies (80,000) 0 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services (a) Reproduction (150,000) (100,000) 
    (b) Office Automation 0  0 
    (c) Other 0  0 
    (d) Security Outsourcing (50,000) 0 
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads (a) Training 0  0 
    (b) Insurance (100,000) 200,000 
    (c) Joint Services 0  0 
    (d) Miscellaneous 30,000  0 
  Sect  9 Missions (a) Missions Official 118,000  100,000 
    (b) Missions Technical 0  0 
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses  (575,700) 112,000 
  Sect 11 Various (a) Representation and Hospitality 0  500 
    (b) Dispute Settlement Panels 0  0 
    (c) Experts 0  0 
    (d) Appellate Body Members 0  0 
    (e) Library (100,000) 0 
    (f) Publications (23,000) 1,000 
    (g) Public Information Activities (80,000) 0 
    (h) External Auditors 0  0 
    (i) Ministerial Operating Fund 0  0 
    (j) ISO 0  0 
    (k) Other 10,000  0 
    (l) Appellate Body Operating Fund 0  0 
Grand Total   (77,500) 1,285,500 
 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 21 
 
 
 IV.  BUDGET PROPOSALS BY KEY OUTPUTS AND PROJECTS 
38. This part provides the explanation of the budget pr oposals by key projects and activities.  It is 
planned that the next biennial budget proposals will be primarily presented by the outputs or projects 
that make up the activities of the WTO, rather than  by the current sections describing the type of 
expenditure. 
 
2012-2013 BUDGET ESTIMATES 
(in Swiss Francs ) 
 
 2011 Inc/Dec 
2011 2012 Inc/Dec 
2012 2013 Diff.  
2012 Diff.
2013 
WTO 171,470,300 (439,600) 171,030,700 3,403,600 174,434,300 -0.26% 1.99%
Appellate Body 5,622,600 418,800 6,041,400 63,200 6,104,600 7.45% 1.05%
Sub-total 177,092,900 (20,800) 177,072,100 3,466,800 180,538,900 -0.01% 1.96%
International Trade Centre 18,911,000 20,800 18,931,800 207,000 19,138,800 0.11% 1.09%
Grand Total 196,003,900 0 196,003,900 3,673,800 199,677,700 0.00% 1.87 %
 
39. Of the proposed appropriations of CHF 196 million and CHF 200 m illion for 2012 and 2013 
respectively, the Appellate Body and its Secretariat accounts for CHF 6.0 million and 
CHF 6.1 million of the proposed budget allocations  for 2012 and 2013, respectively.  The net increase 
in 2012 of CHF 418,800 of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat is comprised of:  i) statutory decrease of CHF 36,500 for elements pertaining to  established posts;  ii) CHF 442,300 pertaining to 
the creation of two fully funded posts under this S ecretariat to meet the increased demands placed on 
this area;  and iii) an increase of CHF 13,000 under missions to finance the expenditure related to an 
off-campus internal working session of the Appellate Body.  No replenishment of the Appellate Body 
Operating Fund (ABOF) is proposed for 2012 as rec ourse will be made to the anticipated closing 
balance of 2011 to meet the hi gher levels of expenditure.  
40. The International Trade Centre (ITC) budget is shared equally between the WTO and 
UNCTAD.  The ITC budget proposals represent 0. 11 and 1.09 per cent of the proposed overall 
increase in budget allocations for the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. 
41. The security enhancement project related to the building project is scheduled to be completed 
by the end of 2013.  The new security perimeter,  currently in the design and approval phase, will 
require the installation of security equipment. The completion of the single security site planned for 
2013 will first lead to additional equipment investme nt but is expected to lead to considerable 
economies across the entire security budget as of 2014. The number of personnel required to monitor 
a single site with modern technology will be reduced compared to the current open site situation with 
six different entries to monitor. The camera system gradually installed as of 2010 is leading to an increase in the maintenance budget.  The additional investment in equipment and maintenance shall 
be reimbursed in less than two years and will lead to a more professional and cost-efficient security 
system for the WTO in the future.    WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 22  
 
 2012-2013 SECURITY BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
A Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 50,000 5,000 55,000 (10,000) 45,000 10.00% -18.18%
B  Sect  4 Building Facilities        
    (c) Maintenance and Insurance 90,000 60,000 150,000 20,000 170,000  66.67% 13.33%
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment        
    (a) Permanent Equipment 50,000 185,000 235,000 200,000 435,000  370.00% 85.11%
  Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 40,000 (30,000) 10,000 0 10,000  -75.00% 0.00%
  Sect  7 Contractual Services        
    (d) Security Outsourcing 3,950,000 (50,000) 3,900,000 0 3,900,000  -1.27% 0.00%
Grand Total  4,180,000 170,000 4,350,000 210,000 4,560,000  4.07% 4.83 %
 
42. Training is a key priority for staff development.  It is proposed to maintain the CHF 1,525,000 
budgetary allocation at its current level in order to meet the new training requirements such as on 
ethics and code of conduct, training on perform ance management and management training.  
43. Outreach activities took on a more significant role  in the aftermath of the WTO Ministerial 
Conference in Seattle in 1999.  The public debate  on the WTO and the multilateral trading system 
pointed to the need to stimulate a transparent and mo re balanced public debate.  Since its inception in 
2001, the WTO Public Forum has been recognized as th e most relevant international platform for in-
depth dialogue and reflection on past, present and fu ture developments and ideas that determine the 
shape and direction of the multilateral trading system.  It is the WTO's biggest and most important outreach event, each year attracting more than 1, 000 participants from around the world, representing 
WTO Members and Observers, parliamentarians, n on-governmental organizations, academics, media 
and the business community.  WTO Members recogni sed the importance of the event and approved 
its stable funding from the regular budget in 2008.  The event was extended from two to three days in 2009, and another outreach event, the Open Day, focusing on the local community in Geneva, was 
introduced.  The proposed 2012 and 2013 appropria tions provide for both these events and the 
proposed appropriations maintained at the 2011 level (see table below).  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 23 
 
 
 2012-2013 OUTREACH BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 Part 
Section Line 2011 Inc/Dec
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff 
2012 Diff 
2013 
A Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 100,000 0 100,000 0 100,000  0.00% 0.00%
B Sect  4 Building Facilities       
  (a) Rental 18,000 0 18,000 0 18,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (b) Utilities 2,000 0 2,000 0 2,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (c) Maintenance and Insurance 8,000 0 8,000 0 8,000  0.00% 0.00%
 Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 51,000 0 51,000 0 51,000  0.00% 0.00%
 Sect  7 Contractual Services       
  (d) Security Outsourcing 33,000 0 33,000 0 33,000  0.00% 0.00%
C Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses  110,000 0 110,000 0 110,000  0.00% 0.00%
 Sect 11 Various       
  (a) Representation and Hospitality 20,000 0 20,000 0 20,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (f) Publications 30,000 0 30,000 0 30,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (g) Public Information Activities 60,000 0 60,000 0 60,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total 432,000 0 432,000 0 432,000 0.0% 0.0%
 
44. It is proposed to increase slightly the In formation Technology budge t by 2.19 per cent and 
1.13 per cent in 2012 and 2013, respectively.  The additional expenditure will be only on IT 
consultants.  Almost three quarters of the IT budg et relates to the fixed costs of the Informatics 
Division to maintain the existing IT infrastructur e and services such as software licences, hardware, 
maintenance and short-term staffing requirements.  The remaining budget is used to engage projects 
to enhance support and core business systems.  
45. In the core trade-related area, projects will be undertaken on a trade monitoring database, 
government procurement and intellectual property gateways, integration of bound, applied and 
preferential commitments in the area of Services,  an accessions commitments database and a dispute 
settlement registry.  It will also include the pr oject to integrate all existing non-tariff-measure 
databases into an "umbrella database" application that will be linked with tariff and trade data. 
46. In the support area, projects will be undertak en on a job profiling system, enhanced online 
performance evaluation report, re-engineered Docu ment Management System, increased network 
storage and remote access system.  The upgrade or migration of the Organization's Enterprise 
Resources Planning (ERP) system due to take place at the end of 2013 has had to be postponed due to 
the budgetary constraints.  This project, which is es timated to cost in the area of CHF 1 million, will 
be comprehensively reviewed in the new biennium w ith a view to finding a cheaper alternative to the 
current system to operate and maintain. WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 24  
 
 2012-2013 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
A Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 2,474,400 152,000 2,626,400 80,000 2,706,400  6.14% 3.05%
B Sect  5 Permanent Equipment 830,000 0 830,000 0 830,000  0.00% 0.00%
  Sect  6 Expendable 270,000 0 270,000 0 270,000  0.00% 0.00%
  Sect  7 Contractual Services 3,365,000 0 3,365,000 0 3,365,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total  6,939,400 152,000 7,091,400 80,000 7,171,400  2.19% 1.13%
 
47. Training and Technical Co-operation Training Courses funded through the regular budget of 
the WTO have undergone some changes in 2010.  In  2009, two of the four three-month Advanced 
Trade Policy Courses could not be conducted as tr aining rooms became unavailable due to the 
refurbishment of the WTO premises at the Centre  William Rappard.  The opportunity was seized to 
introduce much shorter thematic courses, specifically targeted to the level of their audience, thereby 
increasing their effectiveness.  At the same time, th e content of these courses was revised to target 
more specifically the needs of the participants.  It is, therefore, proposed to increase the number of 
specialized courses from seven to nine, offering more  topics such as Technical Barriers to Trade, 
Regionalism, Agriculture, Rules and TRIPS lasting one to two weeks as opposed to the three-month 
Advanced Trade Policy Courses and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Course.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 25 
 
 
 2012-2013 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TRAINING COURSES AND ACTIVITIES BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Course/Activity 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff.  
2012 Diff. 
2013 
ATPC1 570,300  14,200 584,500 0 584,500 2.49% 0.00%
ATPC2 570,300  14,200 584,500 0 584,500 2.49% 0.00%
DL1 73,500  0 73,500 0 73,500 0.00% 0.00%
DSC1 68,500  1,200 69,700 0 69,700 1.75% 0.00%
DSC2 68,500  (68,500) 0 0 0 -100.00% 0.00%
DSC3 68,500  (68,500) 0 0 0 -100.00% 0.00%
LDC1 192,100  17,600 209,700 0 209,700 9.16% 0.00%
LDC2 192,100  (192,100) 0 0 0 -100.00% 0.00%
OPDOOR 10,000  0 10,000 0 10,000 0.00% 0.00%
SPEC1 153,300  (71,500) 81,800 0 81,800 -46.64% 0.00%
SPEC2 153,300  (153,300) 0 180,300 180,300 -100.00% N/A
SPEC3 153,300  5,600 158,900 0 158,900 3.65% 0.00%
SPEC4 153,300  102,500 255,800 0 255,800 66.86% 0.00%
SPEC5 153,300  (23,000) 130,300 0 130,300 -15.00% 0.00%
SPEC6 207,100  (17,300) 189,800 (189,800) 0 -8.35% -100.00%
SPEC7 207,100  (18,300) 188,800 0 188,800 -8.84% 0.00%
SPEC8   0 0 137,000 137,000 0.00% N/A
SPEC9   14,000 14,000 (14,000) 0 0.00% -100.00%
UNIPROG 250,000  0 250,000 0 250,000 0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total 3,244,500  (443,200) 2,801,300 113,500 2,914,800 -13.66 % 4.05 %
 
Legend: 
 
ATPC Advanced Trade 
Policy Course UNIPROG University 
Program OPDOOR Open Door 
Event DSC Dispute 
Settlement Course 
LDC Least Developed 
Countries DL Distance 
Learning Course SPEC Specialised 
Course   
 
48. Documents reproduction and distribution services:  The budget is to decrease by 
CHF 300,000 over the next two years to reflect the reduction in the distribution of documents in 
printed form.  The disposal of two large and high- volume off-set machines is  scheduled for the third 
quarter of 2012.  A new generation of digital film ing equipment is needed to produce the covers for 
publications and facilitate the in-house and more competitive production of publications on demand.  
The activity of the document reproduction team will  continue to be more focussed on the production 
of media and public relation materials.   WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 26  
 
 2012-2013 DOCUMENTS REPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION BUDGET 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff.  
2012 Diff. 
2013 
A Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 200,000 0 200,000 0 200,000  0.00% 0.00 %
B Sect  5 Permanent Equipment        
  (b) Permanent Equipment Lease 150,000 100,000 250,000 (100,000) 150,000  66.67 % -40.00 %
  Sect  6 Expendable 430,000 (50,000) 380,000 0 380,000  -11.63 % 0.00 %
  Sect  7 Contractual Services        
  (a) Reproduction 1,336,000 (150,000) 1,186,000 (100,000) 1,086,000  -11.23 % -8.43 %
Grand Total 2,116,000 (100,000) 2,016,000 (200,000) 1,816,000  -4.73% -9.92 %
 
49. Building Project:   In the course of the next biennium, purchases related to office and 
common area furniture, interpretation equipment a nd furniture for renovated conference rooms will 
continue to be financed outside of the regular b udget through the funds set aside in the Members' 
Transition Operating Fund (MTOF).  The WTO regul ar budget will continue to cover some of the 
staff and temporary-assistance-related expenditure  required to oversee a nd support the building 
project. The moves of the IT data centre and docum ents reproduction facility to the new building are 
planned for the second semester of 2012.    
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 27 
 
 
 V. BUDGET PROPOSALS BY SECTION AND LINE 
50. This part provides the analysis of the budget proposals by budget section and line, segregating 
the WTO Secretariat from the Appellate Body and its Secretariat. 
A. WTO  SECRETARIAT  
Part A - Staff 
 
Part A of the budget proposals covers all salary, pension and common staff costs for those staff in 
regular positions and those hired un der temporary assistance.  For regular staff, standard costing has 
been used.  Standard costs are composed of a number of elements under Salaries and Common Staff 
Costs.  These can vary from year to year with ch anges in the cost of living, conditions of service, 
places of recruitment, number of expected retirem ents and home leave entitlements (authorized every 
second year).  Since 1 January 1999, the WTO Conditions of Service are applied.   
 51. The following table shows the evolution of staff standard costs from the 2011 budget to the 
proposals for 2013, with details in paragraphs 52-53. 
2012-2013 EVOLUTION OF STANDARD COSTS 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Standard Costs for WTO staff    
2011 
Budget 2012 
Budget 
Proposals 2013 
Budget 
Proposals 
(a) Salary   137,900   138,500 144,000  
(b) Contribution to WTO Pension Plan 29,100 29,300 30,500  
(c) Common Staff Costs       
(a) Health Insurance   7,600 7,600 7,900  
(b) Travel & removal 900 600 500  
(c) Separation 1,400 900 700  
(d) Family Allowances 8,100 8,500 8,500  
(e) Education 5,000 6,100 6,100  
(f) Installation 700 700 700  
(g) Repatriation 1,400 800 700  
(h) Home leave 2,600 2,800 2,800  
(j) Rental Subsidy 400 300 300  
(k) Language Allowance 400 300 300  
Total    195,500 196,400 203,000  
(nearest CHF 100) 
 
52. In accordance with the decision on 15 May 20 03 (WT/GC/M/80), the General Council, acting 
on a recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (WT/BFA/64), approved the methodology for future salary adjustment s in the WTO.  In addition, as called for in 
Staff Regulation 6.4, the General Council had prev iously approved the Performance Award System on 
8 February 2001 (document WT/GC/M/63). 
53. All projections for statutory increases are based  on the application of the above-mentioned 
established methodology.  The above-mentioned sta ndard costs do not make any provision for a 
movement in salary scales.  The anticipated movement s in the indexes are not expected to generate 
changes in the salary scales in 2012 and in 2013.  Th e cost of medical insurance premiums is expected 
to increase by 5 per cent and 4 per cent in each of th e respective years of the biennium.  The balance WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 28  
 
 is made up of movements with respect to changes in common staff costs as up to date staff profiles are 
taken into account.  For more details, please refer to  each of the respective items of Section 1- Work 
years. 
EVOLUTION OF OVERALL STAFF COSTS 
2011 -2013 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
  (a)Salary (b)Pension (c)Common 
Staff Costs Grand Total 
Budget 2011 86,975,300  18,326,100  18,027,200  123,328,600 
Profile adjustment (1,239,400) (117,700) (371,000) (1,728,100)
Education Grant     211,000  211,000 
Spouse Allowance     164,000  164,000 
Performance Appraisal  System 1,150,000 241,500   1,391,500 
Vacancy Factor Revaluation (700) 9,200 8,500 
New Posts 138,500 29,300 53,400  221,200 
Regradings 182,400 34,600   217,000 
Budget 2012 87,206,100 18,523,000 18,084,600  123,813,700 
Performance Appraisal  System 1,787,500 380,200   2,167,700 
Vacancy Factor Revaluation (37,400) (11, 000) (48,400)
Health Insurance     191,700  191,700 
New Posts     
Profile adjustment     (262,900) (262,900)
Regradings 182,400 34,600   217,000 
Budget 2013 89,138,600 18,926,800 18,013,400  126,078,800 
 
54. The profile adjustment mentioned in the above ta ble is used to adjust the appropriations for 
variations in staff entitlements.  Anticipated retirem ents give rise to entitlements in specific years and 
similar adjustments are made with respect to thei r replacements.  Other entitlements are payable every 
second year, such as home leave.  The profile adju stment concerning family allowances reflects the 
increase in dependency entitlements arising from birt hs, marriages and spouse dependency changes.  
The adjustment also takes into acc ount the refinement of budgetary projections for past exercises.   WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 29 
 
 
 ELEMENTS OF PROFILE ADJUSTMENT 2012 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Line Sub-Item Amount 
(a) Salary  (1,239,400) 
(b) Pension  (117,700) 
(c) Common Staff Costs (a) Health Insurance 0 
  (b) Travel & Removal (180,000) 
  (c) Separation (300,000) 
  (d) Family Allowances 40,000  
  (e) Education 450,000  
  (f) Installation 0  
  (g) Repatriation (410,000) 
  (h) Home Leave 100,000  
  (j) Rental Subsidy (50,000) 
  (k) Language Allowance (20,000) 
  (l) Non Residence Allowance (1,000) 
 Grand Total    (1,728,100) 
 
Section 1 - Work/Years 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec  
2012 2012 Inc/Dec  
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
A Sect  1 Work Years         
  (a) Salary 
(b) Pension 
(c) Common Staff Costs 86,975,300  230,800 87,206,100 1,932,500 89,138,600  0.27% 2.22 %
  18,326,100  196,900 18,523,000 403,800 18,926,800  1.07% 2.18 %
  18,027,200  57,400 18,084,600 (71,200) 18,013,400  0.32% -0.39 %
Grand Total 123,328,600  485,100 123,813,700 2,265,100 126,078,800  0.39% 1.83 %
 
Extended Analysis by Variation Category 
 
Year Statutory Staff 
Inc/Dec Other Sub-total 
Inc/Dec 
2012 46,900 221,200 217,000 485,100  
2013 2,048,100 0 217,000 2,265,100  
 
(a) Salary 
 
55. The salary scale of the WTO staff and its annual adjustment is based on WTO Staff 
Regulation 6.2.  The 2011 estimates reflect the salary cost for 645.5 work years for the WTO Secretariat in 2012 and 2013.  The overall proposed  net increase of CHF 230,800 is comprised of the 
following:  (i) a zero adjustment to the salary scale in accordance with the established methodology 
(WT/GC/M/63);  (ii) a provision of CHF 1,746,100 fo r the application of th e Performance Appraisal 
System (WT/GC/M/80), reduced by the expected pe r f o r m a n c e  a w a r d s  t o  b e  p a i d   i n  2 0 1 2  a f t e r  
increments have been awarded;  (iii) a provision of  CHF 138,500 for the new post in Legal Affairs;   
and (iv) the provision for regradings of CHF 182,400 , which provides for the regrading of 5 per cent 
of the regular posts. These increases were offset by  the following statutory decreases:  (v) a staff WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 30  
 
 profile adjustment amounting to CHF 1,239,400, wh ich reflects the changes in anticipated versus 
actual entitlements of staff;  a nd (vi) a decrease of CHF 700 resulting from the revaluation of the 
vacancy factor of 12 vacant posts. 
56. The provisions for 2012 have been established on th e same principles as in 2011.  For details 
with respect to the specific elements, kindly refer to the table in paragraph 53 on the Evolution of 
Overall Staff Costs. 
(b) Contribution to the WTO Pension Plan 
 
57. The contributions to the WTO Pension Plan are based on the Regulations of the WTO 
Pension Plan, Article 20.  With effect from 1 January  2010, the contribution rate for participants and 
for the WTO increased from 7.5 per cent to 7.9 pe r cent and from 15.0 per cent to 15.8 per cent of 
pensionable remuneration, respectively as set out in document WT/GC/W/606.  The increases of CHF 196,900 in 2012 and of CHF 403,800 in 2013 include  the statutory adjustments directly linked to 
the evolution of salaries, new posts, staff profile a nd regradings.  A detailed explanation is similarly 
provided in the table on paragraph 53. 
(c) Other Common Staff Costs 
58. The estimates for Common Staff Costs include provisions for sickness insurance, dependency 
allowances, language allowance, education grant, tr avel on home leave, installation grant, travel and 
removal and other common staff costs such as repatr iation grant and rental subsidy.  These costs have 
been calculated in accordance w ith the entitlements under the WTO Staff Regulations.  They are 
based on the actual situation with regard to the st aff, including projected retirements and turnover.  
59. The 2012 common staff costs show a net overa ll increase of CHF 57,400 compared to the 
2011 budget, which is composed of:  (i) medical insurance premiums - the 2011 amount included a 
provision of a 5 per cent increase for the medical premiums, whereas the premiums finally did not increase. This budgetary saving is used to offset the anticipated increase for 2012, reducing the overall 
net increase to CHF 7,600, (ii) CHF 53,400 pertaining to the recruitment costs of one new post;  and 
(iii) CHF 2,600 resulting from profile adjustments. 
60. The 2013 common staff costs show an overall decrease of CHF 71,200, taking into account 
the projected 4 per cent increase in medical insurance premiums. 
Section 2 - Temporary Assistance 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff.  
2012 Diff. 
2013 
A Sect  2 Temporary 
Assistance 15,927,100  (822,200) 15,104,900 70,000 15,174,900  -5.16% 0.46%
 
61. The allocation for temporary assistance (TA) cove rs freelance interpreters and translators, 
consultants and other staff recruited on a short-term basis, such as secretaries, clerks or typists.  It also 
covers the replacement of staff on extended sick or  maternity leave.  The table detailing temporary 
assistance by type has been updated to reflect chang es in specific projects or activities funded by the 
WTO regular budget such as trade-related technical  assistance activities or the Public Forum. 
62. In 2012, it is proposed to decrease the alloca tion for temporary assistance by CHF 822,200 in 
respect of all sub-categories except for informatics consultants and common staff costs, in line with 
the proposed actions to streamline the Secretaria t's operations.  In 2013, the only increase envisaged  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 31 
 
 
 concerns informatics consultants where a number of projects are planned to enhance trade data 
analytics and the IT infrastructure. 
SCHEDULE OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
(a)Temporary Assistance       
(a) Support 1,200,900  (100,000) 1,100,900 0 1,100,900  -8.33% 0.00%
(b) Translators 6,719,000  (200,000) 6,519,000 0 6,519,000  -2.98% 0.00%
(c) Interpreters  1,936,000  (181,100) 1,754,900 0 1,754,900  -9.35% 0.00%
(d) Consultants     1,456,300  (202,100) 1,254,200 (10,000) 1,244,200  -13.88% -0.80%
(e) IT Consultants 2,474,400  152,000 2,626,400 80,000 2,706,400  6.14% 3.05%
(f) Replacements 940,000  (200,000) 740,000 0 740,000  -21.28% 0.00%
(g) Internships 372,700  0 372,700 0 372,700  0.00% 0.00%
(h) Overtime 346,000  (100,000) 246,000 0 246,000  -28.90% 0.00%
(b)TA Common Staff Costs 481,800  9,000 490,800 0 490,800  1.87% 0.00%
Grand total  15,927,100 (822,200) 15,104,900 70,000 15,174,900 -5.16% 0.46%
 
Part B - Administrative Costs 
 
Part B of the budget proposals covers administrative costs including the maintenance and insurance of 
the building and associated facilities, permanent and expendable equipment, communication costs, 
costs related to the reproduction of document s and those for informatics/office automation. 
 
Part 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff.
2013 
B – Administrative Costs 17,164,600  316,200 17,480,800 855,000 18,335,800  1.84% 4.89%
 
Section 3 – Communications  
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff. 
2012 Diff. 
2013 
B Sect  3 Communications         
  (a) Telecommunications 500,000 167,500 667,500 0 667,500  33.50% 0.00%
  (b) Postal Charges 1,280,000 (174,300) 1,105,700 (60,000) 1,045,700  -13.62% -5.43%
Grand Total  1,780,000 (6,800) 1,773,200 (60,000) 1,713,200  -0.38 % -3.38 %
 
(a) Telecommunications 
 
63. The estimate of CHF 667,500 for 2012 provides for all telecommunication charges as well as 
for the rental of telephone lines.  The increase of  CHF 167,500 in 2012 is primarily due to increases 
related to mobile communications and the rental of optical fibre primarily for the security of the new 
external car park.  The WTO telephone policy is designed to take full advantage of alternative 
providers and control access to certain zones.  Th e Secretariat will comprehensively review that 
policy in 2012 to take advantage of rapid tec hnological changes in mobile and computer-based 
communication.  The provision for 2013 is maintained at the 2012 level. WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 32  
 
 (b) Postal charges 
 
64. The estimate of CHF 1,105,700 for 2012 provides for the cost of postage, freight and 
removals.  The proposed 2012 allocation reflects a decrease of CHF 174,300 against the 2011 budget.  
This reduction is possible only through the envisaged st reamlining of the operations  of the Secretariat, 
especially the gradual elimination of the traditiona l distribution of documents in printed form.  A 
further reduction of CHF 60,000 is proposed in this area in 2013 as part of the continued shift towards 
the electronic distribution of documents.  This a llocation also includes the amount required for some 
office moves in 2012 as part of the Building Project.  
Section 4 - Building Facilities 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff  
2012 Diff  
2013 
 B Sect  4 Building Facilities         
  (a) Rental 625,000 68,000 693,000 585,000 1,278,000  10.88% 84.42%
  (b) Utilities 1,916,000 0 1,916,000 (170,000) 1,746,000  0.00% -8.87%
  (c) Maintenance and Insurance 1,307,000 380,000 1,687,000 59,000 1,746,000  29.07% 3.50%
Grand Total  3,848,000 448,000 4,296,000 715,000 5,011,000  11.64% 16.64%
(a) Rental of premises 
 
65. The rental of premises in 2012 will continue to be essentially related to the additional offices 
and parking spaces rented in the office building locat ed at Chemin des Mines (CDM).  This building 
is rented by the Swiss Authorities for the WTO as part of the Building Project.  However, the WTO 
has rented additional space in this building to cove r additional needs since the start of the Building 
Project in 2008.  The estimates for the rental of prem ises also include the rental of external facilities 
for paper archiving and general storage and the occas ional rental of external conference rooms.  The 
adjustment in the 2012 budget reflects th e current rental charges in this area. 
66. The office building rented at CDM will be vacat ed at the end of the Building Project in 
December 2012.  The staff in this building will move  back to the Centre William Rappard and to the 
new building.  
67. The CDM rental will disappear in 2013 but will be replaced by the reimbursement of the first 
instalment of the 50-year, CHF 60 million interest-free loan contracted with the Swiss Authorities as part of the Building Project.  This amount has been included under the same heading as the prior 
rental of premises. 
(b) Utilities  
 
68. The cost of utilities, including electricity, water,  heating and contractual cleaning, is expected 
to remain stable in 2012.  The cleaning contract is  currently being tendered, and a new contract will 
enter into force in 2012.  The on-going building work  may give rise to some variation in the actual 
cost of utilities in 2012. 
69. As from 2013, it is expected that expenditure on utilities could drop by almost 9 per cent as 
the Building Project will have been completed.  The new and renovated buildings will be more 
energy-efficient.  They will feature low-energy appl iances, and the heating will be a combination of 
three sources of energy, including thermal heat transfer.   WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 33 
 
 
 (c) Maintenance and Insurance 
70. The estimate of CHF 1,687,000 for 2012 provides for the maintenance of the building, fire 
equipment, snow removal, building insurance, san itary equipment as well as security measures.  The 
Headquarters Agreement provides that Swiss Author ities cover the basic maintenance of the Centre 
William Rappard while the WTO is re sponsible for day-to-day mainte nance work.  The latter includes 
minor repairs and alterations in  the buildings occupied by the WTO.  The increase in 2012 
corresponds to the cost of transferring the datacen tre from the CDM building to the new building.  
71. The Infrastructure Contract is currently being renegotiated with the Swiss Authorities.  The 
precise maintenance costs of the WTO single site rema in to be determined.  The WTO will bear some 
additional maintenance costs as the owner and occupier of its new building at the start of 2013.  The 
Secretariat has asked the consultants working on the Building Project to provide preliminary estimates 
on the projected maintenance of the new WTO comp lex.  The WTO already expects some additional 
maintenance costs in 2013, especially related to the cleaning of the external glass envelope of the new 
building, lifts, cooling and ventilation systems, the South Courtyard garden and maintenance of 
security equipment in the new building and the ne w Sécheron car park. Until the new Infrastructure 
Contract is finalized and the operating costs of the new WTO complex can be more precisely 
estimated, the Secretariat proposes to set aside CHF 5 00,000 in 2013 to offset the expected increase in 
maintenance costs. This could be eventually organi zed through a building repair fund. The Secretariat 
considers this as a prudent approach, especially gi ven the adverse experience s of other organizations 
in Geneva and elsewhere that faced hi gh maintenance or repair expenditure. 
72. The costs of building a new accreditation facility to replace the existing temporary modular 
structure and of renovating the villa previously occupi ed by a crèche are not included in this proposal 
as clear estimates are not yet available.   
73. Section 5 - Permanent Equipment  
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
B Sect  5 Permanent Equipment         
  (a) Permanent Equipment 1,000,000 285,000 1,285,000 100,000 1,385,000  28.50% 7.78%
  (b) Permanent  Equipment  
     Lease 64,000 (20,000) 44,000 0 44,000  -31.24% 0.00%
Grand Total 1,064,000 265,000 1,329,000 100,000 1,429,000 24.91% 7.52%
 
74. This section covers the cost of procuring permanent equipment items valued at over 
CHF 5,000 with an expected life-span of more th an one year.  It comprises both purchase and lease 
costs.   WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 34  
 
  
2012-2013 BUDGET PERMANENT EQUIPMENT 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Item Type 2011 2012  2013 
(a) Permanent Equipment   
 Audio Visual 30,000 30,000  30,000 
 Computing Hardware 820,000 820,000  820,000 
 Office Furniture & Equipment 60,000 60,000  60,000 
 Other 20,000 20,000  20,000 
 Security 50,000 235,000  435,000 
 Telecommunications 20,000 20,000  20,000 
 Reproduction 0 100,000  0 
(b) Permanent Equipment Lease   
 Other including Vehicles 40,000 20,000  20,000 
 Rental of Permanent Equipment 24,000 24,000  24,000 
Grand Total    1,064,000 1,329,000  1,429,000 
75. The increase in the allocation of permanent equipment is essentially connected to the 
acquisition of security equipment in  the context of the security peri meter and Building Project. This 
investment will contribute to reducing the labour cost elements associated with the outsourced 
security contract once the security perimeter is completed by the end of 2013. In addition, the purchase of a film-laying machine for digital prints , amounting to CHF 100,000, is foreseen for 2012.  
The remaining overall allocation of CHF 1 million is predominantly for informatics, network 
maintenance and new requirements.  The provision fo r office furniture has been held at a low level 
since new furniture will be acquired through th e Members’ Transition Operating Fund (MTOF), 
established in 2008, instead of from the regular budget. The reduction in the number of vehicles used by the WTO will reduce the expenditure under leasing. 
Section 6 - Expendable Equipment 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013 Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
B  Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 1,261,000 (80,000) 1,181,000 0 1,181,000  -6.34% 0.00% 
 
76. The estimate for expendable equipment covers sta tionery and other general office supplies, IT 
supplies (e.g. toner for printers and spare parts), paper and other supplies for reproduction equipment, 
electrical and other tools/supplies for the main tenance of the building, uniforms for guards, 
conference room supplies and medical supplies.  The proposed decrease of CHF 80,000 is largely 
connected to the envisaged reduction in reproducti on of documents and office supplies expenditure.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 35 
 
 
  
77. The proposed allocation can be summarized as follows:   
Section Item 2011 2012 2013 
Sect  6 Expendable Supplies     
Building 107,000 125,000 125,000  
Computing 270,000 270,000 270,000  
Office 158,000 140,000 140,000  
Other 212,000 182,000 182,000  
Reproduction 514,000 464,000 464,000  
Total  1,261,000 1,181,000 1,181,000  
 
Section 7 - Contractual Services 
 Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012 Inc/Dec 
2013 2013  Diff  
2012  Diff 
2013 
B Sect  7 Contractual Services         
  (a) Reproduction 1,605,600 (150,000) 1,455,600 (100,000) 1,355,600  -9.34% -6.87%
  (b) Office Automation 3,355,000 0 3,355,000 0 3,355,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (c) Other 238,000 0 238,000 0 238,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (d) Security Outsourcing 4,013,000 (50,000) 3,963,000 0 3,963,000  -1.25% 0.00%
Grand Total  9,211,600 (200,000) 9,011,600 (100,000) 8,911,600  -2.17% -1.11%
 
(a) Reproduction 
 
78. The estimate for reproduction includes costs rela ted to the rental of reproduction machines, 
maintenance of equipment and the cost per c opy printed on these machines in the Documents 
Reproduction and Distribution Section.  The 2012 budget has been redistributed and adjusted in line with current expenditure levels.  The decrease of  CHF 170,000 in rental of equipment stems from the 
reconfiguration of the printing and reproduction e quipment, resulting in fewer production units.  The 
increase under copy charges of CHF 20,000 stems from new contracts negotiated with permanent 
equipment suppliers, where the cost per copy agreem ents were deemed to be more cost effective 
versus the provision of a flat fee agreement.  The overall objective remains firmly directed towards a 
more prominent paperless secretariat.  The Document Reproduction and Distribution Section has diversified its services and now covers most of th e Organization's promotion activity requirements.  
The details of this allocation are as follows:  
Item 2011 2012 2013 
(a) Reproduction 1,605,600 1,455,600 1,355,600 
 Copies 345,600 365,600 365,600  
 Maintenance 90,000 90,000 90,000  
 Rental of equipment 1,170,000 1,000,000 900,000  
 
(b) Office Automation/Informatics  
 
79. The 2012 estimates include:  (i) costs related to computer use at the International Computing 
Centre (ICC) (site maintenance, data storage, lin e charges and maintenance, data computer centre, WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 36  
 
 data encryption servers and licences, etc.) amounti ng to CHF 1,600,000;  (ii) IT insurance of 
CHF 23,000;  and (iii) costs for IT maintenance, up- grades, purchase of software and cost of licences 
amounting to CHF 1,732,000.  It is  proposed not to increase these allocations and to maintain them 
across the biennium. 
Item 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
Computing software /  
Maintenance / Licences 1,732,000 0 1,732,000 0 1,732,000  0.00% 0.00%
Electronic Equipment Insurance 23,000 0 23,000 0 23,000  0.00% 0.00%
ICC support costs 1,600,000 0 1,600,000 0 1,600,000  0.00% 0.00%
 Total 3,355,000 0 3,355,000 0 3,355,000  0.00% 0.00%
 
(c) Other 
 
80. This estimate covers the main tenance and repair costs of  telephone switchboard, telephone, 
conference rooms and office equipment.  The 201 1 allocation is maintained for the biennium. 
(d) Security Outsourcing 
 
81. This provision provides for the outsourcing contract for security at the WTO premises.  It is 
proposed to review the operational arrangements and identify potential savings of CHF 50,000 in 
2012.  The concentration of activities on a single si te, the establishment of the security perimeter by 
the end of 2013 and greater recourse to technology should continue to reduce the cost of the outsourcing contract in the future.     
Part C - Other Costs 
Part C of the budget proposals covers other costs such  as staff overhead costs (training, insurance and 
costs related to shared common services), missions, hospitality, dispute settlement panels, the permanent 
group of experts, trade policy training courses, pub lic information activities and external auditors.  
 
Part 2011 Inc/Dec 
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
C – Other Costs 15,050,000  (528,700) 14,521,300  413,500  14,934,800  -3.51% 2.85%
 
Section 8 - Staff Overhead Costs 
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads         
  (a) Training 1,500,000 0 1,500,000 0 1,500,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (b) Insurance 2,999,000 105,000 3,104,000 200,000 3,304,000  3.50% 6.44%
  (c) Joint Services 255,000 0 255,000 0 255,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (d) Miscellaneous 34,000 30,000 64,000 0 64,000  88.24% 0.00%
Grand Total  4,788,000 135,000 4,923,000 200,000 5,123,000  2.82% 4.06%
 
(a) Training 
 
82. The proposed provision for training includes the costs of language training, technical training, 
management training and communication training fo r WTO staff.  The training budget allocation was  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 37 
 
 
 decreased by CHF 250,000 in 2010 pending the de velopment of a medium-term training strategy.  
The aim of the programme is to increase traini ng opportunities for staff and enhance their mobility 
within the Organization by refining and updating th eir skills, increasing motivation, job satisfaction 
and preparing certain staff for progression to manageri al positions.  It represents less than 2 per cent 
of staff costs.  The 2012 and 2013 appropria tions are maintained at the 2011 level.  
(b) Insurance 
 
83. This provision covers the costs of third part y insurance, insurance of the Organization's 
permanent equipment and insurance provided under St aff Rule 110.5 in respect of compensation for 
service-incurred illness, injury or death of Secretaria t staff.  In addition, this provision includes the 
cost of the WTO contribution to the medical insura nce premium for retirees, which is expected to 
increase, as more staff reach retirement age.  
84. The increase of CHF 105,000 proposed in 2012 comprises mainly an increase in the number 
of retirees, resulting in an increase in the amount needed for the Organization's contribution towards the cost of retiree medical insurance premiums, offset by savings on the premiums payable under 
other insurance policies.  The increase of CHF 200,000  proposed in 2013 is exclusively to cover the 
expected increase in the cost of re tiree medical insurance premiums.  
(c) Joint Services 
 
85. This estimate provides for the WTO's share in the running costs of the Administrative 
Tribunal of the International Labour Organizati on, the Inter-Organization Secretariat of the 
Co-ordinated Organisations and the Joint Purchasing Unit.  No changes are foreseen and the provision 
for 2011 is maintained for the biennium 2012-2013. 
(d) Miscellaneous 
 
86. This provision covers administrative costs such as those related to the issuance of UN 
laissez-passer , various fees as well as the advertising of vacancy notices.  The proposed budget 
allocation is increased in 2013 by CHF 30,000 and ma intained at this level in 2013 to meet 
advertising costs for vacancy announcements. 
Section 9 – Missions 
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
 C Sect  9 Missions         
  (a) Missions Official 1,496,000  105,000 1,601,000 100,000 1,701,000  7.02% 6.25%
  (b) Missions Technical 1,406,000  0 1,406,000 0 1,406,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total  2,902,000  105,000 3,007,000 100,000 3,107,000  3.62% 3.33%
 
87. The estimate of CHF 3,007,000 for 2012 covers official missions, trade-related technical 
assistance and other official travel.  The most important  part of the travel expenditure related to trade-
related technical assistance is funded through trus t funds, especially the DDA Global Trust Fund.  The 
DDA Global Trust Fund is also currently funding mission travel related to Trade Policy Reviews that fall within the mandate of the regular work of the WTO Secretariat.  The proposal is to shift that 
expenditure, amounting to some CHF 300,000 per year, gradually from the DDA Global Trust Fund 
to the regular WTO budget.  The aim is to have all travel expenditure relate d to Trade Policy Reviews 
funded through the regular budget by 2013.  The ri se in the number of Trade Policy Reviews 
conducted every year will result into additional travel  expenditure that will be  funded partly through WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 38  
 
 an increase in the travel budget.  At the same time, the existing tr avel policy is under reviewed in 
order to move to real cost reimbursement that coul d potentially lead to a saving of up to 7 per cent.  
Section 10 - Trade Policy Courses 
 
88. The training courses under this section have been reviewed and adjusted to accommodate the 
physical constraints imposed on this activity dur ing the renovation of the premises at the Centre 
William Rappard.  The opportunity was seized to adju st the content and the number of shorter courses 
to meet the expectations of their participants, including a move towards more advanced and specialized courses geared to experts.  The costs met from this section consist of airfares and daily 
subsistence allowances payable for participants, including transport and miscellaneous costs.  
89. These estimates provide for two Advanced  Trade Policy Courses in 2012 and 2013 in 
Geneva.  The courses are open to officials from all developing countries, which have, or may have in 
the future, responsibilities in the formulation and conduct of foreign trade policy.  The number of 
participants in each training course is set at 27.  It  is proposed to hold seven  specialized courses, one 
introductory course for LDCs and one course for Dispute Settlement each year.  Two "Geneva 
Weeks" are also planned for 2012 and 2013 wh ere the estimated cost has been reduced by 
CHF 100,000.  In addition, this section includes f unding of participants and speakers for the Public 
Forum. 
90. The proposed budgetary provisions and movements are summarized in the table below.  An 
overall decrease of CHF 675,700 is proposed for 20 12, and an increase of CHF 112,000 to meet the 
restructuring in 2013. Part Activity/Course 2011 
Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   
Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   
Diff  
2012 Diff  
2013 
C Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses       
 Geneva Weeks 
Advanced Trade Policy Courses 475,000 (100,000) 375,000 0 375,000  -21.05% 0.00%
  1,090,000 (70,000) 1,120,000 0 1,120,000  -6.40% 0.00%
  Dispute Settlement Courses 195,000 (129,800) 65,200 0 65,200  -66.60% 0.00%
  LDC courses 380,000 (174,000) 206,000 0 206,000  -45.80% 0.00%
  Specialised Courses 1,065,000 (201,900) 863,100 112,000 975,100  -19.00% 13.00%
  Public Forum 110,000 0 110,000 0 110,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total  3,315,000 (675,700) 2,739,300 112,000 2,851,300  -17.37% 4.09%
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 39 
 
 
  
Section 11 – Various  
 Part Section 2011 
Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   
Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   
Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
C Sect 11 Various         
  (a) Representation and Hospitality 298,000 0 298,000 500 298,500  0.00% 0.17%
  (b) Dispute Settlement Panels 987,000 0 987,000 0 987,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (c) Experts 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (e) Library 690,000 (100,000) 690,000 0 590,000  -14.49% 0.00%
  (f) Publications 803,000 (23,000) 780,000 1,000 781,000  -2.86% 0.13%
  (g) Public Information Activities 380,000 (80,000) 300,000 0 300,000  -21.05% 0.00%
  (h) External Auditors 50,000 0 50,000 0 50,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 0 600,000 0 600,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (j) ISO 57,000 0 57,000 0 57,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (k) Other 130,000 10,000 140,000 0 140,000  7.69% 0.00%
         
Grand Total  4,045,000 (193,000) 3,852,000 1,500 3,853,500 -4.77% 0.04%
 
(a) Representation and Hospitality 
 
91. The allocation provides for representation allo wances for the Director-General, and the 
Deputy Directors-General.  Hospitality expenditure , mainly for working lunches and dinners, is 
authorized in advance in each case by, or on behalf  of, the Director-General and reimbursement is 
made in accordance with WTO rules and procedures.  It also includes hospitality on training courses 
taking place in Geneva.  The appropriations are main tained at the 2011 level for the biennium, with 
the exception of a CHF 500 increase in 2013 related to  a change in the number of training courses 
under Section 10. 
(b) Dispute Settlement Panels 
 
92. The provision covers the travel fees, per diem  allowances and honoraria of panellists serving 
on Dispute Settlement Panels.  Despite a rise in the volume and complexity of disputes, it is proposed 
to maintain the budget allocations at the same leve l as in 2011.  Travel and honoraria expenditure on 
each panel are dependent on the place of residence an d the professional situation of the panellists. The 
Secretariat will submit separately a proposal to re view the conditions of travel and fees paid to 
panellists as those have not been reviewed since the establishment of  the WTO.  This proposal will 
not have a major impact on the current level of expenditure. 
(c) Permanent Group of Experts/Arbitration under GATS 
93. In recent years, there has been increased rec ourse to arbitration under Article 21.3(c) of the 
Dispute Settlement Mechanism.  It is proposed to  maintain the provision of CHF 50,000 for 2012 and 
2013. 
(e) Library 
 
94. The estimate provides for the purchase of books, subscriptions to periodicals, newspapers, 
documentation on CD-ROMS, as well as for the bi nding costs of reference publications.  The WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 40  
 
 Secretariat will reduce expenditure on the intern al distribution of newspaper and magazines by 
CHF 100,000 in 2012 as part of the streamlining of its operations. 
(f) Publications 
 
95. The estimate provides for the prod uction costs of publications.  The proposed net decrease of 
CHF 23,000 pertains to the reallocation of resource s for the reconfiguration of the additional trade 
policy courses.  These costs include printing and artwork as well as the cost of priced publications distributed free-of-charge to delegations and to WTO di visions in the course of their official activities.   
(g) Public Information Activities 
 
96. The estimate covers the cost of all WTO promotional activities, including the production of 
short video presentations for the media and the Orga nization's website.  It also covers photo costs 
related to public information activities, inform ation and subscription costs for news services, 
participation at international book fa irs and other miscellaneous costs.  It is proposed to decrease this 
allocation by CHF 80,000 in 2012 to bring it into  line with expected levels of expenditure. 
(h) External Auditors 
 
97. The estimate provides for the travel costs and subs istence allowances in respect of the team of 
auditors.  The appropriation in 2011  is maintained for the biennium. 
(i) Ministerial Conference 
 
98.  It will be recalled that funds for previous WTO Ministerial Conferences have been provided 
both through the regular budget as well as from extra- budgetary sources.  In 1997, the report of the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (WT/BFA/32, paragraph 9) indicated that "the Committee might consider [the] financing [ inter alia  of the conferences] through the regular budget.  
However, the financing should be done in a way that  would avoid important bu dgetary fluctuations." 
This led to the creation of the Ministerial Oper ating Fund where the cost of such conferences is 
charged.  It will be recalled that, in the 2005 approved budget, this provision was increased by 
CHF 200,000.  With the exception of 2009, the provision has since remained unchanged, at 
CHF 600,000. 
(j) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 
 
99. It will be recalled that the Ministerial Deci sion adopted by the Trade Negotiations Committee 
on 15 December 1993 stipulated that the WTO shoul d reach an understanding with ISO to establish 
an information system with regard to notifica tions by standardizing bodies accepting the Code of 
Good Practice.  The provision of CHF 57,000 re presents the support costs of publishing the 
ISO/WTO Directory of Standardizing Bodies Accepting the WTO Code of Good Practice,  information 
on standardizing bodies accepting the WTO Code in the ISO Bulletin,  and other administrative costs. 
(k) Other 
 
100. The provision under this line covers bank charg es and other incidental charges and fees for 
the Global Trade Analysis Project consortium, as well as sponsoring of individual specialists to spend 
one or two days at the WTO.  The proposed in crease of CHF 10,000 is a reallocation of funds from 
other lines to permit the University Outreach Programme  to fund seminars of academics in other areas 
of the world.  The allocation for 2013 for this  programme is maintained at the 2012 level.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 41 
 
 
 Part D - International Trade Centre 
Part D of the budget proposals covers the contribution to  the the International Trade Centre (ITC) that is 
jointly and equally funded  by the WTO and UNCTAD.  
 
Section 12 - Contribution to the ITC 
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013    Diff  
2012  Diff 
2013 
D Sect 12 ITC 18,911,000  20,800 18,931,800 207,000 19,138,800  0.11% 1.09%
 
101. The provision made under this section covers the contribution to the International Trade 
Centre UNCTAD/WTO which was established in accord ance with a decision taken by the contracting 
parties on 22 November 1967 (SR.24/14) and Resolu tion 2297 (XXII) adopted by the United Nations 
General Assembly on 12 December 1967, effective 1 Ja nuary 1968, to the effect that the ITC would 
be operated jointly by UNCTAD and GATT on a con tinuing basis and in equal partnership.  The 
WTO has since assumed the responsibilities of the GATT in this respect (WT/GC/M/3, item 6).  
Details of the ITC budget proposal for 2012 and 2013 are prepared and examined separately by the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration.  In June 2011, the Committee approved some 
changes in the ITC reporting process including the s ubmission of the full budget fascicle in the United 
Nations format. 
B. APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT  
102. The presentation of the budget proposals for the pe rmanent costs of the Appellate Body and 
its Secretariat follows the same ou tline in terms of parts and sections as the WTO Secretariat.  In 
certain instances, however, there is no identified co st.  Therefore, mention is made of only those 
sections under which costs have been identified. 
Part A - Staff 
 
Part A of the budget proposals covers all salary, pension and common staff costs for those staff in 
regular positions and those hired un der temporary assistance.  For regular staff, standard costing has 
been used.  Standard costs are composed of a number of elements under Salaries and Common Staff 
Costs.  These can vary from year to year with ch anges in the cost of living, conditions of service, 
places of recruitment, number of expected retirem ents and home leave entitlements (authorized every 
second year).  Since 1 January 1999, the WTO Conditions of Service are applied.   
 103. The 2012-2013 budget proposals for Part A are summarized in the table below: 
Section 1 - Work/Years 
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013    Diff  
2012  Diff 
2013 
A Sect  1 Work Years         
  (a) Salary 2,109,000 245,500 2,354,500 91,800 2,446,300  11.64% 3.90%
  (b) Pension 444,000 54,100 498,100 22,100 520,200  12.18% 4.44%
  (c) Common Staff Costs 429,000 106,200 535,200 (50,700) 484,500  24.76% -9.47%
Grand Total 2,982,000 405,800 3,387,800 63,200 3,451,000  13.61% 1.87%
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 42  
 
 (a) Salary 
 
104. The amount foreseen for 2012 shows an increase of  CHF 245,500 compared to 2011.  It is 
based on the same factors as for the WTO Secretaria t. It includes statutory decreases of CHF 31,500 
and an increase in the provision of CHF 277,000 for the establishment of two fully funded new posts 
proposed under the Appellate Body Secretariat. 
(b) Contribution to the WTO Pension Plan 
 
105. The amount foreseen for 2012 shows an increase of CHF 54,100 over that for 2011, and 
includes a statutory decrease factor of CHF 4,500 and an additional increase of CHF 58,600 with 
respect to the two new posts. 
(c) Common Staff Costs 
106. The above estimates represent the costs for the 15  regular positions currently in the Appellate 
Body Secretariat.  In comparison with 2011, the overall cost shows a net decrease of CHF 500.  To 
this amount the sum of CHF 106,700 has been added w ith respect to the two new posts requested and 
includes the recruitment entitlements other than furniture and computer s.  The elements are the same 
as for the WTO Secretariat (see paragraph 58 above). 
Section 2 - Temporary Assistance  
 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013    Diff  
2012  Diff 
2013 
 A Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 65,600 0 65,600 0 65,600  0% 0%
 
107. It is proposed to keep the provisions for te mporary assistance in 2012 and 2013 at the same 
level as in 2011. 
Part B - Administrative Costs 
Part B of the budget proposals covers administrative costs including the maintenance and insurance of 
the building and associated facilities, permanent and expendable equipment, communication costs, 
costs related to the reproduction of document s and those for informatics/office automation. 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 43 
 
 
 108. The 2012 - 2013 budget proposals for Part B are summarised in the table below: 
Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012 Diff 
2013 
 B Sect  3 Communications         
  (a) Telecommunications 6,500  0  6,500  0  6,500  0% 0% 
  (b) Postal Charges 0  0  0  0  0    
  Sect  4 Building Facilities         
  (b) Utilities 13,000  0  13,000  0  13,000  0% 0% 
  (c) Maintenance and Insurance 5,000  0  5,000  0  5,000  0% 0% 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment         
  (a) Permanent Equipment 25,000  0  25,000  0  25,000  0% 0% 
  Sect  6 Expendable Supplies 20,000  0  20,000  0  20,000  0% 0% 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services         
  (a) Reproduction 15,000  0  15,000  0  15,000  0% 0% 
  (b) Office Automation 10,000  0  10,000  0  10,000  0% 0% 
Grand Total 94,500  0  94,500  0  94,500  0% 0 % 
 
109. With respect to Part B – Administrative Costs,  it is proposed to keep all appropriations for 
Sections 3 to 7 at the same level as in 2011. 
Part C - Other Costs 
 
Part C of the budget proposals covers other costs such  as staff overhead costs (training, insurance and 
costs related to shared common se rvices), Missions, Hospitality, public information activities,  
contribution to the Appellate Body  Op erating Fund, and unforeseen expenditure. 
 
110. The 2012-2013 biennium budget proposals for Part C are summarised in the table below: Part Section 2011 Inc/Dec 
 2012 2012   Inc/Dec 
2013 2013   Diff  
2012  Diff 
2013 
C  Sect  8 Staff Overheads         
  (a) Training 25,000 0 25,000 0 25,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (b) Insurance 12,000 0 12,000 0 12,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (d) Miscellaneous 2,000 0 2,000 0 2,000  0.00% 0.00%
  Sect  9 Missions        %
  (a) Missions Official 37,000 13,000 50,000 0 50,000  35.14% 0.00%
  Sect 11 Various        %
  (a) Representation and Hospitality 1,000 0 1,000 0 1,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (d) Appellate Body Members 793,500 0 793,500 0 793,500  0.00% 0.00%
  (e) Library 10,000 0 10,000 0 10,000  0.00% 0.00%
  (g) Public Information Activities 0 0 0 0 0   
  (l) Appellate Body  
Operating Fund 1,600,000 0 1,600,000 0 1,600,000  0.00% 0.00%
Grand Total 2,480,500 13,000 2,493,500 0 2,493,500  0.52% 0.00%
 
Section 8 - Staff Overhead Costs 
 111. The provision regarding Training, Insurance and Miscellaneous for 2012 and 2013 is 
maintained at the 2011 level. WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 44  
 
 Section 9 – Missions 
 
112. It is proposed to increase the travel budget to cover the costs associated with an off-campus 
internal working session of the Appellate Body planned to take place in January 2012 upon the 
occasion of the appointment of new Members and possibly again in 2013.  To be noted that the travel 
and accommodation costs for Appellate Body Memb ers would be covered by the Appellate Body 
Operating Fund as the working session would be organized at the same period of regular appeal meetings of the Appellate Body.   
Section 11 – Various  
 
(d) Appellate Body Members 
 
113. The general conditions of service for Appellate Body Members are set out in the decision of 
the Dispute Settlement Body on the Establishment of  the Appellate Body (WT/DSB/1) as well as in 
the Appellate Body Members' c ontracts.  In 2004, the General Council endorsed the recommendations 
of the CBFA (WT/BFA/75) and revised the remune ration of Appellate Body Members, effective 
1 January 2005.  In view of the growing importance of the appellate procedure in the overall Dispute 
Settlement area, and in order to address to a certain  extent the disparities with other international 
judicial bodies, the monthly retainer and daily fees7 were increased by 10 per cent in 2008 and by 
5 per cent in 2009.  As at January 2010, the principl e of an annual adjustment according to the Geneva 
Consumer Price Index for the previous twelve months has been approved (WT/BFA/101).  Though 
the established practice would suggest an increase in  the overall appropriation for indexation, at the 
time of print, the level of inflation was reco rded as negative, thereby leading to the overall 
appropriation remaining unchanged. 
(l) Appellate Body Operating Fund 
 
114. Extrapolating current expenditure to the end of 2 011, it is anticipated that the balance of this 
fund would stand at some CHF 300,000.  It is, therefore, proposed that the 2012 allocation is maintained at the 2011 level for the biennium in this proposal.  Any unforeseen change will be reviewed under the Mid-Year review process.  It is expected that the activity  load in the Appellate 
Body will remain heavy until mid-2013.   
                                                      
7 The daily fee is considered a variable cost of an appe al and therefore funded by the Appellate Body Operating 
Fund.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 45 
 
 
 VI. BUDGETING PRACTICES, POLICIES , EFFICIENCY, ECONOMY AND 
ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES 
115. WTO budget proposals are established using a zero-based budgeting technique.  All 
organizational functions and needs are reviewed comp rehensively, and all anticipated expenditures for 
the forthcoming exercise are evaluated on their own merits. 
116. In addition, the following measures, practices  and policies are being pursued in order to 
increase efficiency and thus generate cost savings  and reduce WTO's impact on the environment.  
117. Electricity and Heating:  The WTO's renovated premises are becoming more energy efficient 
in terms of heating and lighting.  The building has been adequately insulated, and movement sensors 
have been installed to trigger lights, ther eby reducing costs of fuel and electricity. 
118. Documentation:   The Secretariat regularly verifies the mailing lists from missions and other 
bodies.  Recipients are encouraged to use electr onic means as much as possible.  The ratio of 
documents mailed to those produced  (number of documents divided by number of addresses) has 
continuously decreased in recent years and is curre ntly at 0.51.  The WTO provides Members with a 
choice regarding the series and number of documents  received, resulting in savings in documentation 
reproduction and mailing costs.  Since 2006, the numbe r of subscribers of printed documents outside 
and inside the Secretariat has been decreased by almost 10 per cent, despite an increasing number of 
staff and delegations.  The Secretariat proposes a gr adual shift towards the distribution of documents 
only in electronic form. 
119. Printing:  Two offset printing machines have been repl aced by a single, more efficient digital 
printing machine allowing documents to be printed on demand at a competitive price.  Furthermore, 
all official documents are printed on both sides of a page, thereby significantly reducing paper 
consumption.  Photocopiers have been conf igured to print recto verso by default. 
120. Publications:  Following the rental of the new digital printing machine, publications can be 
printed on demand, thereby significantly reducing stoc ks and facilitating the management of stocks.  
This will not only liberate space in the storage areas but also avoid important accounting write-offs 
every year.  As a result of the digital printing tec hnology, the in-house cost of producing, on demand, 
few copies of a specific publication remains competitive.  
121. Airline Tickets:  The Secretariat is implem enting procedures whereby travel requests are 
required to be made well in advance in order to benefit as much as possible from lower fares.  E-travel 
modules have been introduced to reduce the overh ead on travel.  Visa applications have been 
outsourced to the travel agent, thus liberating in- house resources.  The Secretariat also continues to 
benefit from UN negotiated air fares that are gene rally significantly more competitive than fares 
usually available. 
122. Travel Agency Implant:  The WTO has negotiated a contract whereby receipts of fees and 
commissions which exceed th e agency's budget are returned to the WTO.  In addition, in order to 
ensure greater efficiency and to keep the agency's  budget in line with the workload, quarterly reviews 
of the situation are held with the Account Manager in  order to adapt agency staff levels to operational 
needs.  A drop in the number of transactions handled by the Implant in 2011 has rapidly led to measures to adjust the number of tr avel agents.  The Secretariat is al so currently investigating the use 
on online booking tools in order to reduce further the cost of transactions.   
123. Travel Policy: The WTO is committed to re ducing its greenhouse gas emissions through a 
revised travel policy.  Travel shall be undertaken only after all possible alternatives to travel have WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 46  
 
 been envisaged, including video conferencing a nd the use of other internet-based communication 
tools.  The WTO also limits the number of staff travelling to the same event.   
124. Corporate Credit Card:  In 2011 the Secretar iat has modified its corporate credit card 
programme available to selected senior staff.  The new programme has removed the annual fees on 
the credit cards.  Expenditure incurred on the cards is charged to the staff member's personal account, 
limiting the administrative overheads for the Organiza tion.  The new programme will be extended to 
staff undertaking frequent mission travel.  Staf f members can claim and obtain appropriate 
reimbursement from the WTO before their account is  charged.  The use of these credit cards will 
facilitate the rapid preparation and processing of expense reports and the monitoring and negotiation 
of preferred agreements with key suppliers. 
125. Transportation:  The WTO is promoting the us e of ground public transport wherever possible 
in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generate d by air travel.  Ground public transport is the 
preferred mode of travel for short distance journe ys and rail travel is preferred over air travel 
wherever possible.  Air travellers will also be gr adually encouraged to travel in economy class even 
when entitled to business class thereb y limiting costs to a minimum. 
126. Transport in Geneva: Public transport tickets w ill soon become offered to staff for their local 
business travel.  Taxi vouchers can be requested fro m the Transport Unit for journeys to and from the 
WTO and given to the driver in lieu of payment. 
127. Banking:   The WTO has implemented electronic banking as the established practice for 
settling bills and payroll, which has resulted in redu ced bank charges.  In 2011, new contracts have 
been negotiated with the two main banks of th e WTO, thereby further reducing bank charges and 
ensuring the best possible interest  rates according to the current market conditions.  Furthermore, 
conditions are reviewed on a quarterly basis and regu larly compared to other competitors in order to 
ensure the best possible rates for the WTO. 
128. Procurement:  In the last three years, the Secretariat has professionalized its procurement 
function, implemented new internal procedures and tr ained the staff in other divisions involved in 
procurement process. The Secretariat is now more systematically engaging in formal competitive 
tendering exercises that are leading to lower pr ices and better quality on the goods and services 
acquired by the Secretariat. 
129. Telephone:   The WTO telephone policy has been rationalized with the restriction of access to 
certain zones and prohibition of access to others.  In  addition, the introduction of cell phones with e-
mail capabilities has encourag ed staff to use the e-mail service rather than make a telephone call.  
Savings have been realised as the price of text messages is significantly lower than that of voice 
messages.  The Secretariat will review its mobile communication strategy in 2012 to better control the 
important increases in demand in this area. 
130. On-line purchases:   Stationery is purchased on-line, and di visional requests are collated by the 
supplier and delivered as and when needed.  Stock levels are reduced to a minimum and the prices 
offered are in most cases the same. 
131. Mailing costs:  Preferential rates have been nego tiated in 2011 with the Swiss Post Office and 
with various air courier services, leading to cost savings for certain destinations of as much as 50 to 
60 per cent compared to public pri ces for air and courier postage, respectively.  In addition, special 
customs clearance arrangements have been negotia ted for freight with certain couriers, thereby 
reducing delivery time at no extra cost.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 47 
 
 
 132. Office Space:   The renovation of the CWR building has significantly changed the 
configuration of offices for staff.  Walls have been  moved, offices have been reduced or reconfigured, 
thereby increasing the total number of staff per office.   
133. Outsourcing of translation:  The WTO has sought to meet the increased demand for 
translation in a cost-efficient way, through mo re sophisticated equipment and new computer 
applications, and also by expandi ng its various types of translation resources:  temporary in-house 
translators, outsourced translators on a special contract arrangement and external contractual translators.  Savings are estimated at some 40 to 50 per cent in comparison with costs for a regular staff position for a translator or shor t-term translator coming to Geneva. 
134. Website:  Document distribution and mail costs as well as advertising charges are being 
reduced as the WTO website is increasingly used  for document downloads, consulting vacancies and 
for applying for posts through e-recruitment.   
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 48  
 
 VII. KEY ORGANIZATIONAL EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 
BUDGETARY EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 
 
Year Budget in CHF  Budget 
Increase Swiss 
Inflation 
Rate Net  Increase 
1995 105,389,500   1.8%   
1996 115,693,503 9.78% 0.8% 9.0% 
1997 115,692,750 0.00% 0.5% -0.5% 
1998 115,978,850 0.25% 0.0% 0.2% 
1999 122,195,450 5.36% 0.8% 4.6% 
2000 127,697,010 4.50% 1.5% 3.0% 
2001 134,083,610 5.00% 1.0% 4.0% 
2002 143,129,850 6.75% 0.7% 6.0% 
2003 154,954,350 8.26% 0.6% 7.7% 
2004 161,776,500 4.40% 0.8% 3.6% 
2005 168,703,400 4.28% 1.2% 3.1% 
2006 175,000,150 3.73% 1.1% 2.6% 
2007 181,976,450 3.99% 0.7% 3.3% 
2008 184,891,500 1.60% 2.4% -0.8% 
2009 189,257,600 2.36% -0.5% 2.9% 
2010 193,989,500 2.50% 0.7% 1.8% 
2011 196,003,900 1.04% 0.4*% 0.6%  
2012 196,003,900 0.00% 0.3*% -0.3% 
2013 199,677,700 1.87%  n.a. 1.9% 
  *source: CIA world factbook 
 
 
-2%0%2%4%6%8%10%12%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
% Increase Inflation 
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 49 
 
 
 EVOLUTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE 1995 
 
Year Contributions in CHF Increase 
1995 104,400,000   
1996 113,300,000 8.52%
1997 114,200,000 0.79%
1998 114,400,000 0.18%
1999 121,100,000 5.86%
2000 126,600,000 4.54%
2001 132,900,000 4.98%
2002 142,100,000 6.92%
2003 153,800,000 8.23%
2004 160,560,000 4.40%
2005 167,400,000 4.26%
2006 173,700,000 3.76%
2007 180,500,000 3.91%
2008 177,900,000 -1.44%
2009 183,700,000 3.26%
2010 189,400,000 3.10%
2011 194,300,000 2.59%
2012 194,300,000 0.00%
2013 198,000,000 1.90%
 
 
INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTIONS 1995-2013 
 
8.5%
0.8%
0.2%5.9%
4.5%5.0%6.9%8.2%
4.4% 4.3%
3.8% 3.9%
-1.4%3.3% 3.1%
2.6%
0.0%1.9%
-2.0%0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%10.0%
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 50  
 
  
STAFF EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 
 
Year Appropriation in CHF New Consolidations Total 
  WTO Appellate Body WTO AB     
1995 445.0 0 0     445 
1996 513.0 0 68     513 
1997 507.0 6 0     513 
1998 507.0 6 0     513 
1999 524.0 9 17 3   533 
2000 530.0 9 6 0   539 
2001 539.0 13 9 4   552 
2002 547.0 13 8 0   560 
2003 577.0 13 6 0 24 590 
2004 594.0 14 1 1 16 608 
2005 593.5 15 -5.5 1 5 608.5 
2006 620.5 15 3 0 24 635.5 
2007 622.5 15 2     637.5 
2008 624.5 15 2     639.5 
2009 624.5 15 0     639.5 
2010 626.5 15 2     641.5 
2011 630.5 15 4     645.5 
2012 631.5 17 1 2   648.5 
2013 631.5 17       648.5 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 51 
 
 
  
TABLE OF 2011 REGULAR STAFF POSITIONS  
(in work-years) - (as at 1st October 2011) 
 
Secretariat Division Grades 
1-10 Grades 
11-12 Senior  
Management Total 
WTO Senior Management 6.6   5 11.6
  Office of the Direct or-General 12 1   13
  Accessions Division 7.8 1   8.8
  Administration and General Services Division 69.9 1   70.9
  Agriculture & Commodities Division 15.4 1   16.4
  Council and TNC Division 17.8 1   18.8
  Development Division 15 1   16
  Economic Research and Statistics Division 43.8 2   45.8
  Human Resources Division 20.2 1   21.2
  Informatics Division 42.1 1   43.1
  Information & External Relations Division 27.6 1   28.6
  Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation 33.3 1   34.3
  Intellectual Property Division 12.1 1   13.1
  Languages, Documentation and Information 
Management Division 153.7 1   154.7
  Legal Affairs Division 16 2   18
  Market Access Division 9.6 1   10.6
  Office of Internal Audit   1 1   2
  Rules Division 20 1   21
  Technical Cooperation Audit 2.8     2.8
  Trade & Environment Division 10.8 1   11.8
  Trade in Services Division 16.8 1   17.8
  Trade Policies Review Division 48.2 2   50.2
Sub-total   602.5 23 5 630.5
  Appellate Body 14 1   15
Total   616.5 24 5 645.5
 
 
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 52  
 
 VIII.  WORKLOAD INDICATORS 
135. The graphs on the following pages indicate the e volution of workload in several key areas of 
WTO activity financed under the regular budget.  The indicators for the period from January to 
August with respect to meetings and to the hiring of  freelance interpreters s how an increase of some 
15 to 20 per cent.  Expenditure on Dispute Settlement Panels is exp ected to increase by 34 per cent. 
Translation and Documentation 
 
 
TRANSLATION AND DOCUMENTATION:   
NUMBER OF WORDS IN ORIGINAL LANGUAGE FOR TRANSLATION 
(in thousands) 
 
 02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00016,00018,00020,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Number of words
(in thousands)8,556 9,451 14,170 14,992 14,457 16,320 17,687 17,943 17,767 16,403 17,390 14,858 15,493 15,729 15,897
% change 10.5% 49.9% 5.8% (3.6%) 12.9% 8.4% 1.4% (1.0%) (7.7%) 6.0% (14.6%) 4.3% 1.5% 1.1%(January-August)
 
 
    
 
    WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 53 
 
 
 Meetings 
 
MEETINGS**  
(January–August) 
 
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Meetings 1,710 1,701 2,186 2,402 2,966 2,941 4,207 3,653 4,589 4,677 4,701 5,752 4,099 4,193 4,821
% change 27.6% (0.5%) 28.5% 9.9% 23.5% (0.8%) 43.0% (13.2%) 25.6% 1.9% 0.5% 22.4% (28.74% 2.3% 15.0%
 
 
** Formal, informal and private 
 
 
MEETINGS:  DAYS OF  FREELANCE INTERPRETERS 
 (January–August) 
 
 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Number of days of
freelance interpreters806 1,017 1,353 1,157 1,812 2,047 2,268 1,758 2,157 2,232 1,661 1,782 1,177 1,346 1,625
% change 11.2% 26.2% 33.0% (14.5%) 56.6% 13.0% 10.8% (22.5%) 22.7% 3.5% (25.6%) 7.3% (34.0%) 14.4% 20.7%
 
 
  WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 54  
 
 Dispute Settlement Panels  
 
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PANELS:  EXPENDITURE 
 
0200,000400,000600,000800,0001,000,0001,200,0001,400,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011*
CHF 475,800 880,800 1,195,3 972,662 910,325 1,169,5 987,522 1,275,1 1,154,9 655,592 1,147,6 793,921 688,00 558,999 750,000
% change 62.6% 85.1% 35.7% (18.6%) (6.4%) 28.5% (15.6%) 29.1% (9.4%) (43.2%) 75.1% (30.8%) (13.3%) (18.8%) 34.2%
 
 
* Extrapolated from actual expenditure on 30/09/2011 to 31/12/2011. 
 
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PANELS:   
AVERAGE EXPENDITURE PER MONTH 
 
020,00040,00060,00080,000100,000120,000
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011*
CHF 24,392 39,650 73,400 99,600 81,055 75,860 99,429 82,294 106,26 96,247 54,63 95,63 66,16 57,33 46,58 62,50
% change 62.6% 85.1% 35.7% (18.6% (6.4%) 31.0% (17.2% 29.1% (9.4%) (43.2% 75.1% (30.8% (13.3% (18.8% 34.2%
 
 
* Extrapolated from actual expenditure on 30/09/2011 to 31/12/2011.  WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 55 
 
 
 IX. 2011 PROJECTED BUDGET PERFORMANCE 
136. On the recommendation of the Committee on Bu dget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) 
(WT/BFA/114), the General Council approved the fourth WTO biennial budget in appropriating 
CHF 193,989,500 and CHF 198,204,600  for the years 2010 and 2011, respectively (WT/GC/M/124). 
137. The General Council, on the recommendation of  the CBFA, approved the revised budgetary 
estimates for the second year of the biennium a nd appropriated CHF 196,003,900 for 2011.  This 
amount is comprised of CHF 190,381,300 for the WTO Secretariat and CHF 5,622,600 for the Appellate Body and its Secretar iat (WT/BFA/120 and WT/GC/M/129).  
138. The estimated consolidated expenditure for 2011 is estimated at CHF 196,003,900, 
corresponding to the approved appropriations for 2011, and comprises CHF 189,696,700 and 
CHF 6,307,200 for the WTO Secretariat and the Appellate  Body and its Secretaria t, respectively.  The 
tables below summarise the estimated consolidated expenditure for each of the four parts of the 
budget, as well as for each of the secretariats. 
Consolidated WTO Performance against 2011 Budget 
(as at 30 September 2011) 
 
 
Part Budget  
2011 Estimated Expenditure 
to 31 December Projected 
Balance Projected 
Expenditure to 
Appropriation 
A - Staff Costs 142,303,300 143,168,760 (865,460) 100.61% 
B - Administrative Costs 17,259,100 18,443,420 (1,184,320) 106.86% 
C - Other Costs 17,530,500 15,981,320 1,549,180  91.16% 
D - ITC 18,911,000 18,410,400 500,600  97.35% 
Grand Total 196,003,900 196,003,900 0  100.00% 
 
139. Part A - Staff Costs.  This part of the budget covers all expenditure with respect to salaries, 
pensions and common staff costs for staff in re gular positions (Section 1)  and those hired under 
temporary assistance contracts (Section 2).  The anticipated aggregate position for Part A foresees 
expenditure exceeding the appropriations by CHF 865 ,460 and includes the recording of a provision 
amounting to some CHF 1 million in respect of short-term liabilities for employee benefits. 
140. The application of the methodology  for salary adjustme nts approved by the General Council on 
15 May 2003 (WT/GC/M/80) did not result in a change to the salary scale.  The mid-year review of 
the 2011 budget appropriations did not provide for an  adjustment to salaries.  Medical insurance 
premiums for 2011 remained unchanged, and generated a saving of CHF 239,300. 
141. The increase in the normal retirement age for participants in the WTO Pension Plan, to 
partially offset the increase in the long-term actuar ial deficit, continued to generate savings under the 
budget to cover staff separation expenditures as sta ff opted to extend their date of retirement. 
142. The overall anticipated excess expenditure under Section 2 – Temporary Assistance includes 
the expenditure on temporary contracts funded throu gh vacant posts, and that was previously charged 
to Section 1 - Work Years. 
143. Part B - Administrative Costs.  Administrative Costs include the maintenance and insurance of 
the buildings and associated facilities, permanen t and expendable equipment, communication costs, 
costs related to the reproduction of documents an d those for informatics/office automation.  The WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 56  
 
 anticipated consolidated net budgetary overspending of CHF 1, 184,330 for 2011, is comprised of:  
excess expenditure under, (i) Section 4 – Buildin g Facilities, primarily made on the renovation 
expenditure for the CWR and annexes as well as unforeseen landlord se rvices charged for the premises 
at Chemin des Mines for prior years; (ii) Section 5 - Permanent Equipment, as more office equipment 
was replaced to coincide with completion of the di fferent phases of renovat ion of the headquarters’ 
buildings;  (iii) Section 6 - Expenda ble Supplies, with respect to the use of more building supplies;  
(iv) Section 7 – Contractual Serv ices, where additional security n eeds were required for the Public 
Forum and for the Building project, reduced by:  (i) Section 3 – Communications, where savings have 
been achieved on postage charges. 
144. Part C - Other Costs.  Other costs cover sta ff overhead costs (training, insurance and costs 
related to shared common services ), missions, hospitality, disput e settlement panels, trade policy 
courses, public information activities and external audi tors.  Under this Part of the budget an anticipated 
consolidated budgetary saving of CHF 1,549,180 is made up of the fo llowing:  (i) Section 8 – Staff 
Overheads, savings are anticipated under staff tr aining where the new training strategy is being 
progressively implemented, and insurance, where th e insurance policy to cover selected Organization 
liabilities was re-negotiated with the insurer; (ii) Section 9 – Missions, saving s were realised through 
careful planning of travel;  (iii) Section 10 - Trad e Policy Courses, which were impacted by (a) the 
unavailability of office space and conference rooms during the renovation of the premises, (b) the 
sharing of costs for one course with another organi zation;  and (c) fewer participants.  These savings 
were reduced by:  (iii) Section 11 – Various, where over-expenditure is prim arily anticipated under the 
sub-item Ministerial Operating F und as expenditure is expected to exceed the amount available under 
the operating fund of CHF 1.2 million.  This anti cipated overspending is expected to be offset by 
savings on panellists' travel  and honoraria expenditure.  
145. Part D - Contribution to the ITC.  The Interna tional Trade Centre (ITC) budget is jointly funded 
by the WTO and UNCTAD.  The budgetary saving unde r the contribution to the ITC stems from the 
fact that a lower amount was appropriated for the ITC under the UNCTAD budget than that approved by 
the WTO.  Consequently, the lower amount applie d for 2011, resulting in a budget surplus for the WTO 
of CHF 500,600. 
146. Finally, the current balance of the Ministerial Operating Fund amounts to CHF 1.2 million, and 
that of the Appellate Body Operating Fund, is expected to close the year at CHF 350,000.  
147. The on-going building project and the applicati on of International Public Sector Accounting 
Standards continue to affect the profile of expenditure in 2011.  
148. WTO Members approved a CHF 130 million building project in 2008.  The project, financed 
by a donation and an interest-free loan from the Swiss Government, contains several phases and will 
be completed by 2013.  The on-going renovation of the Centre William Rappard building, the 
construction of the South Courtyard Conference Cent re and the preparations for the construction of 
the new administrative building are having a considerable  impact on the operations of the Secretariat.  
The maintenance of all areas still to be renovated,  including all existing conference rooms, has been 
reduced to a minimum.  The general condition in these areas has become suboptimal.  Equipment 
failure occasionally affects the smooth running of meetings.  Disturbance caused by the building 
work, frequent office moves and the reduction in the amount of office space available is also 
adversely affecting the smooth functioning of the Secr etariat.  The Secretariat, as in 2010, has had to 
incur unforeseen expenditure in order to maintain operations, cover the cost of office moves required 
as the renovation work progresses, engage consultants to provide essential technical expertise and re-
equip the renovated areas.  
149. The application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) that was 
approved by the General Council in 2009 is continuing in 2011 and is due to be completed by 2012.   WT/BFA/W/250 
 Page 57 
 
 
 A review of WTO accounting practices showed that  provisions for selected employee benefits have 
not been systematically recorded in complian ce with generally accepted accounting principles and 
with the accrual principle as defined by the WTO Financial Rules and Regul ations.  Accordingly, 
accounting adjustments were initiated in 2009 and will be fully implemented by 2012. 
150. In overall terms, the rate of implementation of the WTO budget in 2011 is anticipated to reach 
100 per cent.  
 WT/BFA/W/250 
Page 58  
 
 Consolidated Performan ce against 2011 Budget 
(as at 30 September 2011) 
(in Swiss Francs) 
 
Part Section Line Budget  
2011 Estimated 
Expenditure 
to 31 
December Projected 
Balance Projected 
Expenditure 
to 
Appropriation 
A Sect  1 Work Years (a) Sala ry 89,084,300 84,472,200  4,612,100  94.82 % 
    (b) Pension 18,770,100 18,201,040  569,060  96.97 % 
    (c) Common Staff Cost s 18,456,200 18,761,290  (305,090) 101.65 % 
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance (a) Tempor ary Assistance 15,510,900  20,516,850  (5,005,950) 132.27 % 
    (b) TA CSC 481,800 1,217,390  (735,590) 252.68 % 
B Sect  3 Communications (a) Tel ecommunications 506,500 550,610  (44,110) 108.71 % 
    (b) Postal Charges 1,280,000 1,204,810  75,190  94.13 % 
  Sect  4 Building Facilities (a) Rental 625,000 734,830  (109,830) 117.57 % 
    (b) Utilities 1,929,000 2,243,440  (314,440) 116.30 % 
    (c) Maintenance and Insu rance 1,312,000 1,533,000  (221,000) 116.84 % 
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment (a) Perm anent Equipment 1,025,000 1,307,120  (282,120) 127.52 % 
    (b) Permanent Equipment Lease 64,000 31,970  32,030  49.95 % 
  Sect  6 Expendable   1,281,000 1,503,930  (222,930) 117.40 % 
  Sect  7 Contractual Services (a ) Reproduction 1,620,600 1,594,290  26,310  98.38 % 
    (b) Office Automati on 3,365,000 3,384,140  (19,140) 100.57 % 
    (c) Other 238,000 277,400  (39,400) 116.55 % 
    (d) Security Outsourci ng 4,013,000 4,077,900  (64,900) 101.62 % 
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads (a) Tr aining 1,525,000 1,141,100  383,900  74.83 % 
    (b) Insurance 3, 011,000 2,711,790  299,210  90.06 % 
    (c) Joint Servic es 255,000 302,720  (47,720) 118.71 % 
    (d) Miscellaneous 36,000 99,160  (63,160) 275.44 % 
  Sect  9 Missions (a) Missions Official 1,533,000 1,473,350  59,650  96.11 % 
    (b) Missions Technica l 1,406,000 1,367,030  38,970  97.23 % 
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses   3,315,000 2,260,510  1,054,490  68.19 % 
  Sect 11 Various (a) Representa tion and Hospitality 299,000 290,860  8,140  97.28 % 
    (b) Dispute Settlement Panels 987,000 755,340  231,660  76.53 % 
    (c) Experts 50,000 50,000  0  100.00 % 
    (d) Appellate Body Members 793,500 793,150  350  99.96 % 
    (e) Library 700,000 690,760  9,240  98.68 % 
    (f) Publications 803,000 832,110  (29,110) 103.63 % 
    (g) Public Informati on Activities 380,000 262,810  117,190  69.16 % 
    (h) External Auditors 50,000 69,280  (19,280) 138.56 % 
    (i) Ministerial Operati ng Fund 600,000 1,100,000  (500,000) 183.33 % 
    (j) ISO 57,000 57,000  0  100.00 % 
    (k) Other 130,000 124,350  5,650  95.65 % 
    (l) Appellate Body Oper ating Fund 1,600,000 1,600,000  0  100.00 % 
D Sect 12 ITC   18,911,000 18,410,400  500,600  97.35 % 
Grand Total   196,003,900 196,003,900  0  100.00 % 
 
 
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