RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
10 November 2008 
 (08-5454) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration  
  
 
     
 
   
MID-TERM REVIEW 
 
BIENNIUM 2008 - 2009  
    
Revision to the 2009 Budget 
Proposal by the Director-General  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 3 
 
 
  CONTENTS 
 
Page   
I.
 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. ..4 
II. 2008 PERFORMANCE AGAINST BUDGET REPORT .....................................................5  
III. CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANC E AGAINST 2008 BUDGET......................................7  
IV. REVISED 2009 BUDGET ESTIMATES................................................................................8  
DETAILED BUDGET REVI SED ESTIMATES 2009.......................................................................9  
APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT ............................................................................12  
V. REVISED 2009 BUDGET ESTIMATES..............................................................................13  
A. 2009  REVISED PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED BUDGET  FOR THE WTO  SECRETARIAT 
AND THE APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT .................................................................13  
B. 2009  REVISED PROPOSED BUDGET FOR WTO  SECRETARIAT ................................................14  
C. 2009  REVISED PROPOSED BUDGET FOR APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT ..............15  
VI. REVISED ESTIMATES OF MISCE LLANEOUS INCOME FOR 2009..........................16  
VII. DRAFT SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2009...........................................................18  
BUDGETING PRACTICES, POLICI ES, EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY  
MEASURES IN THE WTO............................................................................................................ ....21  
VIII.  WORKLOAD INDICATORS ...............................................................................................22  
A. TRANSLATION AND DOCUMENTATION .....................................................................................22  
B. MEETINGS ............................................................................................................................... ..23 
C. DISPUTE SETTLEMENTS PANELS ...............................................................................................24  
IX. ORGANIZATIONAL EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 .............................................................25  
X. TABLE OF 2008 REGULAR STAFF POSITI ONS (as at 30 September 2008) ...............26  
 
 WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 4  
 
  I. INTRODUCTION 
1. The General Council approved in 2003 (WT/GC/M /82) the introduction of biennial budgeting 
in the WTO.  The biennial approach which was acce pted in the WTO consists of the approval of two 
separate annual budgetary exercises prior to the start of the biennium.  Members foresaw the 
possibility that the Director-General could present a revision for the second year of the biennium due 
to statutory adjustments or unexpected changes whic h might occur in the intervening time period.   
2. The current exercise therefor e marks the revision of the budget for the second year of a 
biennium.  In this context, the Director-General hereby submits to Members the mid-term review of 
the 2008-2009 biennium. 
3. The mid-term review presented in this docum ent consists of:  (i) a budgetary performance 
report;  and (ii) proposal for a revision to the or iginal 2009 budget which was approved by Members  
(WT/BFA/101 and WT/GC/M/112).  In addition, Memb ers will find information about cost savings 
and efficiency measures in the WTO,  workload indicators and other da ta with regard to the current 
situation as well as the budgetary and staffing evolu tion in the WTO.  This document also contains 
revised income estimates and the draft scale of c ontributions for 2009, both of which would finance 
the proposed 2009 budget. 
4. The proposed draft scale of contributions incl udes the Director-General's proposal for the 
utilization of the 2007 Surplus, the subject of whic h is dealt with under separate cover in document 
WT/BFA/W/178. 
5. The budgetary performance report indicates that the Secretariat estimates at this point that the 
rate of implementation of the 2008 budget will re ach 97 per cent, which corresponds to an overall
1 
budgetary surplus of CHF 5,554,100.  The savings  generated in the execution of the budget will be 
used to cover additional activities such as the expe nditure connected to the TNC July 2008 horizontal 
process and the renovation and relocation to the te mporary premises, amounting to CHF 1.4 million 
and CHF 3.6 million, respectively.  The anticipated  budgetary surplus for 2008 would be reduced to 
an estimated CHF 500 000.  This report is presente d in both tabular and narrative form and provides 
the current assessment concerning the implementation of the 2008 budget. 
6. Members will recall that the General Council approved the budget for 2009 at the amount of 
CHF 190.8 million (WT/GC/M/112).  In accordance with the procedures for biennial budgeting contained in document WT/BFA/W/105/Rev.1, th e proposed revision for 2009 takes into account 
statutory adjustments for salaries and related staff costs resulting from the application of the approved salary methodology (WT/BFA/64), as well as four ot her areas where, due to unexpected changes, 
modifications are being proposed to the original approved appropriations.  
7. The following table indicates in summary form  the proposed changes to the originally 
approved budget for 2009. 
(in Swiss francs) 
Secretariat Original Budget 
2009 Revised 
Budget 
Proposal 
2009 Difference 
WTO 185,242,500 183,744,100 (1,498,400)  
Appellate Body 5,537,500 5,513,500  (24,000) 
Grand Total 190,780,000 189,257,600 (1,522,400)  
   (0.80%) 
                                                      
1 Combined budgets of the WT O Secretariat and the Appellate Body and its Secretariat.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 5 
 
 
  II. 2008 PERFORMANCE AGAINST BUDGET REPORT 
8. On the recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
(WT/BFA/82), Members of the WTO approved the third WTO biennial budget in appropriating 
CHF 184,891,500 and CHF 190,780,000 for the years 2008 and 2009, respectively (WT/GC/M/112). 
9. For 2008, the appropriation was comprised of  CHF 180,483,300 for the WTO Secretariat and 
CHF 4,408,200 for the regular expenditure of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat.  
10. Estimated expenditure for the WTO and the Appe llate Body Secretariats for 2008 is foreseen 
at CHF 179,337,400, equating to a budgetary surplu s of CHF 5,554,100.  This anticipated budgetary 
surplus is comprised of the budgetary surpluses of CHF 5,360,990 and CHF 193,110 for the Secretariats of the WTO and the Appellate B ody, respectively.  The table reflecting the 2008 
anticipated consolidated budgetary position as for eseen on 30 September 2008, is found on page 7.  
11. As a preliminary introductory note and to pe rmit a detailed explanation of the anticipated 
overall budgetary position for 2008 vers us that which was planned, abstraction has been made of the 
following two activities: 
(a) Renovation and Relocation
: - in view of the extensive refurbishment work which has 
commenced at the Centre William Rappard (CWR) premises, it was deemed prudent 
that some planned expenditure with resp ect to the general upkeep and improvements 
related to equipment and renova tion be postponed; e.g. gene ral upkeep, construction of a 
bike shed, preliminary study with respect to  replacement of the interpretation equipment 
and acquisition of furniture were all re-sch eduled.  The corresponding credits generated 
are to be re-deployed to offset the additiona l expenditure incurred with respect to the 
Secretariat's partial move of 300 staff to the temporary premises at 'Chemin des 
Mines2'(CDM) amounting to CHF 3.6 million;  and 
(b) Trade Negotiations Committee:  - expenditure with respect to the horizontal process 
conducted from 21 to 30 July 2008 in orde r to prepare a decision on the modalities in 
Agriculture and NAMA, in acco rdance with paragraph 24 of the Hong Kong Ministerial 
Declaration, has been absorbed in the regul ar budget.  The costs relating mainly to 
interpretation, security, media, hospitality, conference rooms and overtime amounted to 
CHF 1.4 million. 
12. It would therefore, follow that the anticipated budgetary surplus of CHF 5,554,100 for 2008 
will be reduced by CHF 3.6 million3 and CHF 1.4 million, respectively, to some CHF 500 000. 
Part Budget 2008 Estimated 
Expenditure to 
31 December Projected 
Balance Projected 
expenditure 
to total 
appropriations
% 
A - Staff Costs 132,880,800 129,856,710 3,024,090  97.72
B - Administrative Costs 17,986,000 16,732,180 1,253,820  93.03
C - Other Costs 16,828,600 15,888,610 939,990  94.41
D - ITC 17,196,100 16,859,900 336,200  98.04
Grand Total 184,891,500 179,337,400 5,554,100  97.00
                                                      
2 Premises offered by the host government to accomm odate the Secretariat and closure of the premises 
at 'Rue Rothschild'. 
3 Document WT/BFA/W/177. WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 6  
 
  Part A - Staff Costs
 
 13. Part A of the budget covers all expenditure with  respect to the salaries, pensions and common 
staff costs for staff in regular positions (Section 1)  and those hired under tempor ary assistance  contracts 
(Section 2).  The anticipated aggregate position for Part A foresees a budgetary surplus of 
CHF 3,024,090. 
14. In addition, under the methodology for salary ad justments approved by the General Council on 
15 May 2003 (WT/GC/M/80), salaries we re expected to increase by 2 per cent.  However, the weighted 
average of the increases announced in January for 200 8 was in fact 1.3 per cent.  The resulting saving 
was offset by the under-provision made for the antici pated increase in the medical insurance.  Medical 
insurance premiums for 2008 were revised upwards from 5 per cent to 6 per cent  
Part B - Administrative Costs
 
 15. Administrative Costs include the maintenance a nd insurance of the buildings and associated 
facilities, permanent and expendabl e equipment, communication costs, costs related to the reproduction 
of documents and those for info rmatics/office automa tion.  A consolidated budgetary saving of 
CHF 1,253,820 is anticipated for 2008 under Part B of the budget.  This amount comprises savings 
under:  (i) Section 3 – Communications, where competit ive prices have been obtained with regard to 
postage and telephones by diversifyi ng through different service provide rs;  (ii) Section 4 – Building 
Facilities, primarily from the renegot iated contract on cleaning servi ces;  (iii) Section 5 - Permanent 
Equipment, primarily with regard to office equipm ent;  (iv) Section 6 - Expendable Supplies;  and 
(v) Section 7 – Contractual Services , largely due to the re-configurat ion of the production line of the 
Reproduction Unit.  
Part C - Other Costs 
 
 16. Other Costs cover staff overhead costs (training, insurance and costs related to shared common 
services), missions, hospitality, Dispute Settlement Panels, Trade Policy Training Courses, public 
information activities, external a uditors and unforeseen expenditure.  Under Part C of the budget an 
anticipated consolidated budgetary saving of CHF 939,990 is made up of the following:  (i) Section 9 – 
Missions, concerning primarily official missions,  (i i) Section 10 – Trade Policy Training Courses where 
fewer participants than foreseen attended;  (iii) - Section 11 – Various, primarily under costs associated 
with the Dispute Settlement Panels;  and (iv) - Section 12 – Unforeseen, wh ere the entire provision 
remained unutilized.  These anticipated savings were  partially offset by (v) an anticipated over-
expenditure in Section 8 – Staff Overheads, primar ily under medical insurance costs for retired staff. 
Part D - Contribution to the ITC
  
 17. The International Trade Centre (ITC) budget is  jointly funded by the WTO and UNCTAD.  In 
reviewing the Director-General's  proposals for 2008, Members accepte d the increase for the ITC as 
recommended by the ITC Secretariat.  However, the United Nations in reviewing UNCTAD's budget for 
2008 did not retain the recommendation.  To mainta in an equal funding by both parent bodies, the 
cancellation of the increase represents a budgetary saving of CHF 336,200 for 2008. 
18. Finally, with respect to the Ministerial Op erating Fund and that of the Appellate Body 
Operating Fund, the entire budget allocations have been deployed  to replenish these funds.  
19. In overall terms, the rate of implementation of the WTO budget in 2008 is anticipated to reach 
97 per cent.   WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 7 
 
 
  III. CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE AGAINST 2008 BUDGET  
(as at 30 September 2008) 
(in Swiss Francs)  
Part Section 2008 
Budget  
  Estimated 
Expenditure to 
31 December Projected 
Balance  
  Projected 
expenditure 
to total 
appropriation 
(%) 
A Sect 1 Work Years         
   (a) Salary 85, 239,100 83,216,710 2,022,390 97.63
   (b) Pension 17, 208,800 16,401,770 807,030 95.31
   (c) Common Staff Cost s 15,469,900 15,474,830 (4,930) 100.03
  Sect 2 Temporary Assi stance 14,963,000 14,763,400 199,600 98.67
B Sect 3 Communications         
   (a) Telecommunica tions 506,500 413,320 93,180 81.60
   (b) Postal Charge s 1,382,000 1,242,900 139,100 89.93
  Sect 4 Building Facilities         
   (a) Rental 340,000 343,660 (3,660) 101.08
   (b) Utilities 1,771,000 1,662,170 108,830 93.85
   (c) Maintenance and In surance 1,694,000 1,601,990 92,010 94.57
  Sect 5 Permanent Equipment 2,427,800 1,956,820 470,980 80.60
  Sect 6 Expendable 1,327,000 1,258,160 68,840 94.81
  Sect 7 Contractual Services         
   (a) Reproduction 1,425,000 1,232,380 192,620 86.48
   (b) Office Automa tion 3,378,700 3,374,530 4,170 99.88
   (c)Other 282,000 194,250 87,750 68.88
   (d) Security Outsourcing 3,452,000 3,452,000  0 100.00
C Sect 8 Staff Overheads         
   (a) Training 1,415,000 1,396,930 18,070 98.72
   (b) Insurance 2,502,500 2,558,840 (56,340) 102.25
   (c) Joint Servic es 204,000 199,730 4,270 97.91
   (d) Miscellaneous 32,000 24,360 7,640 76.13
  Sect 9 Missions         
   (a)Missions Offici al 1,533,000 1,458,800 74,200 95.16
   (b)Missions Techni cal 1,406,000 1,406,000 0 100.00
  Sect 10 Trade Policy C ourses 3,823,600 3,440,140 383,460 89.97
  Sect 11 Various         
   (a) Representation and Hospitality 299,000 299,000   100.00
   (b) Dispute Settlement Panels 1,247,000 921,950 325,050 73.93
   (c) Experts 50,000 40,280 9,720 80.56
   (e) Library 660,000 658,000 2,000 99.70
   (f) Publications 880,000 884,870 (4,870) 100.55
   (g) Public Information Activities 270, 000 151,700 118,300 56.19
   (h) External Auditors 40,000 53,450 (13,450) 133.63
   (i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 600,000                 0 100.00
   (j) ISO 57,000 58,060 (1,060) 101.86
   (k) Other 80,000 52,980 27,020 66.23
   (d) Appellate Body Members 753,500 807,520 (54,020) 107.17
   (l) Appellate Body Operating Fund 546,000 546,000                 0 100.00
   (m) Security Enhancement Programme 330,000 330,000                 0 100.00
  Sect 12 Unforeseen 100,000 0  100,000 0.00
D Sect 13 ITC 17,196,100 16,859,900 336,200 98.04
  TOTAL 184,891,500 179,337,400 5,554,100 97.00WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 8  
 
  IV. REVISED 2009 BUDGET ESTIMATES  
20. As mentioned in the Introduction, Members fore saw the possibility that the Director-General 
could present a revision for the second year of the biennium due to statutory adjustments or unexpected changes which might occur in the inte rvening time period.  In compliance with these 
guidelines, the Director-General proposes in th e 2009 budget revision that the overall approved 
budget of CHF 190,780,000 be revised downwards  by CHF 1,522,400 to CHF 189,257,600 
representing a reduction of 0.80 per cent against the approved budget.  
Consolidated Section Summary 2009 Revised Budget Proposal
 
WTO & Appellate Body and its Secretariat 
Section Original  
Approved 
2009 
Budget Revised 
2009 
Budget 
Proposal (CHF) 
Difference (%)  
Difference 
Sect  1 Work Years 123,025,800 121,437,200 (1,588,600) (1.29)
Sect  2 Temporary Assistance 14,393,100 14,975,500 582,400  4.05
Sect  3 Communications 1,811,500 1,811,500 0  0.00
Sect  4 Building Facilities 3,142,000 3,696,000 554,000  17.63
Sect  5 Permanent Equipt 2,198,000 2,198,000 0  0.00
Sect  6 Expendable 1,305,000 1,305,000 0  0.00
Sect  7 Contractual Serv. 9,250,000 9,250,000 0  0.00
Sect  8 Staff Overheads 4,633,500 4,633,500 0  0.00
Sect  9 Missions 2,939,000 2,939,000 0  0.00
Sect 10 TPTC 3,823,600 3,823,600 0  0.00
Sect 11 Various 6,828,400 6,228,400 (600,000) (8.79)
Sect 12 Unforeseen 100,000 100,000 0  0.00
Sect 13 ITC 17,330,100 16,859,900 (470,200) (2.71)
Grand Total 190,780,000 189,257,600 (1,522,400) (0.80)
 21. In summary, the 2009 revision is impacted by:  i) statutory adjustments, presented in detail 
under Section 1 – Work Years below;  ii) the implem entation of the Director-General's restructuring  
of the Secretariat;  iii) the postponing of the amount earmarked for the replenishment of the 
Ministerial Operating Fund;  iv) the re-alignmen t of the WTO appropriation to fund the regular 
activities of the International Trade Centre (ITC) in order to match that of the United Nations 
(UNCTAD);  v) an increase in the level of tempor ary assistance bringing it to the same level as 2008;  
and vi) the rental of additional office space to accommodate the Secretariat during the major 
refurbishment of the WTO headquarter premises at  CWR).  For all other sections the approved 
appropriations are maintained.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 9 
 
 
  DETAILED BUDGET REVISED ESTIMATES 2009 
 
WTO Secretariat4 
 
Part A - Staff  
 
Part A of the budget proposals cove rs all salary, pension and common staff costs for those staff in 
regular positions and those hired und er temporary assistance.  For regular staff, standard costing has 
been used.  Standard costs are composed of a number of elemen ts under Salaries and Common Staff 
Costs;  they can vary from year to year with changes in  the cost of living, conditio ns of service, places of 
recruitment, number of expected retirements a nd home leave entitlements (authorized every second 
year). 
 22. In accordance with the decision on 15 May 2 003 (WT/GC/M/80) of the General Council, 
acting on a recommendation of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (WT/BFA/64), 
Members approved the methodology for futu re salary adjustments in the WTO.  
Section 1 - Work/Years
 
 23. The salary scale of the WTO staff and its annual adjustment is based on WTO Staff 
Regulation 6.2.  The estimates represent the salary  costs for 624.5 work/years in the WTO Secretariat 
in 2009.  The comparable vacancy factor is maintained at 10 work/years which represents 
CHF 1,621,000 comprised of CHF 1,348,000 and CHF 273,000 with respect to salaries and pension contributions, respectively.  In addition, and as a r esult of the Director-General's restructuring plan, 
four divisions will be consolidated and two di rector posts are considered as unfunded, which 
represents a further reduction of CHF 600,000. 
24. With the exception of the dependent spouse a llowance, all other allowances have remained 
unchanged.  The application of the established met hodology on the revision of salaries provides for a 
two per cent adjustment in 2009, with the proj ected increase in medical insurance premiums 
maintained at five per cent. 
25. The overall decrease  in the aggregated appropriations for Section 1 – Work Years of 
CHF 1,564,600   is comprised of the following items:  
• 2009 application of the methodology for salary adjustments (WT/GC/M/80)
:  The 2009 
approved budget proposals have been mainta ined at 2 per cent, thus requiring no 
additional provision to be made.  The same  applies to the provision made for the 
Performance Appraisal System comprising 2 per cent of net salaries and the number of promotions at 5 per cent of the number of posts.  The vacancy factor, representing the 
recruitment lag-time has been maintained at 10 vacant posts. 
 
• Statutory decrease  of CHF 678,800
:  In application of the methodology for salary 
adjustments approved by the General Council on 15 May 2003 (WT/GC/M/80), the 
approved 2008 budget provided for a salary in crease of 2 per cent.  The weighted average 
of  the increases announced for 2008 was in fa ct 1.3 per cent  and represents a budgetary 
saving for 2009 (based on a full staffing table) of CHF 564,600 for salaries and 
CHF 114,200 for pension contributions.  
                                                      
 4 Not including the Appellate Body and its Secretariat. WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 10  
 
  • Statutory increase  of CHF 40,800
:  The approved 2008 budget contained provision for 
the increase in the medical insurance prem iums of 5 per cent.  Medical insurance 
premiums for 2008 were revised upwards by  6 per cent.  The 2009 budget maintains a 
provision for the increase in the medical insurance premiums of 5 per cent. 
 
• Statutory increase  of CHF 130,000 :  The approved 2008 budget contained no provision 
for the anticipated increase in the dependent spouse allowance5.  Swiss tax legislation has 
increased the threshold for the dependent s pouse.  Provision has been made for an 
increase in the WTO spouse allowance by 10 per cent.  
 
• Secretariat Restructuring Plan decrease  of CHF 600,000 :  On 23 October 2008, the 
Director-General presented his restructuring proposals to the Members6.  This proposal 
provided for the consolidation of four divi sions, saving two director posts.  For the 
purpose of the budget exercise and following past  practice, these posts  are retained but 
are considered as unfunded. 
 
• 2009 Profile Adjustment decrease  of CHF 456,600 :  The profile adjustment, which fine 
tunes appropriations to match the actual ch anges in staff profiles, reflects an overall 
reduction for 2009.   
 
Section 2 - Temporary Assistance  
 26. The allocation for Temporary Assistance covers  freelance interpreters and translators, 
consultants, secretaries, clerks, typists and other temporary staff.  It also covers the replacement of 
staff on long sick or maternity leave.  The prop osed 2009 increase of CHF 582,400 is comprised of:  
i) CHF 40,000 – for improved search and reporting functions for the SPS Information Management 
System;  ii) CHF 72,000 – to hire expertise with respect to the WTO/UNEP joint study on trade and 
climate change;  iii) CHF 96,400 – to develop an onl ine library information system in anticipation of 
the disruption of library services during the CWR renovation;  iv) CHF 34,000 – to align the allocation for interpreters for the WTO Public Forum allocation with actual expenditure;  and 
v) CHF 340,000 for the preparation and applica tion of new organization-wide post classification 
standards.  Overall, the revised 2009 budget for te mporary assistance will be aligned to the overall 
allocation at the level approved in 2008.  
Part B - Administrative Costs
 
 
Administrative Costs include the maintenance and in surance of the building and associated facilities, 
permanent and expendable equipment, communication costs, costs related to the reproduction of 
documents and those for informatics/office automation. 
 27. With the exception of Section 4 - Building F acilities mentioned below, all other lines of 
expenditure under Part B of the approved budget are maintained at their current level.   
Section 4 - Building Facilities
 
 
(a) Rental of premises  
 
28. In 2009, the premises at Rue Rothschild will have been totally vacated and replaced by 
premises at CDM.  The extensive renovation of the Centre William Rappard has necessitated 
                                                      
5 Document WT/BFA/W/125/Rev.1. 
6 Document WT/BFA/105.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 11 
 
 
  additional space requirements to facilitate the rota tion of offices and the housing of the Enhanced 
Integrated Framework Secretariat (EIF).  In this  respect, additional office space has been rented at 
CDM, part of which has been rented out to the EIF and is reflected under miscellaneous income.  It is 
therefore proposed to increase the appropriation under 'Rental of premises' by CHF 554,000. 
Part C - Other Costs  
 
Other Costs cover 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, public information activiti es, external auditors a nd unforeseen expenditure.  
29. With the exception of Section 11 - Various  as mentioned below, all other lines of expenditure 
under Part C of the approved budget are main tained at their current level.   
Section 11 – Various  
 
(i) Ministerial Conference  
 
30. Members decided in 1997 that the costs of a Ministerial Conference should be spread over 
two years by way of an operating fund.  The appr opriated credits having been transferred to the 
Ministerial Operating Fund (MOF) for 2007 and 2008, and with the current balance of the MOF being 
deemed adequate at CHF 1.6 M, it is proposed  to surrender the approved 2009 appropriation of 
CHF 600,000 in this budget revision. 
Part D - ITC  
 Section 13 – Contribution to the ITC
 
 31. 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 GATT in this respect (WT/GC/M/3, item 6).  
32. Members will recall that the proposed ITC in creases were adopted in the original WTO 
biennial budget for 2008-2009.  However, the United Nations did not approve these increases.  As the 
funding of the ITC budget requires the approval of bo th parent bodies, it is, therefore, proposed to 
adjust this appropriation to the level approved by  the UN.  The approved appropriation for 2009 is 
therefore reduced by CHF 470,200 to CHF 16,859,900.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 12  
 
  APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT 
 
Permanent Costs
7 
  
33. With the exception of Section 1 – Work/Years as mentioned below, all other lines of 
expenditure under the Appellate Body  and its Secretariat of the approved budget are maintained at 
their current approved level for 2009.   
Part A - Staff
 
 
Section 1 - Work/Years  
 34. The standard costs for staff consist of th ree elements: salary, contributions to the 
WTO Pension Plan and other common staff costs.  Th e standard costs used are the same as for the 
WTO Secretariat.  The factors influencing the various  elements of salary, Pension Plan contributions 
and common staff costs are the same as described fo r the WTO Secretariat.  In this respect the 
appropriations for Section 1- Work/Years are reduced by CHF 24,000. 
 
                                                     
 
7 The presentation of the budget proposals for the Permanent Costs of the Appellate Body and its 
Secretariat follows the same outline in terms of Parts and Sections as for the WTO Secretariat.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 13 
 
 
  V. REVISED 2009 BUDGET ESTIMATES 
A. 2009  REVISED PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED BUDGET  FOR THE WTO  SECRETARIAT AND THE 
APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT  
P
a
r
t Section Line Original  
Approved 
2009 
Budget Revised 
2009 
Budget 
Proposal CHF 
Difference %  
Difference 
A Sect  1 Work Years    
  (a) Salary 88,503,500 86,811,900 (1,691,600) (1.91)
    (b) Pension 17,934,000 17,639,300 (294,700) (1.64)
    (c) Common Staff Cost s 16,588,300 16,986,000 397,700  2.40
  Sub-total   123,025,800 121,437,200 (1,588,600) (1.29)
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistan ce  14,393,100 14,975,500 582,400  4.05
B Sect  3 Communications    
  (a) Telecommunications 506,500 506,500 0  0.00
    (b) Postal Charges 1,305,000 1,305,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   1,811,500 1,811,500 0  0.00
  Sect  4 Building Facilities    
  (a) Rental 55,000 609,000 554,000  1 007.27
    (b) Utilities 1,876,000 1,876,000 0  0.00
    (c) Maintenance and Insu rance 1,211,000 1,211,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   3,142,000 3,696,000 554,000  17.63
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment  2,198,000 2,198,000 0  0.00
  Sect  6 Expendable  1,305,000 1,305,000 0  0.00
  Sect  7 Contractual Services    
  (a) Reproduction 1,425,000 1,425,000 0  0.00
    (b) Office Automati on 3,756,000 3,756,000 0  0.00
    (c) Other 282,000 282,000 0  0.00
    (d) Security Outsourcing 3,787,000 3,787,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   9,250,000 9,250,000 0  0.00
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads    
  (a) Training 1,775,000 1,775,000 0  0.00
    (b) Insurance 2,622,500 2,622,500 0  0.00
    (c) Joint Services 204,000 204,000 0  0.00
    (d) Miscellaneous 32,000 32,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   4,633,500 4,633,500 0  0.00
  Sect  9 Missions    
  (a) Missions Official 1,533,000 1,533,000 0  0.00
    (b) Missions Technica l 1,406,000 1,406,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   2,939,000 2,939,000 0  0.00
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 3,823,600 3,823,600 0  0.00
  Sub-total   3,823,600 3,823,600 0  0.00
  Sect 11 Various    
  (a) Representation and Ho spitality 299,000 299,000 0  0.00
    (b) Dispute Settlement Pa nels 1,247,000 1,247,000 0  0.00
    (c) Experts 50,000 50,000 0  0.00
    (d) Appellate Body Members 789,700 789,700 0  0.00
    (e) Library 700,000 700,000 0  0.00
    (f) Publications 790,000 790,000 0  0.00
    (g) Public Informati on Activities 270,000 270,000 0  0.00
    (h) External Auditors 40,000 40,000 0  0.00
    (i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 0 (600,000) (100.00)
    (j) ISO 57,000 57,000 0  0.00
    (k) Other 80,000 80,000 0  0.00
    (l) Appellate Body Operat ing Fund 1,575,700 1,575,700 0  0.00
    (m) Security Enhancem ent Programme 330,000 330,000 0  0.00
  Sub-total   6,828,400 6,228,400 (600,000) (8.79)
  Sect 12 Unforeseen  100,000 100,000 0  0.00
D Sect 13 ITC  17,330,100 16,859,900 (470,200) (2.71)
 Grand Total  190,780,000 189,257,600 (1,522,400) (0.80)WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 14  
 
  B. 2009
 REVISED PROPOSED BUDGET FOR WTO  SECRETARIAT  
(in Swiss francs) 
 
  P 
a 
r 
t Section Line Original  
Approved 
2009 
Budget Revised 
2009 
Budget 
Proposal CHF 
Difference %  
Difference
A Sect  1 Work Years (a) Salary  86,394,500 84,732,900  (1,661,600) (1.92)
    (b) Pension 17,506,500 17,216,300  (290,200) (1.66)
    (c) Common Staff Cost s 16,199,800 16,587,000  387,200 2.39
  Sub-total   120,100,800 118,536,200  (1,564,600) (1.30)
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistan ce  14,327,500 14,909,900  582,400 4.06
B Sect  3 Communications (a) Te lecommunications 500,000 500,000  0 0.00
    (b) Postal Charges 1,305,000 1,305,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   1,805,000 1,805,000  0 0.00
  Sect  4 Building 
Facilities (a) Rental 55,000 609,000  554,000 1007.27
  (b) Utilities 1,863,000 1,863,000  0 0.00
    (c) Maintenance and Insu rance 1,206,000 1,206,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   3,124,000 3,678,000  554,000 17.73
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment  2,173,000 2,173,000  0 0.00
  Sect  6 Expendable   1,285,000 1,285,000  0 0.00
  Sect  7 Contractual Services    
  (a) Reproduction 1,410,000 1,410,000  0 0.00
    (b) Office Automati on 3,746,000 3,746,000  0 0.00
    (c) Other 282,000 282,000  0 0.00
    (d) Security Outsourcing 3,787,000 3,787,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   9,225,000 9,225,000  0 0.00
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads (a) Training 1,750,000 1,750,000  0 0.00
    (b) Insurance 2,610,500 2,610,500  0 0.00
    (c) Joint Services 204,000 204,000  0 0.00
    (d) Miscellaneous 30,000 30,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   4,594,500 4,594,500  0 0.00
  Sect  9 Missions (a) Missions Official 1,496,000 1,496,000  0 0.00
    (b) Missions Technica l 1,406,000 1,406,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   2,902,000 2,902,000  0 0.00
  Sect 10 Trade Policy Courses 3,823,600 3,823,600  0 0.00
  Sub-total   3,823,600 3,823,600  0 0.00
  Sect 11 Various (a) Representa tion and Hospitality 298,000 298,000  0 0.00
    (b) Dispute Settlement Pa nels 1,247,000 1,247,000  0 0.00
    (c) Experts 50,000 50,000  0 0.00
    (e) Library 690,000 690,000  0 0.00
    (f) Publications 790,000 790,000  0 0.00
    (g) Public Informati on Activities 270,000 270,000  0 0.00
    (h) External Auditors 40,000 40,000  0 0.00
    (i) Ministerial Operating Fund 600,000 0  (600,000) (100.00)
    (j) ISO 57,000 57,000  0 0.00
    (k) Other 80,000 80,000  0 0.00
    (m) Security Enhancement 
Programme 330,000 330,000  0 0.00
  Sub-total   4,452,000 3,852,000  (600,000) (13.48)
  Sect 12 Unforeseen   100,000 100,000  0 0.00
D Sect 13 ITC   17,330,100 16,859,900  (470,200) (2.71)
 Grand Total   185,242,50 0 183,744,10 0(1,498,400 ) (0.81) WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 15 
 
 
  C. 2009  REVISED PROPOSED BUDGET FOR APPELLATE BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT  
(in Swiss francs) 
P
a
r
t Section Line Original 
Approved
2009 
Budget Revised 
2009 
Budget 
Proposal CHF 
Differenc e%  
Difference
A Sect  1 Work Years (a)Salary 2,109,000 2,079,000 (30,000) (1.42)
    (b)Pension 427,500 423,000  (4,500) (1.05)
    (c)Common Staff Costs 388,500 399,000  10,500  2.70
  Sub-total   2,925,000 2,901,000 (24,000) (0.82)
  Sect  2 Temporary Assistance  65,600 65,600  0  0.00
B Sect  3 Communications    
  (a) Telecommunications 6,500 6,500  0  0.00
  Sub-total   6,500 6,500  0  0.00
  Sect  4 Building Facilities    
  (b) Utilities 13,000 13,000  0  0.00
    (c) Maintenance and Insurance 5,000 5,000  0  0.00
  Sub-total   18,000 18,000  0  0.00
  Sect  5 Permanent Equipment  25,000 25,000  0  0.00
  Sect  6 Expendable   20,000 20,000  0  0.00
  Sect  7 Contractual Services    
  (a) Reproduction 15,000 15,000  0  0.00
    (b) Office Automation 10,000 10,000  0  0.00
  Sub-total   25,000 25,000  0  0.00
C Sect  8 Staff Overheads    
  (a) Training 25,000 25,000  0  0.00
    (b) Insurance 12,000 12,000  0  0.00
    (d) Miscellaneous 2,000 2,000  0  0.00
  Sub-total   39,000 39,000  0  0.00
  Sect  9 Missions (a)Missions Official 37,000 37,000  0  0.00
  Sub-total   37,000 37,000  0  0.00
  Sect 11 Various (a) Representation and Hospitality 1,000 1,000  0  0.00
    (d) Appellate Body Members 789,700 789,700  0  0.00
    (e) Library 10,000 10,000  0  0.00
    (l) Appellate Body Operating 
Fund 1,575,700 1,575,700 0  0.00
  Sub-total   2,376,400 2,376,400 0  0.00
 Grand Total   5,537,500 5,513,500 (24,000) (0.43)
 
 WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 16  
 
  VI. REVISED ESTIMATES OF MISC ELLANEOUS INCOME FOR 2009 
35. It is proposed that the total revised 2009 B udget for the WTO Secretariat of CHF 183,744,100 
and the costs of the Appellate Body and its Secretar iat amounting to CHF 5,513,500, leading to a total 
of CHF 189,257,600, be financed as follows: 
 
Item 2009 
(original) 
CHF 2009 
(revised) 
CHF 
Contributions on WTO Members 189,300,000 183,700,000
Miscellaneous Income 1,480,000 1,557,600 
Partial utilization of Surplus 2007 0 4,000,000 
Total 190 ,780,000 189 ,257,600
 
36. In accordance with Financial Regulation 26 pa ragraph 3(i), the Director-General proposes 
that part of the 2007 Surplus, i.e. an amount of CHF 4,000,000, be applied as income against the budget for the second financial period following that in which the surplus occurs, thereby reducing 
Members' contributions.    
37. Miscellaneous Income is comprised of the following: 
2009  
Item Original 
Estimates 
CHF Revised 
Estimates 
CHF 
Sale of publications 550,000  500,000  
Savings on previous year's outstanding obligations 120,000  120,000 
Rental of meeting rooms, office space8 and parking to 
others 25,000  88,000 
Contributions of Observer Countries9 600,000  650,000 
Other:     
 - Interest on Current Account 60,000  60,000  
- Various 125,000  139,600 
Total 1,480,000  1,557,600 
                                                      
8 Includes CHF 63,000 with respect to rental of of fice space to the Secretaria t of Enhanced Integrated 
Framework (EIF). 
9 The Observer contribution is assessed at CHF 28,155.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 17 
 
 
  38. On the basis of the revised proposed expenditure budget for 2009, an amount of 
CHF 183,700,000 is to be assessed on Members in the form of contributions.  The draft scale of contributions, which can be found in Chapter VII, contains a minimum contribution of 0.015 per cent 
for Members whose share in the total trade of all Me mbers is less than 0.015 per cent.  The draft scale 
takes into account the amounts to be deducted fro m the relevant contributions for 2009 under the 
terms of the Early Payment Encouragement Sche me.  The 2009 revised assessments are based on up-
dated trade statistics as foreseen in Regulation 12.3 (b) of the Revised Financial Regulations of the 
WTO. 
  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 18  
 
  VII. DRAFT SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2009 
(Minimum contribution of 0.015%) 
 
MEMBER 2008 
Contribution 
CHF 
incl. Surplus 
2006 2009 
Contribution
CHF 
before 
Surplus * Partial 
Utilization 
of Surplus 
200710 * 2009 
Contribution
after 
Redistribution 
Surplus 2007 2009 
Contribution 
% Interest11 
earned in 
2007 for 
2009 
CHF * 2009 net
Contribution
CHF 
Albania 37,359 41,294 (880) 40,414 0.0220 235 40,179
Angola  208,143 251,518 (5, 360) 246,158 0.1340 1,110 245,048
Antigua and Barbuda 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 212 27,343
Argentina 572,838 591,255 (12,600) 578,655 0.3150 0 578,655
Armenia 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 187 27,368
Australia 2,028,060 2,149,165 (45, 800) 2,103,365 1.1450 11,940 2,091,425
Austria 2,511,948 2,563,982 (54, 640) 2,509,342 1.3660 18,039 2,491,303
Bahrain 142,320 152,037 (3, 240) 148,797 0.0810 0 148,797
Bangladesh 181,458 189,577 (4 ,040) 185,537 0.1010 0 185,537
Barbados  30,243 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 144 27,411
Belgium 4,685,886 4,810,751 (102, 520) 4,708,231 2.5630 30,022 4,678,209
Belize  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 141 27,414
Benin   26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 89 27,466
Bolivia 40,917 45,048 (960) 44,088 0.0240 10 44,078
Botswana  62,265 63,818 (1 ,360) 62,458 0.0340 291 62,167
Brazil  1,574,415 1,683,669 (35, 880) 1,647,789 0.8970 9,012 1,638,777
Brunei Darussalam   71,160 73, 203 (1,560) 71,643 0.0390 467 71,176
Bulgaria  231,270 266,534 (5 ,680) 260,854 0.1420 1,582 259,272
Burkina Faso 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Burundi 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Cambodia  58,707 63,818 (1 ,360) 62,458 0.0340 287 62,171
Cameroon  49,812 52,556 (1 ,120) 51,436 0.0280 152 51,284
Canada  6,272,754 6,308,597 (134, 440) 6,174,157 3.3610 48,760 6,125,397
Cape Verde 0 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Central African 
Republic       26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Chad    26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Chile   553,269 625,041 (13,320) 611,721 0.3330 2,640 609,081
China, People's 
Republic of 9,496,302 11,070,546 (235,920) 10,834,626 5.8980 12,443 10,822,183
Colombia  343,347 364,138 (7 ,760) 356,378 0.1940 1,747 354,631
Congo   48,033 45,048 (960) 44,088 0.0240 0 44,088
Costa Rica 158,331 161,422 (3,440) 157,982 0.0860 1 157,981
Côte d'Ivoire       110,298 116,374 (2,480) 113,894 0.0620 0 113,894
Croatia 293,535 313,459 (6, 680) 306,779 0.1670 1,731 305,048
Cuba    104,961 116,374 (2,480) 113,894 0.0620 579 113,315
Cyprus  120,972 123,882 (2,640) 121,242 0.0660 840 120,402
Czech Republic      1,174,140 1, 304,515 (27,800) 1,276, 715 0.6950 7,374 1,269,341
Democratic Republic of 
the Congo 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Denmark 1,752,315 1,846,968 (39, 360) 1,807,608 0.9840 3,328 1,804,280
Djibouti  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Dominica  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Dominican Republic  177,900 174,561 (3,720) 170,841 0.0930 790 170,051
Ecuador 156,552 170,807 (3, 640) 167,167 0.0910 1,159 166,008
Egypt   430,518 465,496 (9,920) 455,576 0.2480 471 455,105
El Salvador  101,403 101,358 (2,160) 99,198 0.0540 148 99,050
Estonia 144,099 165,176 (3, 520) 161,656 0.0880 1,059 160,597
European Communities 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fiji    26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 198 27,357
                                                      
10 The 2007 Surplus is distributed on the same basis as the Members' assessed contribution as at 
1 January 2009. 
11 Interest earned in 2007 under the Early Payment Encouragement Scheme (L/6384) and to be 
deducted from the 2009 contribution.  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 19 
 
 
   
MEMBER 2008 
Contribution 
CHF 
incl. Surplus 
2006 2009 
Contribution
CHF 
before 
Surplus * Partial 
Utilization 
of Surplus 
200710 * 2009 
Contribution
after 
Redistribution 
Surplus 2007 2009 
Contribution 
% Interest11 
earned in 
2007 for 
2009 
CHF * 2009 net
Contribution
CHF 
Finland 1,118,991 1,199,403 (25, 560) 1,173,843 0.6390 8,499 1,165,344
Former Yugoslave 
Republic of Macedonia 42,696 45,048 (960) 44,088 0.0240 21 44,067
France  8,674,404 8,851,932 (188, 640) 8,663,292 4.7160 3,111 8,660,181
Gabon   48,033 45,048 (960) 44,088 0.0240 0 44,088
Gambia  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Georgia 32,022 37,540 (800) 36,740 0.0200 196 36,544
Germany 15,765,498 16,521,354 (352, 080) 16,169,274 8.8020 106,585 16,062,689
Ghana   71,160 78,834 (1,680) 77,154 0.0420 52 77,102
Greece  862,815 906,591 (19,320) 887,271 0.4830 4,777 882,494
Grenada 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Guatemala 112,077 125,759 (2 ,680) 123,079 0.0670 771 122,308
Guinea  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Guinea-Bissau  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Guyana  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 81 27,474
Haiti   26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 39 27,516
Honduras  64,044 65,695 (1,400) 64,295 0.0350 53 64,242
Hong Kong, China    5,235,597 5,341, 942 (113,840) 5,228,102 2.8460 42,265 5,185,837
Hungary 1,054,947 1,139,339 (24, 280) 1,115,059 0.6070 6,196 1,108,863
Iceland 80,055 86,342 (1,840) 84,502 0.0460 589 83,913
India   1,328,913 2,333,111 (49, 720) 2,283,391 1.2430 3,389 2,280,002
Indonesia 1,321,797 1,392,734 (29, 680) 1,363,054 0.7420 7,866 1,355,188
Ireland 2,289,573 2,351,881 (50,120)  2,301,761 1.2530 18,047 2,283,714
Israel  898,395 897,206 (19, 120) 878,086 0.4780 5,464 872,622
Italy   7,039,503 7,256,482 (154, 640) 7,101,842 3.8660 49,181 7,052,661
Jamaica 81,834 82,588 (1, 760) 80,828 0.0440 0 80,828
Japan   9,811,185 9,946,223 (211, 960) 9,734,263 5.2990 58,954 9,675,309
Jordan  122,751 133,267 (2,840) 130,427 0.0710 565 129,862
Kenya   78,276 84,465 (1,800) 82,665 0.0450 430 82,235
Korea, Republic of  4,523,997 4,859, 553 (103,560) 4,755,993 2.5890 19,364 4,736,629
Kuwait  421,623 486,143 (10,360) 475,783 0.2590 724 475,059
Kyrgyz Republic     26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 131 27,424
Latvia  110,298 127,636 (2 ,720) 124,916 0.0680 734 124,182
Lesotho 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 5 27,550
Liechtenstein       44, 475 45,048 (960) 44,088 0.0240 337 43,751
Lithuania 199,248 228,994 (4 ,880) 224,114 0.1220 959 223,155
Luxembourg 674,241 733,907 (15, 640) 718,267 0.3910 4,967 713,300
Macao, China 131,646 140,775 (3,000) 137,775 0.0750 930 136,845
Madagascar 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 76 27,479
Malawi  26,685 28,155 ( 600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Malaysia  2,182,833 2,256,154 ( 48,080) 2,208,074 1.2020 16,103 2,191,971
Maldives  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 129 27,426
Mali    26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Malta   74,718 78,834 (1,680) 77,154 0.0420 509 76,645
Mauritania 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Mauritius 62,265 61,941 (1,320) 60,621 0.0330 406 60,215
Mexico  3,741,237 3,767,139 (80, 280) 3,686,859 2.0070 17,737 3,669,122
Moldova 26,685 30,032 (640) 29,392 0.0160 185 29,207
Mongolia  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 211 27,344
Morocco 289,977 305,951 (6,520) 299,431 0.1630 2,207 297,224
Mozambique 35,580 37,540 (800) 36,740 0.0200 207 36,533
Myanmar, Union of 49,812 52,556 (1,120) 51,436 0.0280 4 51,432
Namibia 33,801 39,417 (840) 38,577 0.0210 0 38,577
Nepal   28,464 30,032 (640) 29,392 0.0160 164 29,228
Netherlands  5,984,556 6,167,822 ( 131,440) 6,036,382 3.2860 33,322 6,003,060
New Zealand  455,424 469,250 ( 10,000) 459,250 0.2500 3,338 455,912
Nicaragua 37,359 39,417 (840) 38,577 0.0210 0 38,577
Niger   26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 20  
 
   
MEMBER 2008 
Contribution 
CHF 
incl. Surplus 
2006 2009 
Contribution
CHF 
before 
Surplus * Partial 
Utilization 
of Surplus 
200710 * 2009 
Contribution
after 
Redistribution 
Surplus 2007 2009 
Contribution 
% Interest11 
earned in 
2007 for 
2009 
CHF * 2009 net
Contribution
CHF 
Nigeria 482,109 442,972 (9, 440) 433,532 0.2360 1 433,531
Norway  1,529,940 1,623,605 (34, 600) 1,589,005 0.8650 10,252 1,578,753
Oman    217,038 228,994 (4,880) 224,114 0.1220 930 223,184
Pakistan  298,872 330,352 (7 ,040) 323,312 0.1760 1,754 321,558
Panama  161,889 163,299 (3 ,480) 159,819 0.0870 332 159,487
Papua New Guinea    44,475 39,417 (840) 38,577 0.0210 325 38,252
Paraguay  56,928 63,818 (1 ,360) 62,458 0.0340 0 62,458
Peru    225,933 255,272 (5,440) 249,832 0.1360 0 249,832
Philippines  829,014 824,003 ( 17,560) 806,443 0.4390 1,871 804,572
Poland  1,517,487 1,698,685 (36, 200) 1,662,485 0.9050 10,869 1,651,616
Portugal  946,428 972,286 (20, 720) 951,566 0.5180 1,212 950,354
Qatar   238,386 294,689 (6 ,280) 288,409 0.1570 0 288,409
Romania 469,656 534,945 (11, 400) 523,545 0.2850 83 523,462
Rwanda  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 67 27,488
Saint Kitts and Nevis 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 182 27,373
Saint Lucia  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 145 27,410
Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 88 27,467
Saudi Arabia,  
Kingdom of 1,506,813 1,739,979 (37,080) 1,702,899 0.9270 9,444 1,693,455
Senegal 37,359 33,786 ( 720) 33,066 0.0180 0 33,066
Sierra Leone 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Singapore 3,808,839 4,048,689 (86, 280) 3,962,409 2.1570 29,493 3,932,916
Slovak Republic     334,452 563, 100 (12,000) 551,100 0.3000 2,563 548,537
Slovenia  309,546 335,983 (7, 160) 328,823 0.1790 2,169 326,654
Solomon Islands     26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 212 27,343
South Africa 903,732 992,933 ( 21,160) 971,773 0.5290 5,131 966,642
Spain   4,646,748 4,917,740 (104, 800) 4,812,940 2.6200 27,491 4,785,449
Sri Lanka 142,320 142,652 (3,040) 139,612 0.0760 218 139,394
Suriname  26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 162 27,393
Swaziland 32,022 33,786 (720) 33,066 0.0180 234 32,832
Sweden  2,376,744 2,485,148 (52, 960) 2,432,188 1.3240 17,690 2,414,498
Switzerland  2,522,622 2,588,383 ( 55,160) 2,533,223 1.3790 18,529 2,514,694
Chinese Taipei     3,285,813 3, 386,108 (72,160) 3,313,948 1.8040 434 3,313,514
Tanzania  48,033 52,556 (1,120) 51,436 0.0280 26 51,410
Thailand  1,825,254 1,944,572 (41, 440) 1,903,132 1.0360 13,841 1,889,291
Togo    26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Tonga 26,685 28,155 (600) 27,555 0.0150 0 27,555
Trinidad and Tobago 92,508 99,481 (2,120) 97,361 0.0530 398 96,963
Tunisia 224,154 227,117 (4, 840) 222,277 0.1210 1,226 221,051
Turkey  1,407,189 1,578,557 (33, 640) 1,544,917 0.8410 6,555 1,538,362
Uganda  26,685 30,032 (640) 29,392 0.0160 0 29,392
Ukraine 0 640,057 (13,640) 626,417 0.3410 0 626,417
United Arab Emirates 1,328,913 1,522, 247 (32,440) 1,489,807 0.8110 6,506 1,483,301
United Kingdom      9,622,611 9,933, 084 (211,680) 9,721,404 5.2920 69,255 9,652,149
United States       25,094,574 25, 313,222 (539,440) 24,773, 782 13.4860 7,370 24,766,412
Uruguay 67,602 69,449 (1,480) 67,969 0.0370 32 67,937
Venezuela   540,816 593,132 ( 12,640) 580,492 0.3160 4,024 576,468
Viet Nam 505,236 463,619 (9, 880) 453,739 0.2470 1,984 451,755
Zambia  26,685 37,540 (800) 36,740 0.0200 212 36,528
Zimbabwe  35,580 31,909 (680) 31,229 0.0170 0 31,229
Total 177,900,000 187,700,000 (4,000, 000) 183,700,000 100.000 830,378 182,869,622
*  Subject to the Committee's endorsement of the Director -General's proposal on the utilization of the 2007 Surplus 
(WT/BFA/W/178). 
  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 21 
 
 
  BUDGETING PRACTICES, POLICI ES, EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY  
MEASURES IN THE WTO 
 
 Zero-based budgeting
 
39. WTO budget proposals are established using a zero-based budgeting technique, i.e. all 
organizational functions and needs are reviewed co mprehensively and all anticipated expenditures for 
the forthcoming exercise are evaluated on their own me rits.  With regard to salaries for the permanent 
staff (Budget Section 1), every active contract in  the payroll for the month of August 2008 was 
extracted, vacant posts were include d and valued, and the entire staffing table costs were projected for 
a full year.  This re-evaluation on the basis of  zero-based budgeting resulted in a decrease of 
CHF 1,588,600 in the consolidated allocati ons for salary and pension contributions.  
Efficiency and Economy Measures  
 
40. Banking :  The WTO has implemented electronic banking as the established practice for 
settling bills and payroll, which has resu lted in a reduction of bank charges. 
41. 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 issued (number of documen ts divided by number of addresses) is currently 
at 0.5  Unique among international organizations, the WTO allows Members to choose the series and 
number of documents received, which results in sav ings in document production and mailing costs.  
In addition, due to high-speed photocopiers, docum ents are produced on demand reducing thereby the 
number of copies held as stocks which may eventually not be used. 
42. Lighting :  In recent years, all lighting in the building has been changed to low energy lighting. 
43. Mailing costs :  Preferential rates have been negotiate d with the Swiss Post Office and with 
various air courier services, leading to cost savings to certain destinations of as much as 50 to 60 per 
cent compared to standard rates.  In addition, special customs clearance arrangements have been 
negotiated for freight with certain couriers, thereby reducing delivery time at no extra cost. 
44. Office space :  The availability of office space has become a major problem as the numbers of 
staff as well as interns have increased.  The Secret ariat has introduced a new policy whereby staff up 
to grade 8 (middle professional grade) are obliged to share offices. 
45. On-line purchases :  Stationery is now purchased on-line, and divisional 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. 
46. Outsourcing of photocopying maintenance :  The outsourcing of the photocopying 
maintenance to an external company led to a d ecrease of the cost per copy machine per year of 
16 per cent. 
47. Outsourcing of translations :  On the translation side, the WTO has sought to meet the 
increased demand in a cost-efficient way, through more 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 have been estimated to be so me 40 to 50 per cent in comparison with costs for a 
regular staff position for a translator or short-term translators coming to Geneva. WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 22  
 
  48. Printing
:  The Secretariat is engaging more and mo re in the in-house printing of documents 
and other publications, making fuller use of the ca pital investment made in the reproduction unit and 
eliminating the element of profit included in quotes provided by printing firms.  In addition, all official documents are printed on both sides of th e page which allows a significant reduction of the 
printing paper.  Since 2008, default recto-verso co pying has also been installed on all photo-copying 
machines and the majority of printers for staff. 
49. 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. 
50. Temporary Assistance :  Temporary assistance for support divisions has been strictly limited 
and used to replace only those staff whose duties must  be maintained.  A new overtime policy is under 
review. A new scheme has been implemented to use a taxi service for official  journeys outside normal 
working hours in order to reduce the overtime for drivers. 
51. Tenders :  In accordance with Chapter X, Procurement,  of the Financial Rules of the WTO, all 
contracts for the purchase of goods and services in the WTO for a value of CHF 50,000 or more are 
subject to a process of competitive tenders.  This  process encourages price competition and ensures 
that the Organization benefits from the lowest  possible prices.  In addition, a professional 
procurement officer has been recruited in 2008 w ith a view to improving efficiencies and achieving 
economies in the procurement process. 
52. Airline Tickets :  The Secretariat is implementing procedures whereby travel requests are 
required to be made well in advance in order to benefit as much as possible from lower fares. 
VIII.  WORKLOAD INDICATORS 
53. The following graphs indicate the evolution of workload in several key areas of WTO 
activities financed under the regular budget. 
A. TRANSLATION AND DOCUMENTATION  
Translation and Documentation:  Number of words in original language for translation 
 
02,000,0004,000,0006,000,0008,000,00010,000,00012,000,00014,000,00016,000,00018,000,00020,000,000
Number of words  8,556,290  9,450,967  14,170,49  14,992,27  14,456,91  16,319,75  17,687,13  17,943,49  17,766,70  16,402,91  17,389,66  14,858,31
% change 10.5% 49.9% 5.8% (3.6%) 12.9% 8.4% 1.4% (1.0%) (7.7%) 6.0% (14.6%)1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008(January-August)
  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 23 
 
 
  B. MEETINGS  
Meetings: Number of formal, informal and private meetings 
(January–August) 
 
 
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000
M eetings 1,340 1,710 1,701 2,186 2,402 2,966 2,941 4,207 3,653 4,589 4,677  4,701  5,752 
% change 17.6% 27.6% (0.5%) 28.5% 9.9% 23.5% (0.8 %) 43.0% (13.2% 25.6% 1.9% 0.5% 22.4%1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
 
 
  
 
Meetings:  Days of freelance interpreters 
(January–August) 
 
 
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
Number of days of 
freelance interpreters 725  806  1,017  1,353  1,157  1,812  2,047  2,268  1,758  2,157  2,232  1,661  1,782 
% change 18.1% 11.2% 26.2% 33.0% (14.5%) 56.6% 13.0% 10.8% (22.5%) 22.7% 3.5% (25.6%) 7.3%1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
 
 
 WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 24  
 
  C. D
ISPUTE SETTLEMENTS PANELS  
Dispute Settlement Panels:  Expenditure 
 
0200,000400,000600,000800,0001,000,0001,200,0001,400,000
CHF 292,700 475,800 880,800 1,195,300 972,662 910,325 1,169,586 987,522 1,275,147 1,154,960 655,592 1,147,651 1,037,000
% change 62.6% 85.1% 35.7% (18.6%) (6.4%) 28.5% (15.6%) 29.1% (9.4%) (43.2%) 75.1% (9.6%)1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008*
* Estimate based on actual expenditure to 30/09/2008 
 
 
 
Dispute Settlement Panels:  Average Expenditure per Month  
 
  
020,00040,00060,00080,000100,000120,000
CHF 24,392 39,650 73,400 99,600 81,055 75,860 99,429 82,294 106,262 96,247 54,633  95,638  86,417 
% change 62.6% 85.1% 35.7% (18.6%) (6.4%) 31.0% (17.2%) 29.1% (9.4%) (43.2%) 75.1% (9.6%)1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008*
 
 
* Estimate based on actual expenditure to 30/09/2008 
  WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
 Page 25 
 
 
  IX. ORGANIZATIONAL EVOLUTION SINCE 1995 
WTO 
 Appropriations   Post Increases 
Year CHF Inc.% Work/Years Total New Consolidations Temporary Assistance 
      P and 
above GS Total 
      P and 
above GS Total       CHF CHF CHF 
1995 105,389,500 a/   200 245 445       5,647,500 2,307,000 7,954,500
1996 115,693,503 a/ 9.78 250 263 513 68 68   4,720,000 2,323,000 7,043,000
114,111,750 b/   246 261 507       6,098,000 2,723,000 8,821,000
1,581,000  c/    4  2  6 0 0   4,500  4,500
1997 115,692,750   0.00 250 263 513         2,727,500 8,825,500
114,399,250 b/   248 259 507       6,098,000 2,723,000 8,821,000
1,579,600  c/    4  2  6 0 0   4,500  4,500
1998 115,978,850   0.25 252 261 513         2,727,500 8,825,500
120,204,500 b/      524         9,336,750
1,990,950  c/      9 20 20     4,500
1999 122,195,450   5.36     533           9,341,250
125,386,460 b/      530         9,826,850
2,310,550  c/      9 6 6     18,000
2000 127,697,010   4.50     539           9,844,850
131,305,610 b/      539         11,443,050
2,778,000  c/      13 13 13     108,500
2001 134,083,610   5.00     552           11,551,550
140,313,850 b/      547         13,205,100
2,816,000  c/      13 8 8     36,000
2002 143,129,850   6.75     560           13,241,100
151,983,150 b/      577         15,472,580
2,971,200  c/      13 30 6 24   36,000
2003 154,954,350   8.26     590           15,508,580
157,060,700 b/      594         15,763,150
4,715,800  c/      14 18 2 16   36,000
2004 161,776,500   4.40     608           15,799,150
164,131,000 d/      593.5         14,186,750
4,572,400  c/      15 0.5 (4.5) 5   36,000
2005 168,703,400   4.28     608.5           14,222,750
170,274,150 e/       620.5         13,724,800
4,726,000  c/       15 27 3 24   65,600
2006 175,000,150   3.73     635.5           13,790,400
176,865,250 b/      622.5         13,749,800
5,111,200  c/      15 2 2 0   65,600
2007 181,976,450   3.99     637.5           13,815,400
180,483,300 b/      624.5         14,897,400
4,408,200  c/      15 2 2 0   65,600
2008 184,891,500   1.60     639.5           14,963,000
183,744,100 b/f      624.5         14,909,900
5,513,500  c/      15  0 0 0   65,600
2009 189,257,600   2.36     639.5           14,975,500
            Total 195 126 69      
 
a/ WTO/GATT 
b/ WTO Secretariat c/ Appellate Body (permanent costs) d/ Adjusted by 7 unfunded security posts 
e/ Conversion of 3 Director posts to 5.5 support posts 
f/ 2 Director posts unfunded WT/BFA/SPEC/185 
Page 26  
 
  X. TABLE OF 2008 REGULAR STAFF POSI TIONS (as at 30 September 2008) 
 
Grades Grades Division 
1-10 11-12 Senior 
Management Grand 
Total 
Senior Management 4.4  5 9.4 
Office of the Direct or-General 12 2  14 
Accessions Division 7.8 1  8.8 
Administration and General Services Division 79.5 1  80.5 
Agriculture & Commodities Division 14.5 1  15.5 
Council and TNC Division 12.5 1  13.5 
Development Division 11 1  12 
Doha Development Agenda (DDA) Special Duties Division 2 1  3 
Economic Research and Statistics Division 47 2  49 
External Relations Division 7.8 1  8.8 
Human Resources Division 17.6 1  18.6 
Informatics Division 38 1  39 
Information & Media Relations Division 21 1  22 
Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation 28.5 1  29.5 
Intellectual Property Division 12 1  13 
Language Services & Documentation Division 156.8 1  157.8 
Legal Affairs Division 15.8 1  16.8 
Market Access Division 11 1  12 
Medical Unit 2.5   2.5 
Office of Internal Audit   2 1  3 
Rules Division 20 1  21 
Technical Cooperation Audit 1.5   1.5 
Trade & Environment Division 7 1  8 
Trade and Finance Trade Facilitation Division 8.4 1  9.4 
Trade in Services Division 16 1  17 
Trade Policies Review Division 37.9 1  38.9 
WTO Total 594.5 25 5 624.5 
Appellate Body 14 1   15 
Grand Total 608.5 26 5 639.5 
 
 
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