WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/COMTD/W/151 
17 October 2006 
  (06-4976) 
Committee on Trade and Development  
  
 
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN 
2007 
 
Table of Contents
 
Paragraphs 
 
I. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1-10  
II. KEY FEATURES OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING 
PLAN 2007...................................................................................................................... ....11-23  
III. THE PRODUCTS ............................................................................................................24-149 
A. GENERAL WTO-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND 
TRAINING ............................................................................................................28-65 
B. SPECIALIZED AND ADVANCED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL 
ASSISTANCE......................................................................................................66-112 
C. ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND CAPACITY 
BUILDING:  AN INTEGRAT ED APPROACH ............................................113-131 
D. SUPPORT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
FACILITIES......................................................................................................132-139 
 E. E-LEARNING.................................................................................................. 140-149 
 
IV. PROCESSES AND PROGRAMMES..........................................................................150-168 
V. PARTNERSHIPS; INPUTS INTO ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY OTHER 
BODIES ......................................................................................................................... .169-179  
VI. MONITORING AND EV ALUATION ........................................................................180-187  
VII. FUNDING.......................................................................................................................1 88-192  
ANNEX 1: THE PRODUCT MATRIX:  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
ANNEX 2: THE PRODUCT MATRIX:  LIST OF ACTIVITIES 
ANNEX 3: LETTER OF INVITATION FOR NATIONAL ACTIVITIES 
ANNEX 4: GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING NEEDS ASSESSMENTS WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  I. INTRODUCTION 
1. The Technical Assistance and Training Plan fo r the year 2007 (the Plan) builds on experience 
gained with and lessons learned from the implementati on of previous Plans. It takes into account the 
recommendations made in the Technical Coopera tion Audit (TCA) Report (WT/COMTD/W/148) and 
the conclusions and recommendations  that have emerged from the St rategic Review (SR) of WTO's 
Trade Related Technical Assistance Activities (TRT A) (WT/COMTD/W/152).  As discussed in the 
management response to the SR (of WT/COMTD/W/ 153), the report contains a useful review of 
WTO-provided TRTA, which is positively rated an d makes welcome suggestions and proposals that 
are aimed at improving quality and sustainability through planning, preparation, delivery and follow-
up to TRTA.  Many key suggestions and recommendations are duly reflected in the TA Plan 2007;  
others would first need to be considered by Me mbers.  The Plan thus further consolidates the 
approach adopted for the delivery of technical assistance and training since 2004, and refines some of the products and concepts in light of the recommend ations made. It also integrates the views of the 
Members, both donors and beneficiaries, that have been put forward in the course of formal and informal consultations, as well as during the meeti ngs of the Committee on Trade and Development. 
So it is not 
 "business as usual", and takes into account  the negotiating environment.    
2. The structure and organization of the Plan are similar to those of the previous Plans: emphasis 
continues to be put on fully integrating training and technical cooperation and maximizing synergies 
between the two, which was one of the main pur poses of establishing the Institute for Training and 
Technical Cooperation (ITTC) in 2003.  In line w ith the key recommendations contained in the SR, 
the TA Plan is designed in such a way as to: 
• put more emphasis on the quality of the activities; 
• enhance the methodology of training and of the material itself, course content etc.; 
• use needs assessment more systematically  as a basis for the delivery of assistance; 
• further strategic cooperation with other ag encies, based on comparative advantage; 
• strengthen the selection process of participants; 
• work towards a follow-up to activities; 
• strengthen the use of e-training, as a tool for disseminating information, enhancing the 
knowledge base, a precursor to the face to face courses and for selecting participants; 
• explore effective ways to outsource so me activities, including with academics. 
 3.  A dedicated ITTC webpage will be established to provide a maximum scope of information 
on the TA activities, programmes, course material etc.. 
4. The Plan is designed to enable the WTO Secretar iat to pursue in a coherent and cost effective 
fashion key objectives mandated by Members.  These are: to enhance institutional and human capacity in beneficiary countries to address trade policy issues and concerns; 'mainstreaming' trade 
into national development and poverty reduction policies; facilita ting  fuller participation of 
beneficiaries in the Multilateral Trading System  (MTS); and effective participation in the 
negotiations.  It reflects the principles and prioriti es laid down in the Ministerial Declaration adopted 
at the fourth Ministerial Meeting in Qatar in November 2001, the Doha De velopment Agenda (DDA), 
and takes into account the Decision adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004 (the 'July 
Framework Agreement') and the Hong Kong, China, Ministerial Declaration (22 December 2005).  
5. Importantly, the assumption is made that the suspension of the DDA negotiations would not 
affect Member's needs and requirements for training and technical assistance, as mandated in the 
Doha Declaration.  An enhanced knowledge b ased on the Agreements and the negotiating issues 
would support informed decisions by the Members.   The present programme thus continues to be 
linked to the need for the enhancement of capacity in  relation to Member's rights and obligations in  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 3 
 
 
  the MTS and to the negotiations.  Members can rest  assured, however, that the content of the TRTA 
will very carefully reflect the needs of beneficiaries in light of the situation prevailing in 2007. It will 
also no doubt be appropriate to relate the action of  the Secretariat to the eventual outcome of the 
discussion on Aid for Trade, and to the operationaliza tion of the enhanced Integrated Framework (cf. 
paragraphs 152 et seq.  below). If the Plan itself needs to be adjusted, that will be done. 
6. The DDA recognizes that technical assistance and capacity building are core elements of the 
development dimension of the MTS.  A well planne d, targeted and coordinated delivery of such 
activities will not only assist resource-constrained Members to adjust to WTO rules and disciplines, implement obligations and exercise the rights of me mbership, but will also support domestic efforts to 
mainstream trade into national plans for economic development and strategies for poverty reduction.  
Consistent with the Doha Ministerial Declaration,  the development dimension will be fully reflected 
both generically and in specific modules of the Plan. 
7. The Plan features a range of products which can be used in the delivery of technical 
assistance and training as well as some programmes.  All the products, whether in Geneva or in the field, are geared towards achieving the same ge neral objective.  The products can be applied 
individually or in combination.  Moreover, the Pl an is designed in such a way that all eligible 
Members and Observers can systematically benefit.   In light of their pressing trade development 
needs, priority will be given to Least-Developed Co untries (LDCs).  This priority will be articulated 
through specially designed events and, for benefici aries of the Integrated Framework (IF), activities 
will be linked to their processes of mainstreaming tr ade into their national development plans.  The 
main challenge for the WTO is to assist LDCs to integrate into the MTS and to benefit from 
progressive trade liberalization in world trade.  Anothe r challenge is to assist LDCs to participate fully 
in the negotiating process of the DDA.  In the S ecretariat's experience, one way of addressing these 
challenges is to identify and put in place appropria te cost-effective mechanisms that the Secretariat 
can deploy to encourage LDCs to take advantage of the full range of technical assistance and training 
programmes, including national seminars. 
8. New activities contained in the Plan and organised by the WTO are announced and publicised 
well in advance.  Invitations are sent out to Memb ers, through established channels, giving detailed 
information on the activity itself and conditions for pa rticipation.  Increasingly, selection criteria will 
be applied so as to ensure hom ogeneous groups with similar levels  of knowledge.  With regard to 
national activities, as is detailed in Chapter III B.(b), they can be requested at any time in the course 
of the year, bearing in mind that their implemen tation will essentially depend on availability of WTO 
experts.  A letter of invitation will be sent to a ll beneficiaries immediatel y following the adoption of 
the Plan (Annex III contains an example of a letter of invitation, as sent to Member in the Fall 2005). 
9. The Plan is structured as follows:  Chapter II discusses the key features of technical assistance 
and training for the year 2007, followed by a presen tation in Chapter III of the products and the 
objectives they are meant to achieve.  Chapter IV provides insights into some specific programmes 
and processes relating to the delivery of TRTA.  Ch apter V provides information on partnerships and 
WTO inputs into activities organized by other bodies.  Chapter VI addresses monitoring and evaluation, and Chapter VII covers the issue of funding. 
10. The Annexes provide practical information and more detail on the technical assistance and 
training activities and their resource implicati ons, which are accounted for in terms of output 
(participant/days).  This methodology, which consists  of combining the number of participants over 
the number of days that they have been trained,  was introduced in the TA Plan 2004 and permits a 
more realistic monitoring of implementation.  The Annexes follow the same order as the text of the 
Plan. WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  II. KEY FEATURES OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN 2007 
11. The key features of the Plan are: 
• quality-oriented:  while it is important to ensure that Members are offered an 
appropriate number of activities, it is even more important to ensure high quality;   
• product-oriented:  the Plan is centred ar ound the delivery of products.  For each of 
these there are well defined specific objectiv es.  These products include trade policy 
courses of varying duration, which can be he ld in Geneva or in the field, regional 
seminars, workshops, national activities, etc.; 
• process and programme oriented:  besides th e products, the Plan contains several 
processes and programmes geared towards fac ilitating the integration of beneficiaries 
into the multilateral trading system (Integ rated Framework (IF), Joint Integrated 
Technical Assistance Programme (JITAP), internships); 
• development-oriented:  in keeping with th e thrust of the DDA, special emphasis is 
given to the developmental dimension in all aspects of the Plan; 
• impact and results-oriented:  the Plan la ys emphasis on activities that have been 
proven to build, or to be likely to build , sustainable human and institutional capacity.  
The Plan is intended to "leave a trace"; 
• geographically balanced:  there is a consid erable reliance on regional activities so as 
to ensure an equitable coverage of beneficiaries; 
• broad and deep in coverage:  to ensure  that all the WTO Agreements and the 
negotiating issues of the DDA are addressed, with the appropriate degree of detail;  
• simple and flexible:  the Plan is simple, tr ansparent and flexible.  It plans what is 
plannable (core activities, whether in Gene va or for regions) and leaves room to 
address priority needs and to accommodate specific requests from beneficiaries;  it 
will particularly take into account the needs of LDCs, small and vulnerable 
economies, as well as of non-residents;  and, 
• designed to build and strengthen stra tegic partnerships and coherence: 
o with the beneficiaries, i.e. in-country cooperation and capacity building, 
designed to create conditions which w ill allow transfer of ownership and 
responsibility for training progressively to the beneficiary over time, and 
through a participatory approach, iden tify needs and establish priorities for 
technical assistance and training; 
o with the donor community, to achieve greater coherence among providers of 
technical assistance and training, avoid overlap and duplication in activities 
and enhance efficiency; 
o with regional training institutes, bodies and other internati onal organizations, 
to share responsibility and take full  advantage of complementarities and 
available expertise;  and, 
o with academia, to work with the academ ic community to meet local needs 
and to encourage WTO-related teaching and  research. 
12. 
This Plan builds on previous years' experience, with a view to making it even more effective 
as the blueprint for the delivery of training and technical assistance.  The recommendations and lessons learned that have emerged from the monitori ng and evaluation reports have been particularly 
relevant in the design of the Plan.  The Plan  has been conceived with due regard to the  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 5 
 
 
  recommendations made in the TCA Reports for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 20051, which may contribute to 
better planning and delivery of TA.  Separately, the draft recommendations that emerged from the 
Strategic Review of WTO's TRTA Activities, as availa ble at the time of drafting this Plan, were taken 
into account. 
13. Co-ordination and Consultations : The ITTC, as well as the Technical Assistance 
Management Committee (TAMC), play a central ro le in coordinating the implementation of the 
activities contained in the Plan.  The implementa tion of the Plan will involve virtually all WTO 
Divisions, as well as partner institutions, regional deve lopment banks and other agencies.  The process 
of informal consultations has proven to be a va luable mechanisms for frank and open discussions and 
exchanging views among stakeholders, in a construc tive spirit, on issues of common concern in the 
field of TRTA.  
14. Various sources of information which have assisted in designing the Plan in the past continue 
to be of importance:  the Secretariat interact s with Members in various ways, e.g. through the 
Committees, direct contacts with Geneva-based dele gations, with visiting officials, including high 
level officials attending the Geneva Week, during missions, in the course of regional and national 
seminars/workshops, during the trade policy courses, he ld either in Geneva or in the field.  The 
Secretariat regularly interacts with regional groupi ngs to discuss TRTA relevant to countries in the 
region and also directly consults with other inte rnational organizations and agencies active in the 
field.  
15. In the course of committee meetings and consu ltations, which are regularly held by the ITTC 
with operational divisions and donor s and potential beneficiary countries or groups of countries, the 
Secretariat has an opportunity to shape the progr amme of activities.  The Committees, through the 
Secretary, are invited to submit their proposals for ac tivities in specific areas to the ITTC in a timely 
fashion, so as to allow for their inclusion into the Plan.  The analyses contained in Trade Policy 
Review (TPR) reports are also helpful in assistin g the Members and Secretariat to identify suitable 
issues for TA.  The strengthened cooperation be tween the ITTC and Trade Policy Review Division 
(TPRD) in support of needs identification is paying dividends.  It should also be noted that certain 
institutional mechanisms, such as th e IF, which includes a phase of diagnostic study of country needs, 
continue to be valuable tools in defining TA pr ogrammes.  Finally, through the back-to-office reports, 
a better appreciation can be obtained as to the requ irements for follow-up activities.  Operational 
divisions have a particular role to play because of their in-depth knowledge of each country's situation 
with respect to each Agreement.  More generally, if  "demand" (which is not always coterminous with 
"need") is to be accurately assessed and usefully channelled, canvassing of requirements, as defined 
by Members, is particularly important. 
16. Quality vs quantity : A systematic needs assessment of the TRTA requirement of Members 
and continuous dialogue with the Secretariat in mee ting those needs is expected to result in a more 
target-oriented selection from among the products of the Plan.  This approach, coupled with closer 
attention to the selection of the participants, could l ead to more relevant TA and lasting results. It is 
expected to facilitate the development of a multi- year approach for the delivery of TRTA, thus 
leading to sustainable and cumulative capacity buildi ng.  In preparing each activity, more attention 
will thus be paid to quality, rather than to quan tity of activities. The quality of the activities can be 
further enhanced through the design of the activities, by including lists of r eadings for the activity, 
making available more detailed information on the contents of the (draft) programme, as well as on 
the documentation. Ways of ensuring a follow up to the activity will also be considered and should 
gradually become an integral part of the planned activity itself. The ITTC website is expected to 
                                                      
1 WT/COMTD/W/111 - 28 March 2003, WT/COMTD /W/125 - 22 March 2004, WT/COMTD/W/138 – 
15 April 2005 and WT/COMTD/W/148 – 14 April 2006 WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 6  
 
  contribute to providing timely information on all aspects of the planned TRTA activities and 
enhancing transparency.  
17. The quality of TRTA would also be improved and made more relevant and focused by 
including the systematic use of case studies, si mulations and other practical exercises, such as 
problem solving, which have direct relevance for the region and in which participants can consult 
with resource persons as well as with fellow particip ants from other countries. The training material, 
including the exercises and simulations, will as mu ch as possible be tailored to the (sub) regional 
situation, thus increasing the direct relevance fo r participants to the activity. The training would 
gradually become more interactive with particul ar emphasis being put on sharing of experiences 
between participants.  Local resource staff would in creasingly be used in order to put more emphasis 
on the local dimension of 'problem solving'.  The homogeneity and manageable size of groups would 
thus be of the essence. Groups of participants woul d normally not exceed thirty in total in order to 
ensure that courses can indeed be made interactive.   As to the duration, in line with recommendations 
made, the quality of TRTA can improve by putting more emphasis on training courses of medium to 
longer duration, with more in-depth treatment of the issues, rather than undertaking high number of 
activities of short duration, which may have little impact. 
18. Needs assessments : Assessing needs is generally recognized as an essential element in 
designing a Technical Assistance and Training Plan.  This has clearly been underlined by Members, 
who have emphasized the necessity for beneficiar ies to identify and prioritize their requests for 
assistance, based on a process of n eeds identification.  Following the preparation of informal 
discussion papers on the issue of needs identificati on by the secretariat, as well as the studies that 
were prepared on a pilot basis for several count ries, guidelines for needs assessment (JOB(04)/113) 
were developed, which can assist beneficiaries in undertaking their own needs assessment.  Moreover, 
a global approach was developed in cooperation w ith Trade Policy Review Division (TPRD) to assess 
the needs of beneficiaries in a more systematic manner and in direct relation to countries' trade policy reviews.  This approach, is now gr adually being implemented in all de veloping country beneficiaries.  
19. Selection of participants : One of the main challenges in the delivery of TA is to ensure that 
the participants' and Secretariat's expectations matc h.  It has been proven that the outcome of an 
activity with an homogeneous group of  participants in terms of know ledge is significantly higher than 
a group with varying levels of knowledge.  While th is applies to some extent to general trade policy 
courses, for which a selection process is already est ablished and conducted routinely, it applies more 
specifically when the level of required expertise increases, such as in sp ecialized workshops and 
training courses.  In order to ensure that the right  match is achieved prior to the activity, there are 
responsibilities on the side of the Secretariat as well as on the side of the beneficiary.  The Secretariat 
has to ensure that the letter of invitation for an  activity clearly states the objectives and expected 
outcome of the activity, as well as the required qualif ications of the participants.  The beneficiaries 
need to ensure that the right candidates are propo sed for the activity, who fully correspond to the 
indicated profile.  Thus, in order to match expect ations, the selection process will be strengthened and 
conducted more systematically, prior to the star t of the activity, not only for the Geneva-based 
training courses, but equally for field-based works hops and specialized, topi c-related seminars and 
training courses, and more particularly for advanced  and higher levels of training. Such a selection 
process will naturally differ per activity, as discussed further.  The beneficiaries should ensure the 
effective participation of the officials throughout th e activity, so as to avoid cancellations and/or early 
drop-outs, which reduce the participation rates a nd undermine the effectiveness of the activity. 
20. The selection process can include, as is already done by some Divisions, sending out 
questionnaires or other forms for assessment of the ca ndidates, by electronic means (e.g. e-course as a 
precursor to the activity), which would provide some  indication and assurance to the organizers of the 
activity that the required expertise is available.  This can be done in writing, and can also include 
direct interaction with the candidates over the tele phone.  Such a process is particularly important  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 7 
 
 
  when the activity is geared toward s experts in a specific field and when higher levels of learning are 
the objective.  This can apply to advanced courses as for anti-dumping practitioners, dispute 
settlement, services, market access etc., where the main purpose is to  provide higher levels of training, 
thus moving away from the basic training.  These specialized courses are increasingly conducted on an interactive basis, with participants conducting simulations, group work, sharing of experiences etc, 
which can only be performed successf ully if overall levels of participants are comparable.  In the 
same vein, participants attendi ng more advanced and/or specialized activities are increasingly 
required to have a solid base knowledge, so that they  are at par prior to the course. In order to 
synchronize levels of knowledge, the Secretariat often prepares lists of readings, which can be sent to 
the participants directly, or can be accessed electronically, e.g. on a dedicated WTO website.  
Candidates who are known to have participated in training activities already, whatever their nature 
(including e-training) make it possible to deliver higher-level training, either more focused or more sophisticated, or both. When necessary, the Secretaria t should be in a position to inform the candidate 
and/or the relevant authorities if it feels that the official does not correspond to the profile required for the activity, as spelled  out in the letter of invitatio n. The Secretariat has started keeping a database of 
all participants that have participated in WTO TRTA  activities, which can be consulted, so as to limit 
cases of 'recidivism', i.e. the same participant rep eating similar courses, on the one hand and to ensure 
that the participant has successfully concluded the b ase course, prior to participating in a course aimed 
at higher levels of learning on the other hand. 
21. Outcomes and follow-up : In line with suggestions made by TCA, deliberate efforts will be 
made, in the design phase, to ensure more coherent  and logical design of TA programmes, which will 
include realistic, measurable and achievable objectiv es, supported by performance indicators, set out 
prior to the delivery of the techni cal assistance.  If necessary, TCA will provide its s upport to that 
effect. More attention will be paid to the outcome  of the training, as well as the follow up to the 
courses, thus ensuring that the activity has strengt hened the knowledge base of the participants in 
measurable ways and that the information obtai ned and the knowledge acquired through the training 
will be put to use. Testing of knowledge can be done  in various ways, including through quizzes prior 
to and after the delivery of the course, as well as through question and answer sessions that allow the 
trainers to have a better appreciation of the knowledge acquired. Such testing will increasingly 
become part of the activitiy itself.  As to th e follow up, this can include report writing by the 
participants with feed back on the outcome of th e course and how that inform ation will be put to use 
in the day to day work of the official, or how it  will be disseminated to colleagues in capital. Follow 
up can also be assured through continued interaction with the trainers and other participants following 
the course, participating in courses on the same topi c at higher levels of specialization, etc. Other 
ways and methods of assuring a follow up to the activ ity will be explored, so as to establish durable 
links between the trainers and the participants.  Fo r example, the suggestion has been made that there 
be an electronic forum where past participants  in seminars and courses can remain in touch. 
22. Comparative advantage : The WTO would exclusively undertake activities in which it has a 
comparative advantage and that fall within its ma ndate, hence the WTO agreements and those areas 
that are directly part of the DDA negotiations. It will co-operate and partner as much as possible with 
all relevant international bodies and agencies in order to deliver the TRTA in the most efficient ways, 
bearing in mind the specific competences of each of the partner organizations. 
23. Webpage : A ITTC webpage is currently under construc tion, which will be an integral part of 
the WTO website. It will contain direct access to in formation regarding WTO's TRTA activities. It is 
expected to be operational when the TA Plan 2007 will be implemented. Mo re detailed information 
on its contents, its operation and accessibilit y will be provided at a later stage. WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  III. THE PRODUCTS 
24. The products are designed to ensure a "do-able" number of high quality activities, with 
expected durable effects.  Each product comes w ith clearly identified objectives.  In this way 
outcomes become measurable, making evaluation more meaningful.  The key features discussed 
above are reflected in the design of the products and related technical assistance and training 
activities, and in their implementation.  In defini ng the products, the approach that was adopted 
reflects the situation that each product targets a diff erent need and is based on different levels of 
knowledge of the participants.    Given the differe nt nature of the technical assistance and training 
activities proposed and the objectives for each produc t, it is important that, prior to enrolling a 
participant on a specific course, the needs of the participants a nd the expected benefits for the 
beneficiary country are carefully assessed.  
25. The products can be grouped broadly in five main categories: 
 A. General WTO-related Technical Assistance and Training;  
 B. Specialized and Advanced Technical Assistance and Training;  C. Academic Support for Training and Capacity Building:  an Integrated 
Approach; 
 D. Support Technical Assistan ce and Training Facilities; 
 E. E-Learning 
26. In addition to these products, there are two main  programmes, the Joint Integrated Technical 
Assistance Programme (JITAP) and the Integrated Framework for trade-related assistance to LDCs 
(IF), which are processes or mechanisms for the deliv ery of technical assistance, rather than products 
per se ; they are discussed in Chapter IV. 
27. The main characteristics of these  products are presented in the document, followed by a more 
detailed listing of corresponding activities in the Anne xes.  A distinction is  made between products 
that are geared towards basic learning, requiring relatively lower levels of base knowledge of the 
WTO multilateral trading system, and products that  require increasingly specific and/or advanced 
knowledge and training.   
A. GENERAL WTO-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING 
28. This first category covers activities geared towa rds government officials with a broad overall 
WTO responsibility and a general knowledge of the mu ltilateral trading system and who are therefore 
generalists.  This also includes officials who have  recently assumed responsibilities with regard to the 
WTO and have not had much exposure to the theory  and practice of WTO rules and regulations and 
for whom this is an opportunity to exchange inform ation and share experiences.  The main purpose is 
to initiate officials to the rules and functioning of the WTO and/or to raise the general level of 
knowledge and provide opportunities to improve their skills.  This category mainly includes training 
activities designed to offer a broad understanding of  all WTO-related matters. Training performed 
under this category is therefore general in nature and not addressed primarily to specialists and/or 
experts. This category of products also includes activities that address specific topics and issues. 
Training is geared towards either generalists who want to get a thorough introduction to particular 
areas of the work of the WTO, and/or towards th e initiated and specialists/technicians who want to 
refresh their understanding of the basics related to specific topics.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  (a) Trade Policy Courses 
 
29.  There are a total of eight Trade Policy Courses in 2007:  four in Ge neva and four in the 
regions.  They last 12 weeks and through these Gene va-/ and field-based courses, a total of around 
200 participants is reached annually.   They consist of a series of training sessions, including 
interactive presentations, exercises, simulations, visi ts, attendance to official meetings, and round-
tables on the WTO.  All Agreements and issues on th e WTO agenda are covered.  The purpose is not 
to form specialists in each area of activity of the WTO but rather to ensure that participants are 
thoroughly exposed to all WTO-related issues, and develop practical skills as well as an extensive 
network of contacts.  This kind of overall expos ure is critically important in countries where the 
human resources devoted to the MTS are insufficient to permit a high degree of specialisation and/or 
where national committees coordinating WTO matters n eed to strengthen the knowledge of their staff. 
They also serve as a general introduction for those who may become specialists at a later stage. 
30. A selection process for participants is conducte d. A committee is constituted to conduct the 
process of selection, which includes such elements as  the eligibility of candidates, their qualifications, 
geographical and gender balance, and equita ble coverage of beneficiary countries.  
31. Progress of participants is evaluated during the training activity, using different methods, 
including self-assessment tests, exer cises, etc. At the end of the course an evaluation is made to assess 
the effectiveness and efficiency of the course.  Th is information is fed back into the process of 
designing and constantly improving the quality of the course per se . An ex-post evaluation is now 
systematically conducted, in cooperation with the Technical Cooperation Audit unit, to improve the 
Secretariat's capability to collect elements to measure  the impact of training on beneficiary countries. 
(i) Geneva-based Trade Policy Courses (TPCs) 
32. Four TPCs are organized annually at Headquarters.  The courses comprise a series of 
interactive modules, with lectures, exercises and si mulations, covering all the areas of work of the 
WTO.  They also include visits to other internati onal organizations active in trade-related matters as 
well as attendance at selected meetings of WTO bodies.  Regular briefings on WTO work-in-progress, 
and attendance to WTO meetings, are an integral pa rt of the TPCs.  Contacts with WTO experts and 
experts from Missions and other international organi zations are also a common feature.  Moreover, 
participants are encouraged to establish contacts with  experts in relevant Divisions, pursue discussions 
of interest to their country with experts in speci fic field, prepare for national and regional training 
events with the regional desks in ITTC and buil d working relations with WTO officials, thus 
facilitating follow-up, once the official returns to capital. An abundant reference documentation is 
distributed to the participants, on paper and/or elect ronic formats, with an invitation to disseminate 
this information to their collea gues once back in their capital. 
33. In terms of objectives, it is expected that, at the end of the Geneva-based TPCs, the 
participants will have: 
• developed a good understanding of all aspect s of the WTO, including the Agreements 
(transfer of knowledge); 
• improved analytical and negotiating skills (improvement of skills); 
• learned to use effectively the relevant in formation and documenta tion on trade-related 
issues (autonomy); 
• strengthened capacity to work in teams a nd in an international environment (team 
work); WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  • established and/or strengthened a networ k of contacts with each other and the 
trainers/experts (network). 
34. The TPCs are organized by the ITTC, and call on experts from operational divisions and the 
specialized support of outside consultants.  Guest  speakers from other organizations, in particular 
from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Un ited Nations Conference on Trade and Development 
(UNCTAD), the World Intellectual Property Organi zation (WIPO) and the World Bank are regularly 
invited. Presentations of the activities of the Advi sory Centre for WTO Law (ACWL) and the Agency 
for International Trade Information and Cooperation (AITIC) also constitute regular features of the 
programme. 
35. Government officials from developing count ries and LDCs, economies in transition and 
acceding countries are eligible to participate in the TP Cs.  Invitations are sent well before each course, 
through the Permanent Missions or, for non-resident s through one national focal point. Between 25 
and 30 participants are selected for each course.  These officials are usually, but not necessarily, from the Ministry of Trade. In fact beneficiaries are str ongly encouraged to ensure that officials from other 
ministries, who deal with trade issues, are also give n the opportunity to participate in these courses, as 
well as in other products.  The selection process s eeks to ensure an equ itable distribution among 
eligible countries over a cycle of six courses:  four in  English, one in French and one in Spanish.  In 
2007, the following courses will be held in Geneva
2: 
• the 39th and 40th TPCs for English-speaking officials to be held simultaneously as 
from 15 January to 5 April 2007;  
• the 41st  TPC for French-speaking officials to be held from 30 April to 20 July 2007;  
and, 
• the 42nd TPC for English-speaking officials to be held from 17 September to 7 
December 2007. 
36. The training methods used put emphasis on in teractive learning, simulations, practical 
exercises, case studies, round tables and debates. Standardized training material, including background material, visual supports, exercises, simulation and reference documents, is being 
consolidated. 
37. The costs of Geneva-based TPCs, including fello wships for the participants covering travel, 
lodging and insurance, are financed through the regular budget. 
(ii) Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs) 
38. RTPCs are built on the same model as Geneva-bas ed TPCs and are delivered in partnership 
with an institution of higher learning in different regions of the world.  Government officials from 
each specific region participate in the training and the courses adapt to regional specificities in terms 
of number of participants from each country.  The courses are co-delivered by officials from the WTO 
Secretariat and academics and trade policy speci alists from the region. There is a natural 
complementarity between the WTO expertise and re gional expertise which renders this type of 
training comprehensive and adapted to local needs.  WTO lecturers provide authoritative explanations 
of WTO provisions and the workings of the institutio n, and specialists from the region deliver lectures 
and discussions with a strong emphasis on regional c oncerns.  This dual-delivery approach provides 
the training with a regional relevance and context that is unique to RTPCs.  
                                                     
 
2 tentative dates  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 11 
 
 
  39. So while the key objectives of RTPCs are the same as for the Geneva-based courses, and 
provide similar training opportunities, the RTPCs are also expected to contribute to: 
• building institutional partnerships at the regional level for capacity-building activities; 
• giving the course a regional focus and relevance;  and, 
• fostering networks among institutions of  higher learning and their academics. 
40. In conjunction with each RTPC, a preparatory th ree-day workshop is held for academics and 
trade specialists who co-deliver the course.  The workshop provides a detailed briefing on the 
objectives of the RTPC project, bilateral meetings  with WTO trainers, updating on the status of 
ongoing work in the WTO and exchanges on research activ ities.  The workshop is an integral part of 
the RTPC project as it helps to bui ld the institutional partnership, contextualizes the joint lecturing 
arrangements and facilitates the building of an academic network. 
41. The institutional partnerships by definition can onl y be forged with a single institution within 
a region at any one time, but the co-lecturers are drawn from institutions of higher learning and other sources from throughout the region. Thus, linkages are established and/or reinforced with the 
academic community as part of an integrated approach for sustainable capacity building. 
42. The partnership between the regional instituti on and the ITTC evolves over time, with the 
RTPC being considered as Phase 1 of the project  (see section III C(b) for follow-up to RTPCs, 
Phase 2. 
43. It is envisaged to organize four RTPCs in 2007, two of which will be undertaken with new 
partner institutions:   
• for English-speaking Africa; 
• for French-speaking Africa; 
• for Asia and the Pacific;  and 
• for Latin America. 
44. Following the delivery of three RTPCs in pa rtnership with the Université Mohammed 
V-Souissi in Rabat, Morocco, and with the Univer sity of Hong Kong (2004- 2006), these partnerships 
will move into Phase 2 in 2007.  Accordingly, the WTO will enter into new partnerships with 
institutions of higher learning in both of these regions.  
45. For the Caribbean region, in 2007, an activity aimed at consolidating the capacity built over 
the last three years of RTPCs in the region will be held in lieu of an RTPC.  Taking into account the high level of interest by governments in the Caribb ean region in RTPCs but considering the demands 
such courses impose on limited government human res ources, the approach in 2007 will be to provide 
short consolidation courses for former particip ants of three-month trade policy courses from the 
region. This approach continues the objectives of the RTPCs of increasing the WTO knowledge of 
government officials in the regions and enhancing the institutional capacity of the partner university 
to deliver WTO-related training in  a manner consistent with the human resource situation of the 
region. RTPCs will be re-introduced to the Caribbean  region following a period of  consolidation.  The 
consolidation course will be of four weeks durati on and will be held twice during 2007.  The course 
will consist of four modules, each of one week's dur ation, dealing with issues that are important for 
that region and treating them in greater depth th an during the RTPCs.  The training will include WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 12  
 
  topical case studies and interactive participation. The courses will be organized in partnership with the 
University of the West Indies and will closely invo lve regional lecturers in the planning, preparation 
and delivery of the training. 
46. With regard to RTPCs in regions not yet covered, such as Arab and Middle East Countries, 
Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and th e Caucasus, discussions with representatives from 
these regions will be undertaken with the view to a ssessing the appropriate timing for the organization 
of a RTPC. 
47. The costs incurred for the organization of RTPC s, including fellowships for the participants 
covering travel, lodging and insurance, are covered by the trust funds. 
(b) Introduction Courses  
48. The main purpose of Geneva-based Introductio n Courses is the dissemination of general 
information about the WTO, its basic rules and di sciplines and its functioning.  The courses usually 
last three weeks, and are held at Headquarters.  Briefings on overall WTO work progress are an integral part of the courses.  The development dimension constitutes an important module in the 
programme of introduction courses.  The courses are often conducted with the participation of 
representatives of ITC, UNCTAD, WIPO and the World Bank. Presentation of the activities of 
ACWL and AITIC also constitute regular features of the programme.  
49. In terms of objectives to be reached, it is e xpected that at the end of the courses the 
participants will have: 
• developed a general understa nding of all aspects of the WTO, including the 
agreements (transfer of knowledge); 
• improved analytical and negotiating skills (improvement of skills); 
• learned to use efficiently the relevant in formation and documenta tion on trade-related 
issues (autonomy); 
• strengthened capacity to work in teams a nd in an international environment (team 
work);  and, 
• established and/or strengthened a networ k of contacts with each other and the 
trainers/experts (network). 
50. The Introduction Courses are organized by th e ITTC in cooperation with experts from 
operational divisions.  Guest speakers from other or ganizations active in the specific area of work 
concerned may also be invited to co-train. 
51. Government officials from LDCs are eligible to participate in the two introduction courses 
organized annually.   
52. The training methods used put emphasis on inte ractive learning, practical exercises and case 
studies.  Exercises are used to transfer skills to participants. 
In 2007, the following cour ses will be held in Geneva
3: 
• 11th  Introduction Course for French-speaking officials from LDCs to be held from 4 
to 22 June 2007;  and, 
                                                      
3 tentative dates  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 13 
 
 
  • 12th  Introduction Course for English-speaking officials from LDCs to be held from 
12 to 30 November 2007. 
53. The costs of the Introduction courses, including fellowships for the participants covering 
travel, lodging and insurance, are financed through the regular budget. 
(c) Geneva-based Thematic Courses 
 54. Geneva-based Thematic Courses focus on one or  a group of WTO-related topics, and usually 
last one or two weeks.  Briefing on WTO work progress in the topics concerned is an integral part of 
these courses.  The training methods used put emph asis on interactive learning, practical exercises, 
case studies and debates.  Simulation exercises are ofte n used to offer participants opportunities to 
strengthen their skills.  
55. In terms of objectives, it is expected that at th e end of the courses the participants will have:   
• strengthened their theoretical understanding of  the WTO-related topic(s) specifically 
addressed in the Course (transfer of knowledge); 
• strengthened their topic-related skills (improvement of skills); 
• strengthened their confidence to activel y engage in topic-related WTO work 
(confidence); 
• strengthened their capacity to work in te ams and in an international environment 
(team work); and 
• established and/or strengthened a networ k of contacts with each other and the 
trainers/experts (network): 
56. The thematic courses are organized by the ITTC  in cooperation with experts from operational 
divisions and sometimes with the ad hoc support of  outside consultants or professors.  Geneva-based 
delegates and guest speakers from other organizations  active in the specific area of work concerned 
may also be invited to co-train.   
57. Government officials from developing count ries and LDCs, economies in transition and 
acceding countries are eligible to participate in th e thematic courses.  Government officials from 
developed countries are also invited to participat e in the Thematic Courses on Dispute Settlement 
Rules and Procedures, which are organized pursuant to Article 27.3 of the DSU. 
58. Subject to confirmation, the following topics w ill be covered in 2007: Dispute Settlement (3 
one-week courses), and Trade Nego tiations (1 two-week course). 
59. The following Geneva-based thematic courses are scheduled for the year 2007
4:   
• the 17th (Thematic) Dispute Settlement Course for English-speaking officials, to be 
held from 16 to 20 April 2007 ; 
• the 18th (Thematic) Dispute Settlement Course for English-speaking officials, to be 
held from 21 to 25 May 2007; 
                                                      
4 Indicative dates WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 14  
 
  • the 6
th (Thematic) Course on Trade Negotiations5, for English-speaking officials, to 
be held from 2 to 13 July 2007. 
• The 19th (Thematic) Dispute Settlement Course fo r Spanish-speaking officials, to be 
held from 1 to 5 October 2007. 
60. The costs incurred by the organization of thema tic courses held in Geneva are covered by the 
regular budget.  For the Dispute Settlement Cour ses, the participation of a limited number of 
developing countries, including LDCs, is financ ed through the regular budget, while the other 
participants are self-financed. 
(d) Regional and Sub-regional Short Trade Policy Courses (STPCs) 
61. An increasingly important component of the Pl an consists of Short Trade Policy Courses 
(which can last between one and three weeks), whic h are proposed either by the WTO, or as part of 
the partnership arrangements6 with other organizations and ins titutions, or with regional/sub regional 
Secretariats, and are held in the field.   
62. The WTO will take the lead in organizing STPCs in those regions that are not covered by the 
Regional Trade Policy Courses.  These courses mostly offer basic training information-dissemination, 
with a regional and/or sub-regional dimension.  Ot her agencies will be associated with the preparation 
and implementation of these courses. 
63. The other short trade policy courses, which can be  either general or specific in nature, are 
mainly proposed by partner institutions, with input s by experts of the WTO.  The advantages of 
cooperation with partner agencies in these courses are numerous, as often the partner agencies not 
only take charge of (part of) the logistical and ad ministrative burden of organizing such events, as 
well as a share of the costs, but also enhance the quality of the courses, with more emphasis on the regional dimension than what the WTO could ensure .  Local resources are used, including officials 
that have been trained under the RTPCs. Such STPCs  are held  in nearly all regions with the local 
partners, as discussed in more detail in Chapter V.  Some of the partners have at their disposal regional training centres, offering local facilities wher e the activities can be conducted.  Increasingly, 
such cooperation becomes institutionalized. Experience has shown that for cooperation with partners 
to be effective and add value and in order to e nhance ownership of these programmes, sharing in the 
costs of the activity as well as in the logistical and administrative preparations is a sine qua non .  
Without such practical cooperation the orga nization of these courses cannot be assured. 
64. In addition, in light of the DDA negotiations, it is proposed to organize, in each region, a one 
week specialized programme, designed for high le vel officials and decision-makers, focusing 
specifically on topical issues in the DDA negotiations .  More information on this advanced, hence 
specialized, programme is provided in section B. 
65. Any part of the costs of such courses accruing to WTO will be covered by trust funds or the 
regular budget. 
B. SPECIALIZED AND ADVANCED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
66. This category of products includes activities that address specific topics and issues. Training 
is geared towards the initiated and specialists/tech nicians.  They include national and/or regional 
seminars and workshops, as well as specialized courses, and can be held in Geneva or in the field.  
Given their specific nature, the profile of particip ants must be related with the topics addressed by 
                                                     
 
5 Topic to be confirmed 
6 See chapter V for a more detailed discussion on the partnerships.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 15 
 
 
  each training event.  The criteria for participation are clearly indicated in the letter of invitation and a 
selection process is mostly conducted.  Selection is systematically performed in the case of the 
Geneva-based courses. This category includes other products which are specific in nature, including 
technical missions and workshops, as well as ta ilor-made programmes for experts and visiting 
delegations in Geneva, and advice provided by the S ecretariat in specific fields. Rather than providing 
101 type of basic information, the activities are incr easingly geared towards the specialists, with more 
focus on qualitative and in-depth training, enhanci ng skills that have direct practical value in 
implementing WTO agreements and enforcing rights and obligations. This can also imply a longer 
duration of some the courses, so as to provide su fficient room to carry out simulation exercises and 
undertake self-training, with practical examples related to the (sub-) region. The courses often times 
consist of follow–up activities, or are meant to be followed up at higher levels of learning. 
(a) Geneva-based Specialized Courses  
67. Geneva-based Specialized Courses focus on one or a group of WTO-related topics, and 
usually two weeks.  Briefing on WTO work progress in the topics concerned is an integral part of the 
specialized courses.  The training methods used put emphasis on interactive learning, practical 
exercises, case studies and debates.  Simulation ex ercises are often used to offer participants 
opportunities to strengthen their skills.  
68. In terms of objectives, it is expected that at th e end of the courses the participants will have:   
• strengthened their theoretical understanding of  the WTO-related topic(s) specifically 
addressed in the Course (transfer of knowledge); 
• strengthened their topic-related skills (improvement of skills); 
• strengthened their confidence to activel y engage in topic-related WTO work 
(confidence); 
• strengthened their capacity to work in te ams and in an international environment 
(team work); and 
• established and/or strengthened a networ k of contacts with each other and the 
trainers/experts (network): 
69. The specialized courses are organized by th e ITTC in cooperation with experts from 
operational divisions and sometimes with the ad ho c support of outside consultants or professors.  
Geneva-based delegates and guest speakers from other organizations active in the specific area of work concerned may also be invited to co-train.   
70. Government officials from developing count ries and LDCs, economies in transition and 
acceding countries are eligible to participate in the specialized courses.   
71. One course on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measur es and one "follow up activity" on the same 
topic will be held in Geneva in 2007.  
72. The schedule for the year 2007
7 is the following :   
• 3rd Specialized Course on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures8 for French-speaking 
officials, to be held from 22 October to 2 November 2007. 
                                                      
7 Indicative dates WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 16  
 
  • “Follow-up Activity” connected with the 2
nd Specialized Course on Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures (held in English in 2006). 
73. For the Geneva-based Specialized Courses, the costs are covered through the regular budget 
sometimes with the co-financing of partner organizations active in the field covered. 
(b) National Technical Assistance Activities 
74. In terms of general objectives, each national TA will contribute to building sustainable 
trade-related national capacities, resulting in improv ed knowledge and skills of participants in areas 
defined by the beneficiary country concerned.  Fu rthermore, each national TA will be guided by its 
own specific objectives addressing the needs of the participants. 
(i) Topic based activities:  
75. The national activities focus on specific issues at the national level that, in terms of priority 
needs and depth of treatment, cannot be adequately c overed in the regional seminars and in the TPCs.  
They also include the trade policy clinics, the con cept of which is detailed in  a separate note for the 
Committee on Trade and Development (WT/COMTD/W/ 117, 16 June 2003).  Occasionally, national 
seminars are of a broad and gene ral nature.  National seminars a nd technical workshops are conducted 
as a complement to the TPCs and regional seminars .  The national demand would thus mainly be a 
function of what cannot be dealt with efficien tly in the other training and assistance provided 
including through regional seminars and ipso facto , cannot always be anticipated.9 In order to better 
target the TRTA, beneficiaries would need to base  their requests on a needs identification, to be 
conducted by the beneficiary, possibly with the suppor t of the WTO Secretariat.  In addition, it would 
help if countries were in a position to indicate what assistance is already provided bilaterally (e.g. by 
donors) or multilaterally (e.g. by other agencies), so that overlap can be avoided and the WTO can 
provide its expertise. 
76. Requests for national activities can be made at any time, as flexibility in matching available 
resources in WTO Divisions with national demands is required.  Members will be informed of this 
approach in writing, and the steps to be taken for obtaining national technical assistance activities will 
be explained, as contained in this document. Remi nders will be issued in the most appropriate way 
and as required.  Requests for national technical as sistance and training activities can be made to the 
Secretariat, either directly (in writing) or th rough the respective WTO Bodies.  Such national 
activities will therefore not specifically be listed in the Plan, but will be registered in a database and 
managed by the ITTC.  Their implementation by th e WTO will depend on a number of considerations 
and criteria, including: 
• the specificity of the request and the prio rity/relevance of the issue in terms of 
domestic policy-making and/or multilateral trade negotiations; 
• whether the request could be or has been addressed in a regional seminar, previous 
national training course, e-training or unde r a joint programme (e.g. JITAP, IF); 
• the Secretariat capacity to undertake the activity;  and, 
                                                                                                                                                                     
8 Topic to be confirmed. Indication of interest to organize similar courses in the following areas have 
been made: Regionalism, Technical Barriers to Trade. 
9 For acceding countries, the provision of national t echnical assistance is partic ularly critical.  Acceding 
countries' technical assistance needs ar e specific in nature and vary with th e stages of the accession process.  
The type of assistance that can be  provided to acceding countries by the WTO is broad and ranges from 
awareness activities (seminars, works hops) and the preparation of documentation to technical advice on 
legislation and enforcement mechanisms.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 17 
 
 
  • scope for meeting the request through a partner agency and/or donor (i.e.. 
outsourcing). 
77. It is the responsibility of the beneficiary country  making a request to ensure that this request 
reflects a national priority.  This is particular ly important, as individual departments sometimes 
approach the Secretariat directly for assistance.  That is why Members are urged to address their 
requests for national activities to the Secretariat th rough the established official channels.  Also, a 
geographical balance needs to be maintained.  This  implies that the Secretariat will ensure that 
national activities will be conducted in all regions and in equal proportion, of course mainly 
depending on demand.  Given the limitations in WTO resources, the number of demands that can be met in respect of a beneficiary country will be limit ed, but through this approach the Secretariat will 
be in a better position to adapt the technical assistan ce to Members' demands as they are identified.  
This can only lead to more focused and relevant assistance.   
78. The Secretariat is prepared to undertake the same number of national activities that were 
conducted in recent years, i.e. around 250, and budgetary  provisions have been made to that effect.  
Given the number of potential beneficiaries, this w ould amount to an anticipated average of about two 
national activities per country.  This figure is indica tive and should ensure that a disproportionate 
allocation of national seminars to the same benefici ary would not occur.  The 'first-come first-served 
approach' will not be applicable.  LDCs would a priori be able to have up to three national activities, 
based on their specific requests. It has been noticed that beneficiar ies occasionally  cancel or postpone 
activities, sometimes at the last minute, and frequ ently without explanation, and then expect the 
secretariat to reschedule the activity.  There is, ho wever, no automatic 'entitlement' to two or three 
activities, and it cannot be transferred from one year to the next. Such transf er can exceptionally be 
considered when the Secretariat  is not in a position to  deliver the activity in a given year, e.g. in light 
of human resource constraints. 
79. The allocation of national seminars is mainly a function of the demand, and all requests will 
be given serious and equal consider ation.  Regional coordinators in the ITTC will be pro-active, and 
in dialogue with the beneficiary, the relevant WTO Divisions and possibly donors and other agencies, 
will consider how the request can best be met.  Me mbers are thus encouraged to contact the ITTC and 
particularly the regional coordinators, who will gu ide them further in the process regarding their 
requests.  Should the Secretariat not be in a pos ition to execute the activity within a reasonable 
timeframe, e.g. because of capacity constraints, it w ould consider and suggest possible alternatives in 
consultation with the beneficiary country.  For exampl e, the request may be redirected to one of the 
agencies/institutions with which the WTO has cooperative arrangements.  The Organisation for 
Economic Cooperation and Devel opment (OECD)/WTO Trade Capacity Building Database may 
provide guidance in that regard. In any case, prior ity will be given to the most urgent requests, 
particularly from LDCs and fro m small and vulnerable economies. 
80. National activities for LDCs would be over and above technical assistance and training 
activities inscribed in joint programmes, including JITAP and IF, to the extent that they do not 
overlap.  It should also be noted that there conti nue to be a number of LDCs who do not utilize their 
right to request national seminars.  The reasons for this can vary, e.g. lack of awareness, lack of 
capacity to identify and prioritize needs, or a lack of  capacity to host a national event.  The Secretariat 
will pursue its efforts to associate a ll LDCs with all aspects of the Plan. 
81. 
National topic based activities will be financed  from the regular budget and from trust funds. 
(ii) Technical Assistance within the Trade Poli cy Review Mechanism (TPRM) Framework:  
82. The TPRM is a valuable forum for achieving tr ansparency in, and understanding of, the trade 
policies and practices of Members.  TPRs of developing and LDCs Members have increasingly WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 18  
 
  performed a technical assistance function and have  been useful in increasing understanding of the 
trade policy structure in place and its relationshi p with the WTO Agreements, playing an important 
part in "capacity building and mainstreaming" .  The main objectives of the reviews are: 
• improved understanding in these countries of  the WTO Agreements, enabling better 
compliance and integration in the MTS;  and, 
• enhanced interaction between government ag encies, also facilitated by the reviews. 
83. The Secretariat reports' wide coverage of Members' policies assists governments to identify 
any shortcomings in policy and specific areas wher e further technical assistance may be required. 
84. Since 2000, the review process for LDCs and a number of other developing countries has 
included a two-to-four-day seminar for their official s on the WTO and, in particular, the TPR exercise 
and the role of trade in economic policy, including  a presentation by the participants from the country 
under review on the experience from trade liberaliza tion efforts and round tables.  The Secretariat 
report for an LDCs review, as well as other less de veloped countries, includes a section on technical 
assistance needs and priorities, as identified in coop eration with the Member concerned, and with a 
view to feeding this into the IF process.  For LDCs, the Secretariat also works closely with the 
World Bank on the trade component of the latter's Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS), with 
the reviews being an integral part to the frami ng of the DTIS. The ITTC and TPRD have jointly 
elaborated a methodology to use TPRs more syst ematically as a tool fo r needs assessment (see 
below).  Increasingly, through the participation of officials from ITTC in TPR missions, developing countries and LDCs that undergo the TPR are sensitized to the TRTA that can be provided by the Secretariat and assisted in undertaking needs ass essment as a basis for TRTA  These activities are 
assimilated to national activities, and the costs covered from both regular budget and trust funds. 
(iii) Assisting Beneficiaries in Conducting Needs Assessments: 
85.  It is generally recognized that WTO's TRTA can more effectively contribute to building 
lasting capacity if it is planned and designed on the basis of a thorough assessment of the Members' needs.  Following the discussions in the CTD and in  the informal consultations process, guidelines for 
needs assessment were prepared by the Secretariat to  be used by beneficiaries in conducting their own 
needs assessment for TRTA (JOB(04)/113) (Ann ex 4), as well as an internal secretariat note 
indicating how ITTC and TPRD will co-operate to build the needs assessment  into the TPR process. 
Beneficiaries will be regularly be reminded of the value of the needs assessment process, thus 
providing a sound analytical basis in the delivery of TRTA 
86. The objective of these guidelines is that Me mber countries use them in the process of 
identifying their needs, bearing in mind that this task is the prime responsibility of the beneficiary 
country.  The design of these proposed guidelines is based on the pilot needs assessments that were 
conducted through desk studies by the Secretariat.   The guidelines are not prescriptive in any way and 
countries are encouraged to adapt the approach to  their own conditions.  The Secretariat can assist 
beneficiaries in undertaking their needs assessmen t by providing data and information of direct 
relevance.  
87. Moreover, the new process could lead to the in clusion of the needs assessment in the policy 
statement (government report) which would outline th e main principles and directions of a country's 
trade policies or, as an attachment to the same doc ument. It is understood that each Member decides 
on the form of such statements. In some cases and in order to lighten the burden on capacity 
constrained Members, an official, from the Me mber under review may be recruited under the 
Netherlands Trainee programme to conduct, for the Member, the necessar y needs assessment for  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 19 
 
 
  TRTA.  Following the successful conclusion of th e needs assessment exercise, TRTA activities will 
be planned and conducted at the national or regional levels for the concerned Members. 
(iv) Reference Centres:  
88. The WTO Reference Centre is a dedicated place,  mostly established at the national level of 
eligible beneficiaries, generally attached to the Mi nistry of Trade. Exceptionally, references centres 
can be established at the Permanent Mission a nd/or at the level of regional bodies and/or 
organizations. The main objective of establishing  and strengthening Refere nce Centres is that 
government officials, the press, business community, academia, and other authorized users have better 
access to WTO related trade information and document ation.  Resource persons, namely coordinators, 
are attached to the Refe rence Centres, to help users find their way through the technical and legal 
documentation. 
89. The establishment of a WTO Reference Centre consists of the following elements: 
(a) For LDCs the WTO provides a set of thr ee high-performance computers connected 
as an interface with the Ministry local area  network, when available.  More than 
50 GB of WTO data published on CDs a nd DVDs are loaded and accessible off-
line. The on-line connection to the Inte rnet for access to WTO Web site is 
performed through the installation of softwa re, and the establishment of the Internet 
and e-mail configuration. 
(b) For non LDCs, an external disk is pr ovided containing 50 GB of WTO data 
published on CDs and DVDs.   
(c) For all Reference Centres, a local "libra ry" is created containing WTO documents 
and publications, including CD-ROMs, DVDs  and machine-readable materials.  
(d) hands-on training in using relevant software, access to WTO data bases, the web 
browser, hyperlinks, and e-mail to communicate with the WTO. 
90. The Reference Centre gives direct access to public and in the case of authorized users, 
restricted WTO websites and databases, including  Documents Online, the Integrated Data Base (IDB) 
the Consolidated Tariff Schedules (CTS), WTO Serv ices Electronic Schedules, Statistical databases, 
the text of the Agreements, and other official pape rs released during negotiations. Electronic versions 
of WTO publications and the public website are also provided on CD-ROMs/DVDs.  The Reference 
Centre not only provides written and electronic inform ation to users, but also connects them with 
knowledgeable WTO resource persons, who can help th em to understand and to interpret the rules and 
their developmental implications and to res pond to questions on specific trade issues.   
91. In 2007, the Reference Centre programme  will essentially focus on the LDCs, small 
economies and JITAP beneficiaries.  In order to  avoid duplication with JITAP, WTO technical 
assistance related to the Reference Centres will be closely coordinated with JITAP staff.  It is 
envisaged to undertake 20 missions for the establishm ent and upgrading of WTO Reference Centres, 
to be financed through trust funds.  The programme will concentrate on training the participants in the 
efficient use of the on-line connection to WTO webs ites and databases.  Particular attention will be 
paid to the quality of the computer equipment provi ded to beneficiary countries.  In the case of the 
LDCs, the activities to be executed during the y ear 2007 will focus on the upgrading of the WTO 
Reference Centres installed in 2000 and 2001.  Connection to the Intern et will continue to be provided 
through the SITA's Network10 unless a reliable and reasonably priced local Internet Service Provider 
                                                      
 10 (*) Société Internationale de Tél écommunications Aéronautique (SITA) WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 20  
 
  (ISP) can be used. In addition, other WTO Refe rence Centres will be installed during 2007 in 
cooperation with the ITC as mentione d under paragraph 53 of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration. 
(c) Regional Seminars 
92. As a result of the regional seminars and workshops, the beneficiaries:   
• will be equipped with practical knowle dge and improved understanding of the 
agreements and issues of negotiation, and ad equate skills to solve specific problems, 
as needed; 
• will have shared information and experiences;  and, 
• will have placed and analysed the va rious issues in a regional context. 
93. Regional seminars, for capital based officials,  allow WTO to reach a homogeneous audience 
based in the region and interested in the same subject matter.  Regional seminars are considered cost 
effective, it being clear that it would be impossi ble to address every issue in every country on a 
national basis.  It also facilitates exchange of information, sharing of experiences and networking 
among participants.  Regional seminars increasingly m ove away from providing basic explanations to 
more advanced levels of training. 
94. While this regional approach may be suitable for many WTO-related topics, it has become 
apparent that this approach may be less appropria te for some areas, which rather require a more 
focused national approach.  In view of the observati ons made by participants and trainers, especially 
through the back to office reports, it is proposed to reduce the frequency of  topic related regional 
seminars, particularly in those areas that are not direc tly part of the negotiations. It is considered that a 
biennial cycle will suffice for most topics, bearing in mind that all agreements are systematically 
covered through the Geneva-based training as well as through the Regional Trade Policy Courses. 
95. Regional seminars will be conducte d in some or all regions, or sub-regionally if considered 
more practical.  The regions that will be covered are:  
• Africa (English); 
• Africa (French); 
• Arab and Middle East countries; 
• Asia and the Pacific; 
• the Caribbean; 
• Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus;  and, 
• Latin America. 
96. Some subjects will not be covered in all regions  during 2007; they will be covered over a two-
year cycle, partly to reduce costs, partly to allevi ate some of the pressure on WTO staff, and partly to 
reduce the pressure on participants, who have a broad ra nge of training events on offer.  Priority will 
be given to topics in the negotiation, which will, in  principle be covered in all regions. In all cases, 
coverage of these topics will be ensured in the TP Cs and the RTPCs.  In some cases, and for 
pragmatic reasons, there may be additional regional or sub-regional seminars which are therefore not 
included in the Plan, because, for example, further explanations are required on a specific issue, which 
cannot be anticipated, or because there is a critical  mass of national demand that can be met more 
cost-effectively through a regional activity .  Regional seminars cover the Uruguay Round 
Agreements, as well as other WTO-related topics, the degree of coverage being determined essentially  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 21 
 
 
  by the Members' decision.  While each of the sem inars will be designed according to the specifics of 
the field covered, such seminars will, as much as possible, take into account different levels of 
knowledge and degrees of specialization.  In so me cases they will be tailored to experts and 
'technicians' with highly specialized knowledge, e.g. in the area of Rules, Dispute Settlement, Market Access, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures ( SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). 
97. The level of expertise required (target audience)  will always be specified in the letter of 
invitation and it will be the primary responsibility of the beneficiaries to ensure that their attendees 
have the required level of knowledge  and expertise.  As discussed earlier, a selection process may also 
be conducted for some of these activities, depending  on their format.  Increasingly, e-courses will be 
held as precursors to the face to face course, thus ensuring that levels of knowledge are homogenous. 
As to testing levels of knowledge at the end of the seminars, increasingly seminars include self-
assessment exercises and/or simulations as part of  the training, which to some extent, allow 
participants to 'measure' whether the information has been fully abso rbed. Participants will also be 
required to provide indications as to how the knowledge  gained will be used in the day-to-day work 
and responsibilities. Ways to ensure fo llow up to the courses will be explored. 
98. Seminars to be conducted at the regiona l level will be in the following areas: 
(i) Agriculture; 
(ii) Dispute Settlement; 
(iii) Government Procurement (P lurilateral Agreement); 
(iv) Non-Agriculture Market Access (NAMA); 
(v) Regional Trade Agreements; 
(vi) Rules (Anti-Dumping, Subsidies and CVDs, Safeguards, State Trading); 
(vii) Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS); 
(viii) Services negotiations and GATS; 
(ix) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT); 
(x) Trade and Development, including:  Sp ecial and Differential Treatment and 
Small Economies; 
(xi) Trade and Environment; 
(xii) Trade Facilitation;  and, 
(xiii) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) (e.g. 
geographical indications, TRIPs and pub lic health, biotechnology/traditional 
knowledge/biodiversity, enforcement). 
99. The proposed work programme on some issues, particularly those relating to the DDA, takes 
into account the Decision adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004, as well as the outcome of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, December 2005.  Specific attention will be given to Trade 
Facilitation, for which the General Council Decision explicitly refers to technical assistance to be 
provided, to Agriculture, NAMA and Services.  Th e Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration contains a WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 22  
 
  particularly strong mandate for trade capacity buildi ng and technical assistance to be provided in the 
area of Trade Facilitation.  In view of the suspen sion of the negotiations, however, the programme to 
be carried out in the field of Trade Facilitation w ill be similar to the one undertaken in 2006.  The 
more ambitious programme is this area for the phase of implementation, as foreseen in paragraph 6 of 
Annex E, will depend on the progress in the negotiations.   
100. There are also other products which could be de livered in conjunction with regional seminars, 
the TPCs and RTPCs, including those geared toward s assisting trade negotiators in the formal and 
informal negotiating process, at both bilateral and multilateral levels.  Some of the products proposed 
have been developed by the WTO and others in  collaboration with academia and regional or 
international institutions, e.g. the Integrated Data base (IDB) and the Consolidated Tariff Schedules 
(CTS) database, with the software applications to al low the extraction, analysis and use of data:  the 
IDB Internet Analysis Facility, the IDB CD-ROM and the IDB Reporting Tools and the "Toolkit for Negotiators and Training":  prepar ation and analysis of lists of o ffers or requests, and comparison, 
analysis and preparation of proposals on WTO disciplines. 
101. As for the venue for the regional seminars, as in  the past this will be decided in consultation 
between the Secretariat and the Members, to en sure a reasonable geographical distribution of 
activities, taking account also of practical consid erations (ease of access, conference facilities, 
security, etc).  Such consultations would involv e the regional coordinators in the ITTC, the 
operational division that will undertake the activity and countries in the regions where the activity 
would be undertaken.  When and where appropriate, such activity could also be hosted by a partner 
institution, including a regional development bank, a training centre or a regional Secretariat;  when 
that happens the venue is determ ined by the partner institution. 
102. There are several other technical assistance and training products discussed later in the Plan, 
which will also be delivered at the regional level.   Altogether, there are some 20 specific topics 
covered regionally.  The total of anticipated regiona l seminars as referred to in paragraph 68 would be 
close to 70.  They will be financed from trust funds and from the regular budget. 
(d) Advanced Training Programme for senior government officials 
103. It is proposed to organize, in each regi on, a one week Advanced Training Programme 
designed for senior capital based offi cials and decision makers.  The main objective of the advanced 
course is to inform national decision makers on the key issues in the DDA and strengthen their 
knowledge base, in order to put them in a better positi on to fully participate in the negotiations.  These 
programmes would address the key issues in the ne gotiations, so as to inform beneficiaries on the 
state of play and/or outcome negotiations and possibl e national implications.  It is intended to conduct 
these programmes in close collaboration with partner institutions in the various regions. Costs will be 
covered by trust funds.. 
(e) Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills 
104. In addition to the Thematic course on Trade Nego tiations held in Geneva on an annual basis, 
the WTO organizes an Intensive Course on Trade Ne gotiations Skills, which is  designed to provide 
participants with skills and knowle dge concerning appropriate strategi es and tactics for the conduct of 
negotiations, as well as techniques of systematic d ecision analysis for monitoring and managing the 
negotiating process. 
105. The course contributes directly to the objectiv es of the DDA by improving, deepening and 
enhancing participants' understa nding of the negotiations, more particularly the 2004 July package 
and decisions contained in the HK Ministerial Decl aration.  The core of the course encompasses all  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 23 
 
 
  the stages in trade negotiations—from the consultation stage to actual negotiations, involving real 
give-and-take. 
106. The training provides instructions in pre-negotia tion planning, effective negotiation strategies 
and tactics, and the management of the negotiation process that leads to a win-win outcome for all parties.  These activities take different approaches,  going from theoretical comprehension of previous 
and present negotiations, enhancemen t of skills and techniques, simulations, case studies and use of 
data extracted from existing databases. 
107. The target group for the intensive course on trade negotiation skills are officials with good 
knowledge of the WTO Agreements a nd who will serve as their governme nt negotiators in regional or 
international trade negotiations.  Cost s will be covered by trust funds. 
(f) Outreach Activities for Parlia mentarians and Civil Society 
108. Outreach activities for parliamentarians and civil society are part of an overall WTO strategy 
to help legislators and civil society representa tives better understand the provisions of the Doha 
Ministerial Declaration and follow the DDA negotiati ons.  They are also a response to challenges in 
the Declaration for greater transparency in th e WTO's operations and improved dialogue with the 
public.  Outreach activities are demand driven and consist of national wo rkshops organized in 
response to requests from WTO Members (referred to  in a separate section) and regional workshops 
organized jointly with partner ins titutions and conducted in selected regions.  Preparation for regional 
seminars are conducted in close cooperation with Members and the host-country.  In view of the 
limited capacity in the Secretariat, the number of  regional activities covering outreach will not exceed 
six, the number of national activities will be a func tion of demand.  The inclusion and implementation 
of outreach activities in the technical assistance and training plan will remain  part of the review 
process conducted through the CTD in order to ensu re that the focus of technical assistance and 
capacity building efforts remain on key priorities identified by the developing Members and in line with the mandate
11 contained in the Doha Ministerial Decl aration and in the 2004 July package. 
109. Regional workshops are introductory-level and wo rking-level activities.  They are interactive 
and presentations are routinely supported by written material and background documentation.  Also, 
to the extent that regional workshops are co-organ ized and co-funded with partner institutions, they 
allow for cross-fertilization of ideas.  Governments in the various host countries are informed of the 
regional workshops, associated to the preparator y process and routinely invited to contribute. 
110. The objectives of the regional workshops aimed at:   
• fostering greater understanding of and interest in the MTS; 
• informing parliamentarians and civil society representatives on the basic operations 
of the WTO, key issues on the internationa l trade agenda, and status of the DDA;  
and, 
• encouraging dialogue and exchanges of vi ews and ideas among parliamentarians and 
civil society representatives on trade-related and development-related issues of particular relevance to their regions. 
111. In the regional workshops, participants recei ve a basic introduction to the MTS covering its 
history, structure, functions, principles, membership  and operating procedures.  Participants are also 
briefed on the workings of the WTO Secretariat an d decision-making procedures of the organization.  
In addition, participants ar e informed on key WTO agreements and the status of the DDA 
                                                     
 
11 Paragraphs 38-41 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 24  
 
  Negotiations.  Regional workshops are designed as we ll to cover issues of sp ecial interest to the 
particular region/group;  in this regard guest  speakers from the region and representatives from 
international and regional organiza tions are regularly invited to address the workshops.  Throughout 
the regional workshops, parliamentarians and civil society representatives are encouraged to consider 
their respective roles in multilateral processes a nd ways to increase parliamentary and public 
awareness of the international trade agenda. 
112. The cost of outreach activities are covered from trust funds. 
C. ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING:   
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH  
113.  The ITTC is engaged in a process of devel oping partnerships between the WTO Secretariat 
and the trade policy-related academic community in Member countries.  These partnerships are 
designed to promote "joined up" capacity building,  simultaneously enhancing the capacity of the 
WTO to train government officials, building ins titutional and human capacity for such training in 
developing countries, contributing to the devel opment of WTO-related curricula in academic 
institutions of higher learning, and promoting WTO- relevant research intended to strengthen national 
and regional negotiating capacity.  The partnershi ps build on various activities already being 
undertaken by the WTO Secretariat.  They will e volve over time, with certain activities increasingly 
becoming the responsibility of partners. 
114. This integrated approach has two elements.  These elements can in principle stand alone, but 
there is a strong argument in favour of their integration in order to increase prospects for sustainability.  The elements of this integrated approach to academic partnerships for capacity 
building are: 
(a) training government officials through the estab lishment of joint lecturing arrangements at 
the regional level with academics and specialists;  
(b) building institutional partnerships at the regional level and crea ting academic networks 
with institutions of higher learning; these academ ic networks have several elements on which 
to build, including: 
(i) curriculum development; 
(ii) increasing knowledge through training; 
(iii) development of didactic material; 
(iv) information exchange; 
(v) encouragement of joint research by academics from developing countries 
and the WTO; 
(vi) a programme for support of doctoral studies; 
(vii) arrangements for short-term research visits to the WTO by academics;  and, 
(viii) broader public access to WTO-related information in Universities. 
115. With a view to making efficient use of resour ces and enhancing synergies, the ITTC will 
continue cooperating with ot her international organizati ons (UNCTAD, ITC, UNESCAP,  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 25 
 
 
  UNESCWA, UNECA, and INTAL-IaDB) in the implementation of joint activities which combine 
common objectives related to technical assist ance and capacity building involving academic 
institutions.  
116. Costs for these activities will be met princi pally from the trust funds, unless otherwise 
indicated. 
117. Activities geared towards building partnerships for training and capacity building include: 
(a) Regional Trade Policy Courses 
118. As discussed in section A(a)(ii), RTPCs form a key component in building such partnerships, 
the main objective being to transfer and enhance lo cal ownership and to build capacity at the regional 
level. 
(b) Follow-up to RTPCs 
119. The partnership between the regional institution and the ITTC are evolving over time, with 
the RTPC being considered as Phase 1 of the proj ect.  The increased capacity and expertise of the 
regional partner and the academic network, resultin g from a series of RTPCs,  would be harnessed to 
move on to Phase two, in which the regional partne r assumes a growing share of the responsibility for 
delivering follow-on WTO training activities in the region.  The Secretariat would reduce its 
involvement and continue with the partnership on this basis.  The le vel of involvement would have to 
be sufficient to respond to particular needs and to allow the WTO to continue to lend its name to the 
activities, while leaving most aspects of organizing and implementing them to the partner. 
120. The timeframe for progress from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the project depends on each partner, 
the aim being to ensure sustainability.  However, and from experience so far, it is reasonable that 
Phase 1 partnerships in organizing the RTPCs should last for three years.  This timeframe allows 
space for dealing with the inevitable start-up issues, a nd then for the partner institutions to focus more 
and more on building their own capacity as they gain experience in organizing the courses.   
121. Follow-on actions can include universiti es establishing academic programmes on WTO 
matters (e.g. a multidisciplinary Masters programme or  a module in an Undergra duate or Postgraduate 
Degree), with the WTO also supporting academic activities (e.g. seminars, training programmes) 
organized by these partner universities, in the form  of speakers and the donation of publications.   
122. Other follow-on activities and features can include: 
• regional specialized courses on specific issu es jointly taught with academics from the 
region; 
• participation of WTO officials in academic  events organized by the universities; 
• enhanced utilization of regional academics, as consultants, in the delivery of technical 
assistance and training activities;  
• inputs into vocational training; 
• e-Training activities;  and, 
• curriculum development. 
123. The organization of these Phase 2 activities will be closely related to the efforts of the WTO 
Secretariat to reinforce its links with th e academic community in developing countries. WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 26  
 
  (c) Workshops for University Professors on WTO Matters 
124. Workshops will be organized on a periodic basis to solidify and advance partnerships with 
academics.  They are essential for adequate coor dination and networking.  These events address 
different components of our joint activities involving teaching and research, all of which aim to increase the capacity of Members to participate ef fectively in the WTO.  Elements for discussion 
include discussions about research being conducted at the WTO and by academic institutions from the 
regions, training on trade-related research, curri culum development, information exchanges, 
evaluation of joint teaching activities aimed at gove rnment officials, and possible joint research.  
Furthermore, these meetings are used to update  the academic partners on progress in the WTO 
negotiations and work programme, and equally ser ve to prepare for RTPCs organized by the 
Secretariat in the regions. 
125. The workshops last three days and each one i nvolves up to 30 academics from the region.  
The Secretariat aims at delivering two of these work shops in 2007, in the regions not yet covered by 
RTPC.  
(d) Support Programme for Doctoral Studies  
126. The main objective of such a support programme is  to contribute to a continuing renewal and 
enlargement of academic WTO expe rtise in developing countries. 
127. The Secretariat will finance and assist doctoral students from developing countries to conduct 
research at the WTO for periods between three and six months, and to  provide them with 
mentoring/advice in close collaboration with the stud ents' academic supervisors.  Since this is likely 
to be a highly effective means of engaging young aca demics in WTO-related research of direct policy 
relevance to governments, the inte ntion is to accommodate up to 12 students at any one time.  In 
2007, budget provisions will be made for 12 students over the year. 
(e) Programme for Visiting Academics 
128. The Secretariat will facilitate visits of up to six months by practising academics who are 
working on WTO-related issues.  This will allow the academics to interact with the Secretariat and the 
trade policy community more generally, and maxi mise the WTO relevance of their work.  Visiting 
academics would be self-financed. 
(f) Research Collaboration 
129. The main objective of research collaboration is to develop joint research initiatives on  
WTO-related matters with academics from developi ng countries.  Such collaboration will increase 
engagement by the scholarly community in WTO -relevant research, to increase the supply of region 
and country-based analysis of WTO-related policy issues.  The cost of planned joint research 
programmes in 2007 will be met from the regular budget. 
(g) Document Dissemination Programme for Universities 
130. The main objective of the document dissemination programme is to contribute to the creation 
and/or strengthening of a WTO "library" at Univer sities from developing countries with a view to 
facilitating access to this informa tion by the student population. 
131. The WTO disseminates, on a yearly basis, a set of WTO publications, in both hard copy and 
electronic formats to groups of Universities from deve loping countries.  The cost will be met from the 
regular budget.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  D. SUPPORT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FACILITIES 
132. The Secretariat has developed a number of products and technical assistance facilities that are 
aimed at providing general and specific support to dele gations and beneficiaries, both in the field and 
in Geneva.  In the field, this can include provi ding infrastructural support, through the reference 
centres, which facilitates access to WTO-related information as well as training material in different 
formats, including in print or electronically, servicing non-residents, as well as such support provided 
within the TPR framework.  This also includes Geneva-based support, e.g. through the Geneva week, 
the introduction days, WTO's trainee programm es and internships, assisting Geneva-based 
delegations, briefing sessions, as well as assistan ce provided in conducting needs assessment. 
(a) Geneva-based Topic-Specific Symposia 
133. Several stand-alone symposia for either capital-b ased or Geneva-based officials to take place 
in Geneva on specific topics have been proposed by  divisions, largely reflecting suggestions that 
emerged from various WTO bodies as well as areas that  have priority attention in light of the DDA. 
The symposia are often held back-to-back with mee tings, which then become part of the activity for 
the participants.  At the informal consultati ons this issue was specifically addressed. Members 
recognized the high cost associated with organizi ng such events, particularly when capital based 
officials are invited to attend the workshops and sy mposia, but also recognized the possible merits of 
such symposia and the usefulness of associating cap ital based officials with Geneva discussions.  It 
was agreed that the money allocated  to such events should be limited and that the Secretariat would 
have to use its discretion, in consultation with  Divisions, and with Counc ils and Committees on the 
symposia requested. Also, it was suggested that the TCA Unit look more specifically into the 
cost/benefit issue.  
134. The costs will be met from the trust funds. 
(b) WTO Introduction Day 
135. WTO Introduction Days are usually held three times a year in Geneva and are intended for 
newly arrived delegates in Ge neva, non-governmental organiza tions, new WTO staff members, 
interns working in the Secretariat and interested officials from other international organizations.  
Other interested delegates and staff members are also welcome to attend the presentations. 
136. In terms of objectives to be reached, it is expect ed that at the end of the Day the participants 
will have:   
• acquired a general understanding of the WTO, its functioning and fundamental 
principles; 
• learned how to access WTO-relevant resour ces through information technology;  and, 
• updated their knowledge on WTO current activities (including negotiations). 
137. These courses are organized by the ITTC in c ooperation with experts from other divisions and 
mainly consist of a presentation on the state-of-play of the negotiations, the historical background of 
the MTS, the WTO basic principles, the functioning of the Organization, as well as the different ways 
to access WTO-relevant information.  The courses,  provided with interpretation, are held at 
Headquarters.  There are no direct costs for these activities 
(c) Other Forms of Geneva-based Support 
138. A variety of different products are provi ded directly in Geneva, which include: WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 28  
 
  • the "Geneva Week" for Non-Residents , which is funded through the regular budget.  In 
order to meet the special challenges faced by the Non-Residents and to enhance their participation in the MTS, the WTO or ganizes the "Geneva Week", during which 
representatives of Non-Residents from capitals and from Europe-based missions are invited to Geneva.  Two "Geneva Weeks" are scheduled in 2007.    By the end of the 
week the participants: 
o will have become familiar with the stat e of play of work and work processes 
in the WTO and the range of technical assistance on offer;  and, 
o will have benefited from opportunities – dur ing their stay – to be involved in 
the work of WTO bodies;  and from interaction with officials from other Geneva-based agencies and delegations. 
• the Newsletter for Non-Residents  prepared by the Secretariat, seeks to respond to the 
special challenges faced by the Members without representation in Geneva in terms of their participation in the work of the WTO.   It provides information on recent meetings 
and activities, as well as on upcoming activiti es.  The newsletter is prepared on a 
monthly basis, but supplemented periodically by additional communications; 
• ad hoc assistance ;  such assistance is provided to visiting delegations, for whom 
specialized programmes, lectures, briefing sessions are designed and meetings 
organized;  equally, delegations frequently  seek direct support from WTO Divisions on 
specific WTO Agreements (no direct costs); 
• briefing sessions through video-conferencing :  regularly the Secretariat organizes 
meetings with beneficiary countries through vi deo-conferencing, to inform them about 
a specific issue.  Many countries can be c onnected simultaneously through these means 
with Headquarters, so as to ensure an inte ractive dialogue.  Such conferences are very 
cost effective (cost is relate d to video/telephone connection); 
• servicing Regional Groups :  the Secretariat provides assistance to regional groupings in 
support of their meetings and organizes brie fings on specific WTO-related topics in 
light of negotiations (no direct costs);  and, 
• advisory role on legal issues :  the Secretariat has, since the conclusion of the Uruguay 
Round, provided legal advice in accordance with the requirement in Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) Article 27.2 to any deve loping country which so requests in the 
event of that country being involved in dis pute settlement (costs c overed by the regular 
budget). 
(d) Trainee Programmes and Internships 
139. The WTO internship system has been fully de veloped and consolidated.  There are four 
different components to the WTO internship progr amme.  These programmes vary in nature and 
duration, however, they all have the common underl ying objective of building human capacities in a 
systematic and cumulative manner:   
(a) the regular WTO internship,
12 in which interns are selected in Geneva, by WTO 
Divisions.  Generally these interns are empl oyed by the WTO for a duration of up to 
24 weeks, the length of the internship depending on the project the intern is requested to work on, and on the needs of each divisi on.  Paid interns receive a daily allowance 
of CHF60 (including weekends and official holidays).  This programme is financed 
from the WTO regular budget and is managed by the Human Resources Division; 
                                                     
 
12 This is not officially a TRTA "product", even if many interns are from developing countries.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 29 
 
 
  (b) the Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTP), which was launched in Spring 2005.  The 
aim of the NTP is to assist in the economic and social development of least developed countries (LDCs), low income countries and comparable poor small and vulnerable economies in areas related to trade policy and to provide essentially junior public officials with the opportunity to learn about matters dealt with in the WTO, under the 
direction of staff members of the WTO.  Particular attention is given to African 
countries.  It is expected that up to 20 trainees can be accommodated per year.  The 
official will receive a lump sum of CHF5,0 00 a month plus travel expenses and will 
spend a total period of up to ten months with the WTO.  The official will be expected to complete specific and well defined tasks in that period in conformity with the 
objectives of the NTP.  Tasks will need to have specific relevance for the beneficiary 
country in terms of capacity building and/or  in the ongoing negotiations, and will be 
defined prior to the beginning of the train eeship. The main objective of the NTP is to 
generate tangible and measurable results and thus leave a lasting trace, including 
through: 
(i) building sustainable capacity in benefici ary countries, by providing officials 
with an opportunity to participate directly in WTO's work in Geneva; 
(ii) providing exposure to ongoing activities in  the Secretariat, which will assist 
officials in enhancing their understanding of the functioning of the WTO and the Multilateral Trading System and providing relevant policy advice to the governments; 
(iii) facilitating the implementation of Member's commitments in the WTO; and, 
(iv) contributing to the achievement of the goals of the Doha Development 
Agenda and more specifically, those set out in the Decision of the General Council of 1 August 2004 and in the Ho ng Kong Ministerial Declaration. 
(c) the WTO Regional Coordinator internship:  in  this programme, the intern is paid by 
the WTO, and will be based in the Mission of  a rotating coordinator of each of nine 
designated groups, for a period of six-months, without extension .  At the end of six-
months, the system will rotate to the next  designated group coordinator of the nine 
identified groupings (groups select their ro tating coordinators).  These groups are:  
(i) the ACP – both the Geneva Secretariat and the office of the rotating country 
coordinator; 
(ii) the WTO African Group; 
(iii) the CARICOM; 
(iv) the GRULAC; 
(v) the SAARC; 
(vi) the WTO LDCs’ Consultative Group; 
(vii) the Informal Group of Developing Countries; 
(viii) the Arab Group;  and, WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 30  
 
  (ix) the Pacific Islands Forum. 
The internship system is strictly limited to these nine groupings.  Interns under this 
system are paid CHF3,000 per month, plus travel expenses, from the GTF; 
 (d) the WTO mission internship:  This programme was developed in early 2001, with a 
similar objective as the Dutch programme, for the benefit of Geneva-based missions.  
The candidates work in their own country Mission in Geneva and not in the WTO Secretariat, and can represent their country in the various bodies within the WTO.  This programme is available primarily to missions of LDCs a nd small and vulnerable 
economies.  Since resources for this programme are limited, preference is given to 
countries with the least number of staff in Geneva.  For this programme, interns are 
selected by the Human Resources Division and ITTC, together with the Mission concerned on the basis of a list of detailed CVs and possible telephone interviews.  In 
short, the selection criteria are similar to that for entry level positions at WTO.  Continuation of this programme depends on the availability of resources, which 
relied, for the past three years, on earma rked funds. Such funds sometimes specify 
which countries may benefit.  Interns under this system are paid CHF3,000 per month, plus travel expenses, for a period of 10 months. 
E. E-LEARNING PROGRAMME 
140. The e-learning programme takes full advantage of  information technology and the Internet as 
a complement as well as an alternative to traditional training programs; enhances WTO outreach to 
academic institutions and individual students and develops WTO-related training material which 
would not require simultaneous presence of the trai nees and trainers in Geneva or in the regions. 
141. To that effect, the Secretariat will continue the development of a comprehensive e-learning 
programme consisting of different types of IT-based t echnical assistance and training tools.  Each type 
of product targets different categories of particip ants and will meet distinct needs. WTO Reference 
Centres will continue to be extensively used as depositories of IT-based offline products, i.e. CD-
ROMs and DVDs, and as venues for participants who do not have access to computers and/or Internet 
in their offices.   
(a) eTraining 
142. The eTraining Programme has the following objectives:  (a) by the end of the courses  
participants will have acquire d homogeneous and stre ngthened understanding of the multilateral 
trading system, (b) enhanced knowledge of the basic principles of the WTO and the legal structure of 
the Marrakesh Agreement, and (c) improved capab ility to interpret relevant information and 
documents on WTO-related issues as well as to use the WTO legal texts and legal background 
material.  Furthermore, eTraining aims at establis hing and encouraging the network of useful contacts 
between participants and WTO tutors. 
143. The eTraining website provides interactive c ourses over the Internet allowing government 
officials online access to the training material and th eir assigned tutors from their office in the capital, 
from their Geneva mission or while travelling. In  2007, the focus will be on significantly increasing 
(i) the number of offered courses and (ii) the variet y of subjects covered.  Experience shows that, 
given the limited number of tutors available and in order to keep the courses manageable,  the ideal 
number of participants in any gi ven course should be around 120-200. 
144. A new platform will be opened allowing the in corporation of multimedia components (sound, 
video, animation) and enhanced interactivity f eatures as well as new pedagogical tools.  New courses  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 31 
 
 
  developed in 2007 will take advantage of the new f eatures immediately, while existing courses will be 
revised and adapted to the new multimedia website . To facilitate access, these new components will 
also be made available as downloadable files.  
145. In 2005 and 2006, specialized introductory c ourses on Trade Remedies were offered on the 
eTraining website, as a pre-requisite for partic ipation in advanced regional workshops on Anti-
Dumping. Successful participants in the eTraining c ourse were eligible for participation in a regional 
workshop, with the understanding that a limited nu mber of candidates could be nominated by each 
WTO Member for the face-to-face activity. The objective was to ensure a certain level of 
understanding of WTO trade remedies prior to the re gional event.  As a result, there were more in-
depth discussions and a more active participati on in the face-to-face activity. Given the positive 
impact of the eTraining course on the face-to-face activity, this methodology will be generalized and 
three to four new introduction courses on specific topics covering a wider range of WTO issues will be made available in 2007.  
146. A significant reorganization of the courses w ill take place in 2007 by grouping several 
courses by term. There will be four terms and each term will be characterized by the use of only one  
working language.  In this way, chat sessions a nd documentation will be in  a common language, and 
at the same time, the administrative burden on Missions and the Secretariat will be reduced. 
(b) Self-training 
147. A number of computer-based training modules (CBTs) on specific WTO Agreements/Issues 
is available on-line through the WTO webpage on distance learning and on CD-ROM or DVD.  Each CBT includes theory and exercise s through multiple choice questions with an automatic correction 
mechanism.  The CBTs are used essentially for self-training.  In 2007, two to three new modules will 
be developed.  In particular, collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Studies of the United 
Nations University will continue in th e development of video-based CBTs.  
(c) Briefings 
148. This modality consists of a combination of in terrelated media - slide presentations, video files 
and reference documents - all stored on the same  CD-ROM.  The first briefing in English on the 
negotiations on trade facilitation was made available to participants in  regional workshops in 2006. At 
the same time, it was made accessible on-line through the WTO webpage on distance learning. One or two additional modules will be developed in 2007.  
149. Given the ambitious development foreseen fo r the e-learning programme in 2007, more 
resources, both from the regular budget and trust funds, will be allocated to the programme.  
IV. PROCESSES AND PROGRAMMES 
150. Two particular mechanisms/programmes designe d in joint cooperation between particular 
institutions, donors and recipients, and geared towa rds assisting beneficiary countries with a fuller 
participation in the MTS, relate to JITAP and the IF. 
(a) Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme (JITAP) 
151. JITAP is a multi-country capacity building programme implemented jointly by ITC, 
UNCTAD, and WTO.  JITAP constitutes an integral part of the Plan.  The current phase of JITAP WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 32  
 
  was launched in February 2003, and origin ally covered sixteen African countries,
13 which included 
the original eight JITAP countries plus an additio nal eight countries selected on the basis of criteria 
determined jointly by the implementing agencies a nd the donors to the programme.  The eight original 
JITAP countries14 have since graduated from the programme as at 31 December 2005. 
152. JITAP aims at building capacity and strengthe ning the national knowledge base on the MTS 
in the beneficiary countries with a view to contributing to their: 
(a) more effective participation in trade negotiations, implementing the WTO 
agreements, and formulating tr ade-related policies;  and, 
(b) improved supply capacity and market know ledge of exporting and export-ready 
enterprises, to derive benefits from business opportunities resulting from better 
market access under the MTS. 
153. JITAP II's key features and programme strategy are: 
(a) partnership among the executing organizati ons, the participating countries and the 
donor community with involvement of other providers of TRTA; 
(b) building networks and synergies among par ticipating countries and extensive use of 
existing national capacities; 
(c) self-implementation of programme modules b ased on generic tool kits provided by 
the agencies; 
(d) pooling of resources in a Common Trust F und (CTF) and coordination with other 
TRTA programmes; 
(e) selection of partner countries and their commitment based on criteria, notably  
(i) allocation of counterpart resources to support programme activities; 
(ii) setting up a National Steering Committee (NSC) and 
creation/institutionalization of an In ter-Institutional Committee on MTS;  
and, 
(iii) mainstreaming of trade as an engine for poverty reduction;  and, 
(f) results-based Management, and particular  attention to gender issues and poverty 
reduction. 
154. In 2006, JITAP consolidated the implementati on of the various modules in the remaining 
eight JITAP countries.15  Consistent with JITAP modus operandi , implementation of each module is 
led by one agency, but with support from the other tw o agencies.  The WTO is expected to complete 
the implementation of module 2, in which it is the lead agency, in all JITAP countries by 
31 December 2006. 
                                                      
13 Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, 
Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Senegal and Zambia. 
14 Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. 
15 Botswana, Cameroun, Malawi, Mali, Maurita nia, Mozambique, Senegal, and Zambia. 
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 33 
 
 
  155. The current phase of JITAP will end by 30 June 2007.  Consequently, the period until the end 
of this phase will be devoted to the implementati on of remaining activities planned under the current 
phase.  Activities to be carried out by the WTO in 2007 under Module 2 will consist mainly of monitoring and evaluation missions to assess the su stainability of the Reference Centres and National 
Enquiry Points implemented by JITAP in all the countries .   
156. The JITAP Common Trust Fund-Steering Group will determine, before the end of the year, 
whether to commission a future phase of JITAP.  Th e nature and scope of this future phase of JITAP 
is yet to be agreed between the agencies and th e donors to the programme.  The Steering Group will 
take into account the currently ongoing i ndependent mid-term evaluation of JITAP. 
(b) The Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to LDCs  
157. The Integrated Framework is an internati onal initiative through which the IMF, ITC, 
UNCTAD, UNDP, the World Bank and the WTO combin e their efforts with those of least-developed 
countries, donors and other development partners to respond to the trade development needs of LDCs.   
158. The main objectives of the IF for trade-related assistance to LDCs are:   
• to support LDC governments in trade capacity building and integrating trade issues 
into overall national development strategies; 
159. To that effect:  
• to ensure that national trade policies are integrated into the overall development and 
poverty-reduction strategies for each country;  and, 
• to coordinate the response provided by the various agencies and other (bi- and 
multilateral) development partners to LDCs' trade-related assistance needs, each in its 
own area of competence. 
160. The IF process covers more than 40 of the 50 LDCs  to date which are at various stages of the 
process.  
161. Ministers in Hong Kong expressed their continued commitment to the Integrated Framework 
and welcomed the agreement to improve the implem entation of the IF in three specific areas:  
increased, additional, predictable financial resour ces to implement Action Matrices;  strengthened 
in-country capacities to manage, implement and monito r the IF process;  and enhanced IF governance.  
Ministers also welcomed the establishment of a Task  Force on an enhanced IF by the Integrated 
Framework Working Group (IFWG) and Integrat ed Framework Steering Committee (IFSC)and 
mandated it to provide recommendations to the IFSC on these areas with a view to the enhanced IF 
entering into force no later than 31 December 2006.   
162. Accordingly, the Task Force formulated th ese recommendations which were adopted by the 
IFWG and IFSC on 5 July 2006 and arrangements to operationalize these recommendations were put 
in place. 
163. The activities to be undertaken in the year 2007 will thus be guided by the operationalization 
of the adopted recommendations on an enhanced IF  and its new structures.  Until such time as the 
enhanced IF will be fully operational, the current IF will continue its operations unchanged.  Both 
under the current and the enhanced IF, WTO activiti es would relate to the design and implementation 
of current and new IF activities.  These will include: WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 34  
 
  • participation in meetings of the IF management structure such as the IFWG, to be 
replaced in the enhanced IF by the "Boa rd" and the IFSC, which will remain the 
same; 
• participation in IF-related seminars and conferences, as well as in the workshops for 
the implementation of the IF, such as Validation Workshops and Implementation 
Workshops with a country's donor community.  The Secretariat will also participate 
in the execution of TRTA projects flowing from the IF process.  It should be borne in 
mind that the number of LDCs participating in  the IF is considerable (more than 40 to 
date), which will have direct consequences on the number of IF-related activities the Secretariat will participate in. 
164. Most of the anticipated activities will relate to  WTO's involvement in national workshops and 
seminars in beneficiary countries, as well as in meeti ngs of the management structure.  Costs are met 
from the regular budget or from trust funds. 
(c) Standards and Trade Development Facility  
165. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (S TDF) is a joint initiative of the Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO ), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), 
World Bank, WHO and WTO.  It was launched in 2002.  The aim of the STDF is to assist developing 
countries to enhance their capacity to meet intern ational SPS standards, improving the human health, 
animal health and phytosanitary situation, a nd thus gaining  and maintaining market access. 
166. The STDF is both a financing and a coordination me chanism.  Grant financing is available for 
private and public organizations in developing coun tries seeking to comply with international SPS 
standards and hence gain or maintain market acc ess.  The STDF provides funds for two types of 
grants:  project preparation grants and project gran ts.  Project preparation grants up to US$20,000 aim 
to act as a bridge between the identification of technical assistance needs and the development of 
coherent project proposals.  The STDF also funds pr oject grants.  The size of grants typically ranges 
between US$300,000 and US$600, 000.  Applicants must assume some of the financial cost of the 
projects.
16  Further information on the STDF, includi ng the Business Plan, application forms and 
information on projects approved can be found at  the STDF website www.standardsfacility.org.   
167. A contribution of CHF225,000 to assist the executing institution, the WTO, to administer the 
STDF, will be made in 2007, if required.   
168. While in some instances there ar e costs associated with partnerships, in most cases it is the 
partners who make a contribution to the activities, either in cash or in kind. 
V. PARTNERSHIPS AND INPUTS INTO ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY OTHER 
BODIES  
169. In order to build and strengthen local cap acity in beneficiary countries and enhance 
ownership, emphasis is increasingly put on partnerships , at varying levels of involvement with other 
providers or sponsors of TRTA.  Su ch partnerships can relate to the design and execution of specific 
programmes, including the IF and JITAP, as well as to the general coopera tion on TRTA with other 
agencies and organizations.  Basically, in each geogr aphical region partnerships are built and used for 
training purposes and for conducting joint activities.  Th e nature of the partnerships varies widely 
                                                      
16 Applicants from least-developed countries must meet at least 10 per cent of the cost of the project 
from their own resources, while other developing countries are required to fund at least 25 per cent of the project cost.  Further information on eligibility criteria, the application process and governance arrangements for 
the STDF can be found in document G/SPS/GEN/523.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 35 
 
 
  among partner institutions, depending on the ins titution itself, the contents of any signed 
undertakings, where they exist, and on the agreed  objectives in the partnership arrangements. The 
cooperation between institutions and partners agenci es is reviewed regularly in view of ensuring 
synergies, relevance and maximum value-added.  Th e partnerships are primarily pragmatic and aimed 
at reducing complex procedures and arrangements often associated with formal Memoranda of 
Understanding.  The Secretariat has, at present, some 30 MOUs, but generally it favours and follows a 
pragmatic approach, which the WTO partners wi th those agencies that can add value in the 
implementation of activities, irrespective of an MOU.   The Secretariat has, nevertheless, launched a 
reflection process on its approaches to partnership arrangements, including the value added of MOUs, 
as well as alternative frameworks for collaboration.   Guiding principles are a focus on trade, 
complementarities, recognised knock-on effects and comparative advantage.   
170. The Plan intends to build on what  has already been developed over the last few years.  It has 
been acknowledged that partnerships have greatly improved the delivery of WTO TRTA.  
Partnerships in the delivery of WTO TRTA are also inevitable when considered against the 
background that the training and technical assistan ce is concerned with the WTO Agreements and, 
more recently, with the DDA. Thus, in practice, the vast majority of all activities are designed and/or 
executed in cooperation with partner in stitutions and specialized agencies. 
171. It is expected that these partnerships will: 
• enrich the quality of training and techni cal assistance activities by using existing 
capacity, expertise and faciliti es, where available, at the regional level and/or in 
Geneva.  Moreover, such c ooperation will facilitate th e delivery of technical 
assistance and the dissemination of WTO training programmes; 
• achieve greater coherence among providers of WTO-related training and technical 
assistance; 
• gradually transfer ownership and building partnerships on technical assistance;  and, 
• optimize the use of resources available. 
172. Moreover it is important for the WTO to be represented in meetings held by other 
international organizations, and to provide input to  the debate that carries the WTO brand.  WTO's 
participation is increasingly required at:   
• Seminars and workshops organized by other/ partner organizations, where WTO officials 
are called upon to make specific, topic re lated presentations and give lectures;   
• International meetings and conferences at the po litical level.  Such meetings can in most 
instances not be anticipated, but past expe rience shows that the WTO attends annually 
between 80 to 100 such events.  WTO's partic ipation in such meetings is considered 
indispensable for a variety of reasons:   
(i) it provides opportunities to brief stakeholders on the state of play in the 
negotiations or address and clarify any specific issues regarding the WTO;  
and, 
(ii) it can be critical for engaging in polic y dialogues with outside communities, 
including the private sector, Parliamentarians and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 36  
 
  173. The costs of the WTO's representation at activities that do not have a training component will 
be met from the regular budget.  Other activities may be funded by either the regular budget or the 
GTF, depending on the nature of the activity. 
(a) Regional Partnerships 
174. Partnership arrangements have been establishe d at the regional level, and by way of 
illustration, these include the following: 
• in Africa, training and technical coopera tion activities are undertaken in partnership 
with the United Nations Economic Commi ssion for Africa (UNECA), the African 
Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Secretariat, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), South African 
Development Community (SADC), West African Economic and Monetary Union 
(WAEMU) etc.  The "Agence internationale de la francophonie" is also a partner in 
this region.  Its "Rexpaco" programme dovetails well with WTO's programme of 
activities with academics and is specifically aimed mainly at African French-speaking 
states; 
• for Arab and Middle East countries, close cooperation is undertaken with the 
Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), the Islami c Development Bank (IsDB) and the United 
Nations Economic and Social Commis sion for Western Asia (UNESCWA); 
• in Asia and the Pacific there is coopera tion with the United Nations Economic and 
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c (UNESCAP), the Pacific Islands Forum 
Secretariat (PIFS), the International De velopment Law Organization (IDLO),  and 
with the Asian Development Bank; 
• institutional cooperation for training for count ries in Central and Eastern Europe and 
Central Asia takes mostly place with the Join t Vienna Institute (JVI).  The WTO will 
have slots of a total of some six weeks fo r conducting seminars and training courses;  
in addition, the Secretariat undertakes training through the so-called Applied Economic Policy Course.  Cooperation also takes place with UNESCAP, as well as with the Canadian Centre for Trade Policy and Law (CTPL);  in addition, the WTO is  
co-operating closely with the World Bank to design and implement a joint training 
event in Central Asia, mainly geared towards acceding countries;  
• in Latin America and the Caribbean, the bulk of regional activities are undertaken in 
close partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), in particular 
its Institute for the Integration of Latin America and the Caribbean (INTAL).  Every 
year a joint programme is defined and co-financed.  Within the framework of the IADB/INTAL cooperation, partnerships exis t with regional integration Secretariats 
such as the Latin American Integrati on Association (ALADI), the Andean 
Community, Central American Economic Integration Secretariat (SIECA) and 
Mercosur, as well as with the Organization of American States.  In the Caribbean, 
cooperation exists with the CARICOM S ecretariat and the Caribbean Regional 
Negotiating Machinery, as well as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and 
the Association of Caribbean States.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 37 
 
 
  (b) Other Partnerships  
175. The Secretariat is always seeking to stre ngthen and expand cooperation with other 
international organizations, regiona l bodies and institutions.  A total of some twenty MoUs currently 
exist, with different international organizations , bodies and partner institutions.  These MOUs are 
subject to regular review.  It should be noted that, in addition to the MOUs, the WTO has a large 
number of partnership arrangements, which are ba sed on a pragmatic approach to undertake joint 
activities, including with other organizations, re gional bodies, training centres, academia, without 
having established a formal MOU.  Each of these partnership arrangements have their own 
specificities in relation to the region or activities to  be undertaken. The TA Plan includes as much as 
possible those activities that are undertaken jointl y and for which inputs have been received from 
partner organizations. 
176. The Partnership with UNIDO is geared to wards addressing supply-side constraints in 
conjunction with barriers to market access.  In  2006, the programme was extended to include two 
more beneficiaries (Zambia, Azerbaijan). The year 2007 will essentially be devoted to the 
implementation of activities identified in the pilo t phase and as contained in the relevant country 
project documents.  
177. Another partnership arrangement, with IDLO co mes largely in support of regional training 
and contributes to raising general levels of knowledge on the WTO and the multilateral trading 
system. In addition to its training centre in Rome, IDLO has various regional training centres which 
are used for joint training programmes,  including those listed in the Annex. 
178. Through its MTS related initiatives, ITC dissemi nates WTO related information to businesses 
and other stakeholders involved in trade negotia tions through a network of focal points in 65 
countries.  It produces analytical publications on  WTO related issues from a business perspective and 
organizes high-level interactive regional meetings  gathering national teams of private-public 
representatives, contributing to anal ysis of negotiating pos itions from the commercial perspective and 
strengthening the coalescing of public and private sector concerns.  ITC furthermore conducts training 
workshops which aim at enhancing the understa nding among government officials, business sector 
representatives and the civil society on WTO relate d issues such as rules of origin, GATS, TBT and 
SPS issues, trade remedies and their practical impl ications for the business sector.  ITC organizes 
round table interactive debates among experts repre senting the business interests, academicians/trade 
policy analysts and negotiators on WTO subjects  in order to bring out new market access 
opportunities and challenges for small and medium business enterprises in developing countries in the 
new trading environment.  The views expressed are reflected in follow-up analytical papers 
customized at regional level. 
(c) Outsourcing 
179. The WTO's policy on outsourcing is based on the Note by the Secretariat circulated to 
Members (document WT/COMTD/W/116), dated 16 J une 2003.  Experts to be considered for the 
roster are former trade offici als, ex-delegates, former GATT/WTO staff members, academics 
(including the co-lecturers on the RTPCs), recognized e xperts in a specific field, trainers and officials 
from other international organizati ons, to be drawn from all regions.  A new database was created and 
has been operational since early 2004.  Administra tive procedures have been established to guide the 
process of applications, selection and implementation of outsourcing of activities by divisions, as well 
as for the process of evaluation of performance of res ource persons and reporting.  The aim is to have 
the database as the first source to wh ich to turn if there is a need to entrust activities to outside 
resource persons.  The database is administered by the Human Resources Division and jointly managed with the ITTC.  Costs associated with  the contribution of resources persons to the 
implementation of technical assistance activities will  be met from trust funds and the regular budget. WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 38  
 
  VI. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 
180. The implementation of WTO's technical assistance evaluation strategy and the established 
procedures as well as the office-wide application of  evaluation formats and tools have effectively 
supported the new TA planning framework.  The revi sion of the back-to-office reporting format (self-
evaluation) and the participant's evaluation form s (PEF) took place in line with the new planning 
framework.  In 2007 transparency of and accountability for TA results will continue to be facilitated 
by internal evaluations by TA providers and TCA.   Moreover, the main recommendations made in the 
TA Plan for 2005 with regard to ensuring deliver y of high quality, effective and efficient TRTA 
remain valid for 2007.  
181. The Strategic Review of WTO TRTA activities, which was launched in the Fall 2005, has led 
to specific conclusions and recommendations, which ha ve not yet been reviewed by Members at the 
time of drafting this Plan.  To the extent possible,  and without precluding the outcome of discussions 
on the Strategic Review by Members, some of the specific and practical recommendations have been reflected in the Plan. In fact, many of the re commendations were geared towards improving the 
quality of the design and delivery of TRTA. Furthe r refinements and adjust ment may perhaps be 
made to the Plan following an in-depth discussion in the Committe e of Trade and Development.  
182. Evaluation work will cover the entire cycl e of planning, design, implementation and 
evaluation of TA and focus on the consolidation of th e results achieved during the last four years.  In 
the planning phase priority will  be  accorded to the improved selecti on of the participants, the more 
systematic identification of their needs and expect ations. TCA will continue to encourage the intake 
of not more than 30 participants per TA activity and the organisation of TA events of smaller in 
number but longer in duration.  This will be in lin e with the strategy to place quality considerations 
before quantity. 
183. Regarding the design phase, efforts will be made to ensure the development of more coherent 
and logical design of TA programmes, which wi ll include realistic, measurable and achievable 
objectives, supported by performance indicators and ta rgets, set out prior to the delivery of the TA. 
TCA will continue to provide the required assistance in terms of regular briefing and training to this 
work. Pending on resources available, efforts will  be made to assist ITTC and the operational 
Divisions in developing performance indicators for the products included in the Plan.  
184. Regarding the implementation phase, priority w ill be given to encouraging the divisions to 
develop more case studies and practical exercise s adapted to the recipient countries, which is a 
recurrent request of the beneficiaries of WTO TA.  Support will also be given to the development of 
standardized training packages, which could further improve the e fficiency of WTO TA. 
185. Regarding the evaluation phase, the proper app lication of the WTO's evaluation procedures 
and tools by ITTC and the operational divisions w ill be monitored to ensure that the BTORs put 
forward information not only on the delivery of the TA event but also on its results, and make user-
friendly recommendations and follow-up actions.  It is  crucial that after four years of evaluation 
activities the evaluation results be used  also in the regular work of the Secretariat.  Monitoring actions 
will be taken to ensure that all TA activities s ubject to evaluation will be reported on and TCA 
receives copies of the reports.  TCA will continue its  efforts to brief and train the staff on the proper 
application of the established evaluation procedures,  methods and tools and provide feedback to the 
TA providers on their evaluation reports.  Dependi ng on resources TCA will continue to conduct 
some ten to fifteen on-site evalua tions and carry out ex-post evaluati ons of TAs across the board.  The 
M&E system, policy, strategy, procedures and tool s will also be made available for users on the 
Intranet of WTO.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 39 
 
 
  186. In accordance with established practices the TAMC  will continue to serve as a forum for 
exchanging across-the-board experiences and views on every phase of planning, design, implementation and evaluation of TA. 
187. In order to fully implement the evaluation manda te and the many folded tasks outlined above, 
the financing of evaluation work has been secured by  the inclusion in the Plan (see Chapter E of 
Annex 2) of an annual ten-month professional s upport to TCA as well as mission credits.  It is 
expected that the information emanating from mon itoring and evaluation work will continue to be 
systematically collected, analysed  and followed up, thereby capitalizing on the most important source 
of knowledge of effects and impact of WTO TA. 
VII. FUNDING 
188. Pursuant to the commitment contained in paragr aph 40 of the Doha Declaration, the General 
Council approved on 20 December 2001 the creation of  the GTF and defined its terms of reference.
17  
One of the main purposes of the GTF was to cons olidate the numerous extra-budgetary resources of 
the WTO in one single un-earmarked fund, so as to pr ovide a solid and stable financial basis for WTO 
technical assistance and capacity building.  This is  the reason why the terms of reference of the GTF 
provide a monitoring mechanism for the pledges and for the payment of the contributions.  The 
General Council also increased substantially the sh are of the regular budget dedicated to technical 
assistance, but the GTF is now the main sour ce of funding for technical assistance.  
189. The Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration (para 54) states that: 'In order to continue progress in 
the effective and timely delivery of trade related capac ity building, in line with the priority Members 
attach to it, the relevant structures of the secretariat should be strengthened and its resources 
enhanced.  We reaffirm our commitm ent to ensure secure and adequate levels of funding for trade-
related capacity building, including in the Doha d evelopment Agenda Global trust Fund, to conclude 
the Doha Work Programme and implement its results.'  
190. According to the terms of reference of th e GTF, the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration will have to recommend to the Gene ral Council a target amount for the GTF in 2007.  
The target amount will correspond to the estimated value of the 2007 TA Plan as determined by the 
CTD, taking into account the resources available fo r technical assistance in the regular budget for 
2007, and resources contributed by partner ins titutions in respect of shared activities.  
191. It is recalled that under the terms of referen ce of the GTF (Cf footnote 10) the global trust 
fund will be operated against peri odic benchmarks and closely supervised by the CBFA and CTD.  By 
31 December of the year preceding the fund's revolvi ng annual target period, actual contributions (not 
only pledges) amounting to 25 percent of the annual total should be recorded.  For 2007, this means 
that contributions of some CHF 6 million would be requi red by the end of this year toward next year's 
spending.  By 31 March, another 50 percent should be  in hand for an overall 75 percent of the total 
estimated expenditures for the year.  By 30 June, 100 percent of the funds needed should be received.   Where contribution receipt targets are manifestly not met, the General Council is to meet on an urgent 
basis to discuss the matter.  Proper account will be taken of multi-year contributions. 
192. It is noted that pledges made by Members during the year 2006, followed by real 
contributions into the GTF, again did not meet thes e funding requirements, a situation that threatens to 
jeopardize the implementation of the Plan 2007, as the funds in the GTF are expected to be fully 
utilized by the end of 2006.  In fact, the situation is more critical than ever before and needs to be 
addressed in a fundamental and sustainable way. Thus, the liquidity that was available at the 
beginning of the year 2006, rolled over from 2005, will no longer exist to cover funding requirements 
                                                     
 
17 See document WT/BFA/56, and in particular its paragraphs 13 to 22 and its annexes A and B. WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 40  
 
  of TRTA activities from the very beginning of 2007 . In order to ensure a smooth start with the 
implementation of the TRTA Plan in January 2007, Members are invited to ensure funding in line 
with the requirements.  The financial requirement s will be presented to the Members at the next 
formal session of the CTD.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 41 
 
 
  ANNEX  1  
THE  PRODUCTS  MATRIX:  TABLE  OF CONTENTS 
A. GENERAL  WTO-RELATED  TRAINING  AND  TECHNICAL  ASSISTANCE 
(a) Trade Policy Courses 
(i) Geneva-based Trade Policy Courses 
(ii) Regional Trade Policy Courses 
(b) Geneva-based Introduction Courses 
(c) Geneva-based Thematic Courses 
(d) Regional and Sub-regional Short Trade Policy Courses and DDA Advanced 
Training Programme 
B. SPECIALIZED  AND  ADVANCED  TRAINING  AND  TECHNICAL  ASSISTANCE 
(a) Geneva-based Specialized Courses 
(b) National Technical Assistance Activities 
(c) Regional Seminars 
(d) DDA Advanced Training Programme for Senior Government Officials 
(e) Intensive Courses on Trade Negotiations Skills 
(f) Outreach Activities for Parliamentarians and Civil Society 
C. ACADEMIC  SUPPORT  FOR  TRAINING  AND  CAPACITY  BUILDING:    
AN INTEGRATED  APPROACH 
(a) Regional Trade Policy Courses (see A. (a) (ii)) 
(b) Follow-up to RTPCs (Phase 2) 
(c) Workshops for University Professors on WTO Matters 
(d) Support Programme for Doctoral Studies 
(e) Programme for Visiting Academics 
(f) Research Collaboration 
(g) Document Dissemination Programme for Universities 
D. SUPPORT  TRAINING AND TECHNICAL  ASSISTANCE  FACILITIES 
(a) Geneva-based Topic-Specific Symposia 
(b) Introduction Days 
(c) Other forms of Geneva-based Support:  Geneva Week 
(d) Trainee Programmes and Internships  
E. E-L EARNING : 
(a) E-Training online courses WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 42  
 
  (b) Self-Training modules 
(c) State of Play briefings 
F. 
OTHER PROGRAMMES AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES WITH FUNDING REQUIREMENTS : 
(a) Staffing  
(b) Pro-memoria  
  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 43ANNEX 2 
 
THE PRODUCT MATRIX: LIST OF ACTIVITIES 
 
Subject / 
Programme Region/ Sub-
region Description of the Activity WTO Divisions Cooperation with  other Bodies/Organizations  
 
Nb. of particip.x 
days 
A. GENERAL WTO-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING 
(a) Trade Policy Courses 13,656 
  39th  Trade Policy Course (English)    ITTC, WTO Divisions, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO, ACWL, AITIC, World 
Bank (25x60)  1500 
  40th  Trade Policy Course (English)  ITTC, WTO Divi sions, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO , ACWL, AITIC, World 
Bank (25x60)  1500 
  41st Trade Policy Course (French)  ITTC, WTO Divi sions, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO , ACWL, AITIC, World 
Bank (25x60)  1500 (i) Geneva-
based Trade 
Policy Courses 
(TPCs) 
  42nd Trade Policy Course (English)  ITTC, WTO Di visions, UNCTAD, ITC, WI PO, ACWL, AITIC, World 
Bank (25x60)  1500 
Africa (English) Regional Trade Policy Course ITTC , WTO Divisions, Partner University (25x60)  1500 
Africa (English) Preparatory workshop for University profe ssors ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x3)  84 
Africa (French) Regional Trade Policy Course I TTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x160) 1680 
Africa (French) Preparatory workshop for University profe ssors ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x3)  84 
Asia and Pacific Regional Trade Policy Course  ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (33x60) 1980 (ii) Regional 
Trade Policy 
Courses and 
follow-up 
(RTPCs ) 
  
Asia and Pacific Preparatory workshop for University prof essors ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x3)  84  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 44 Latin America Regional Trade Policy Course ITTC , WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x160) 1680 
Latin America Preparatory workshop for University profe ssors ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (28x3)  84 
Caribbean Follow-up to the Regional Trade Policy Course - 
one-month specialized course co-delivered with 
academics and specialists from the region (4 one-
week modules) ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (12x20)  240  
Caribbean Follow-up to the Regional Trade Policy Course - 
one-month specialized course co-delivered with 
academics and specialists from the region (4 one-
week modules) ITTC, WTO Divisions, Partner University (12x20)  240 
(b) Geneva-based Introduction Courses 750 
  11th Introduction course for Least-Developed 
countries (French) ITTC, WTO Divisions, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO, ACWL, AITIC (25x15)  375  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    12th Introduction course for Least-Developed 
countries (English) ITTC, WTO Divisions, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO, ACWL, AITIC (25x15)  375 
(c) Geneva-based Thematic Courses 625 
  17th  (Thematic) Dispute Settlement Course,  
(English) ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, Appe llate Body Secretariat (25x5) 125 
  18th  (Thematic) Dispute Settlement Course 
(English) ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, Appe llate Body Secretariat (25x5) 125 
  19th  (Thematic)  Dis pute Settlement Course 
(Spanish) ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, Appe llate Body Secretariat (25x5) 125  
 
  6th  (Thematic) course on Trade Negotiations 
(English or French) ITTC (25x10) 250  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 45 
(d) Regional and Sub-regional Short Trade Policy Courses 4,707 
Africa 5th  WTO/ADB/ECA Trade Policy Course for 
African Countries ITTC, ADB, UNECA, NEPAD (53x10) 530 
Africa (English) WTO/ COMESA S hort Trade Policy Course ITTC, WTO divisions, COMESA (20x3)  60 
Africa (English) WTO/ ECOWAS S hort Trade Policy Course ITTC, WTO divisions, ECOWAS (15x3)  45 
Africa (English) WTO/ SADC Short Trade Polic y Course ITTC, WTO divisions, SADC (14x3) 42 
Africa (French) WTO/IDLO Pub lic International Trade Law 
Course for Least-developed countries ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, IDLO (40x15) 600 
Africa (French) WTO/UEMOA  Short Trade Policy  Course ITTC, WTO divisions, UEMOA (24X5) 120 
Africa (French) WTO/CEMAC  Short Trade Policy  Course ITTC, WTO divisions, CEMAC (18x5)  90 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries WTO/IsDB Short Trade Policy Course for IsDB 
Members countries  (Arabic) ITTC, WTO divisions, Islamic Development Bank (30x15) 450 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries WTO/IsDB Short Trade Policy Course for IsDB 
Members countries (French) ITTC, WTO divisions, Islamic Development Bank (30x15) 450 
Asia and Pacific WTO/IDLO Public International Trade Law 
Course (English) ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, IDLO (38x15) 570 
Caribbean General Overview of the WTO and the Doha 
Development Agenda Council Division (30x10) 300 
Central Asia  WTO/UNESCAP Short Trade Policy Course for 
economies in transition ITTC, WTO divisions, UNESCAP (30x5) 150  
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia and 
Caucasus Trade Policy and WTO Accession ITTC, WTO divisions, World Bank (20x5) 100  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 46 Latin America WTO/IDLO Public International Trade Law 
Course ITTC, Legal Affairs Division, IDLO (38x15) 570 
Latin America Short Trade Policy Course for ALADI Members I TTC, WTO divisions,  IADB/INTAL , ALADI Secretariat (24x10) 240 
Latin America The results of the Doha Development Agenda:  
settings of implementation and impacts ITTC, WTO Divisions, IADB/INTAL (30x5) 150 
Latin America WTO on-going negotia tions for Central American 
Countries ITTC, WTO divisions, IADB/INTAL, SIECA (20x5) 100  
Pacific Short Trade Policy Course for Pacific Island 
Countries ITTC, WTO Divisions, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) (28x5) 140 
B. SPECIALIZED AND ADVANCED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
(a) Geneva-based Specialized Courses  300 
  3rd  Specialized Course on SPS (French) ITTC, Agriculture and Commodities Division (25x10)  250  
  Follow-up activity (related to the second 
specialized course on SPS held in 2006) ITTC, Agriculture and Commodities Division (25x2)  50 
(b) National Technical Assistance Activities   N.A. 
(i)  Topic-
based activities All regions 250  national activities    
(ii) Technical 
Assistance 
within the 
Trade Policy 
Review 
Mechanism 
(TPRM) 
Framework All regions included under (i) above     
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 47(iii) Assisting 
beneficiaries in 
conducting 
Needs 
Assessment All regions included under (i) above    
(iv) WTO 
Reference 
centres and 
enquiry points   20 WTO Reference Centres   (300x3)  900 
(c) Regional Seminars    7,928 
Africa (English) Regional Workshop Agricu lture and Commodities Division (52x3)  156 
Africa (French) Regional Workshop Agricu lture and Commodities Division (54x3)  162 
Asia-Pacific WTO/UNESCAP Regional Workshop Agri culture and Commodities Division  (60x3)  180 (i) Agriculture 
(Ag)   
Latin America Regional Workshop Agriculture a nd Commodities Division IADB/INTAL (38x3)  114 
Asia-Pacific Special Training Course on WTO Dispute 
Settlement Legal Affairs Divisi on, Appellate Body Secretariat (30x5) 150 
Caribbean Special Training Course on WTO Dispute 
Settlement Legal Affairs Division, Appe llate Body Secretariat, CARICOM Secretariat (15x5)  75 (ii) Dispute 
Settlement 
(DSU)    
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia 
and Caucasus Special Training Course on WTO Dispute 
Settlement Legal Affairs Division,  Appellate Body Secretariat (24x5)  120 
Africa (English) Workshop on Government Procurem ent Intellectual Property Division (52x3)  156 
Asia-Pacific Advanced Workshop on Government Procur ement Intellectual Property Division (60x3)  180 (iii) 
Government 
Procurement 
(Plurilateral 
Agreement on)    
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia 
and Caucasus Workshop on Government Procurement Inte llectual Property Division (48x3)  144  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 48 Africa (English) Workshop on N on-agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Economic Research and Statistics Division, 
SADC, COMESA (52x4)  208 
Africa (French) Workshop on N on-agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Economic Research and Statistics Division, 
UEMOA, AfDB (54x4)  216 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries Workshop on Non-agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Ec onomic Research and Statistics Division (38x4) 152 
Asia Workshop on Non-agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Economic Research and Statistics Division, 
UNESCAP, ASEAN Secretariat, ADB, PIFS (48x4) 192 
Caribbean  Workshop on Non-agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Economic Research and Statistics Division, 
CRNM, OECS, CARICOM Secretariat (30x4)  120 
Latin America Workshop on Non- agriculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Economic Research and Statistics Division, 
IADB/INTAL, ALADI, ECLAC, Merc osur Secretariat, Andean 
Community Secretariat, SIECA,  (38x4)  152 
Pacific Workshop on Non-ag riculture Market Access 
Negotiations Market Access Division, Ec onomic Research and Statistics Division (28x4)  112 (iv) Non-
Agriculture 
Market Access 
(NAMA)      
TBC Sub-regional workshop on Customs Valu ation Market Access Division, Worl d Customs Organization (50x5)  250 
(v) Regional 
Trade 
Agreements         Africa (English) WTO rules on Regional Tr ade Agreements Trade Policy Review Di vision, COMESA, SADC, EAC (26x3)  78  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 49Africa (French) WTO rules on Regional Trade Agreements Trad e Policy Review Division, CEMAC, CEDEAO, UEMOA (27x3)  81  
Asia and Pacific WTO rules on Regional Trade Agr eements Trade Policy Review Division (30x3)  90 
Africa (French) Workshop on Trade Remedies Rules Division (25x4)  100 
Asia and Pacific Workshop on Trade Remedies  Rules Division (25x4)  100 
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia 
and Caucasus Workshop on Trade Remedies Rules Division (25x4)  100 (vi) Rules  
Latin America Workshop on Subsidy Discipline s Rules Division, INTAL/IADB (25x4)  100 
Africa (English)  Applied training in the SPS Agreement Agri culture and Commodities Division, Codex, IPPC, OIE (48x4)  192 
Africa (French) Applied training in the SPS Agreement Agricu lture and Commodities Division, Codex, IPPC, OIE (48x4)  192 (vii) Sanitary 
and 
Phytosanitary 
Measures 
(SPS) 
South Asia Applied training in the SPS Agreement Agricultu re and Commodities Division, Codex, IPPC, OIE (48x4)  192 
TBC Developments in the ru le-making negotiations and 
other relevant issues arising from the ongoing 
services negotiations Trade in Services Division (30x3)  90 (viii) Services 
negotiations; 
GATS              
TBC Developments in the ru le-making negotiations and 
other relevant issues arising from the ongoing 
services negotiations Trade in Services Division (30x3)  90  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 50 TBC Developments in the ru le-making negotiations and 
other relevant issues arising from the ongoing 
services negotiations Trade in Services Division, World Bank (30x3)  90 
Asia-Pacific WTO Telecom training course Trade in Se rvices Division, Asia-Pacifi c Telecommunity (30x3)  90  
TBC ICT and telecom reform for MENA countries Tr ade in Services Division, World Bank (30x3)  90 
Africa (English) Training on the implementation of the TBT 
Agreement for English-speaking African countries Trade and Environment Division, CODE X, International Organization for 
Standardization  (ISO) (52x3) 156 
Asia Training on the implementation of the TBT 
Agreement for Asian countries Trade and Environment Division. UNESCAP (48x3) 144 (ix) Technical 
Barriers to 
Trade (TBT)    
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries Training on the implementation of the TBT 
Agreement for Arab and Middle East countries Trade and Environment Division (38x3) 114 
Africa (English) Trade Policy Cour se on Special and Differential 
Treatment, LDCs, Sm all Economies and the 
Integrated Framework Development Division (26x3)  78 
Africa (French) Trade Policy Cour se on Special and Differential 
Treatment, LDCs, Sm all Economies and the 
Integrated Framework Development Division (27x3)  81 (x) Trade and 
Development, 
including:  
Special and 
Differential 
Treatment and 
Small 
Economies  
Asia and Pacific Trade Policy Co urse on Special and Differential 
Treatment, LDCs, Sm all Economies and the 
Integrated Framework Development Division (38x3) 114  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 51 Caribbean Trade Policy Course  on Special and Differential 
Treatment, LDCs, Sm all Economies and the 
Integrated Framework Development Division, CARI COM Secretariat (15x3)  45 
Asia and Pacific Workshop on Trade and Environment  - the work 
of CTE and Doha process Trade and Environment Division (76x3) 228 
Caribbean Workshop on Trade and Environment  - the work 
of CTE and Doha process Trade and Environment Division, CARICOM Secretariat (30x3)  90 (xi) Trade and 
Environment      
Latin America Workshop on Trade and Environment  - the work 
of CTE and Doha process Trade and Environment Division, IADB/INTAL (38x3) 114 
Africa (English) Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Finan ce and Trade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB (52x5) 260 
Africa (French) Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Finan ce and Trade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB (54x5) 270 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Finance and Tr ade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB (38x5) 190 
Asia and Pacific Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Fi nance and Trade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB, 
APEC, ASEAN, ADB, UNESCAP (76x5) 380 
Caribbean  Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Fina nce and Trade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB, 
CARICOM, IADB/INTAL (30x5) 150 
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia 
and Caucasus Workshop on Trade Facilitation Trade and Finance and Tr ade Facilitation Division, WCO, UNCTAD, WB (48x5) 240 (xii) Trade 
Facilitation   
Latin America Workshop on Trade Facilitati on Trade and Finance and Trade Facilitati on Division, WCO, IADB/INTAL (38x5) 190 
(xiii) Trade-
related Africa (English) Workshop on  TR IPS Intellectual Property Di vision, WIPO, WHO (52x3)  156  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 52 Africa (French) Workshop on TRIPS Intellectual  Property Division, WIPO, WHO (54x3) 162  
Asia - Pacific Workshop on the TRIPS Agreement and Public 
Health Intellectual Property Division, WIPO, WHO, Pacific Islands Forum 
Secretariat (PIFS) (54x3)  162 Intellectual 
Property 
Rights    
Caribbean and 
PIFS Workshop on TRIPS Intellectual Property Divisi on, WIPO, WHO, CARICOM Secretariat (34x3)  102 
(d)   Advanced Training Programme for Senior Government Officials  925 
Africa (English) Advanced Tr aining Programme for Senior 
Government officials ITTC, WTO divisions, University of Western Cape (26x5)  130 
Africa (French) Advanced Tr aining Programme for Senior 
Government officials ITTC, WTO divisions (27x5) 135 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries Advanced Training Programme for Senior 
Government officials ITTC, WTO divisions (19x5)   95 
Asia-Pacific Advanced Progra mme for Senior Government 
officials ITTC, WTO divisions, UNESCAP (30x5)  150 
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia and 
Caucasus Advanced Training Programme for Senior 
Government officials ITTC, WTO divisions, Joint Vienna Institute (23x5)  115   
  
  
  
  
  
Latin America Advanced Training Programme for Senior 
Government officials from Spanish-speaking 
countries in Latin America on WTO and RTA 
issues ITTC, WTO divisions, OAS, Georges Wa shington University (30x10)  300 
(e) Intensive Courses on Trade Negotiations Skills 795 
Africa (English) Intensive Course on Trad e Negotiations Skills ITTC (52x5)  260 
Africa (French) Intensive Course on Trad e Negotiations Skills ITTC (54x5)  270 Trade 
Negotiations 
Techniques      
Asia-Pacific Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills ITTC (29x5)  145  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 53 Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia and 
Caucasus Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills  ITTC, Joint Vienna Institute (24x5)  120 
(f) Outreach Activities for Parliamentarians and Civil Society 420 
TBC Workshop for NGOs External Relations Division (30x2)  60 
TBC Workshop for NGOs External Relations Division (30x2)  60 
TBC (English) Workshop for Parliamentaria ns  External Relations Division,  Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 
(CPA) (30x3)  90 
TBC (English) Workshop for Parliamentaria ns  External Relations Division,  Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 
(CPA) (30x3)  90 
TBC (French) Workshop for Parliame ntarians  External Relations Division,  Asse mblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (30x2)  60   
TBC (Spanish) Workshop for Parliamentar ians  External Relations Division,  PARLATINO, IADB/INTAL (30x2)  60 
C. ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND CAPACI TY-BUILDING:  AN INTEGRATED APPROACH 
(a) Regional Trade Policy Courses (see A.(a)(ii)) 
(b) Follow-up to RTPCs (Phase 2) 450 
Africa (English) Phase 2 Specia lized workshop ITTC, ERSD, University of Nairobi, regional secretariats (30x5)  150 
Africa (French) Phase 2 Specialized work shop ITTC, ERSD, Université Mohamed V S ouissi, regional secretariats (30x5)  150 
Asia - Pacific Phase 2 Specia lized workshop ITTC, ERSD, University of Ho ng Kong, regional secretariats (30x5)  150   
Caribbean Phase 2 Specialized works hop ITTC, ERSD, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (30x5)  150  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 54 (c) Workshops for university professors on WTO Matters 510 
Arab and 
Middle East 
countries Workshop for Academics ITTC, ERSD (30x3)  90 
Asia - Pacific Workshop for junior researchers on research tools 
and on modernizing curricul a of internationl trade 
in Asia-Pacific universities ITTC, ERSD, UNESCAP (ARTNeT) (30x5)  150 
Asia - Pacific Workshop for Seni or researchers - 2nd academic 
workshop on Trade research ITTC, ERSD, UNESCAP (ARTNeT), Macau University (30x3)  90 
Central and 
Eastern Europe 
and Central Asia Workshop for Academics ITTC, ERSD (30x3)  90 (i)  regional 
workshops 
TBC Curriculum development to incorporate WTO 
matters: sharing of teaching and research 
experiences ITTC, UNU/IAS, (30x3) 90 
(ii) national 
activities   National workshops for University professors    
(d) Support Programme for doctoral studies  
    Support programme for doctoral students Economic Rese arch and Statistics Divisi on, operational divisions  
(e) Programme for visiting academics 
    Programme for visiting acade mics Economic Research and Statistics  Division, operational divisions   
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 55 
(f) Research collaboration 
    Research collaboration:  joint research activities 
with academics from developing countries Economic Research and Statistics Division  
(g) Document Dissemination programme for universities 
    Document Dissemination Programme for 
Universities:  the donation of a basic set of WTO 
publications to groups of 20 universities from each 
region. ITTC,  regional academic institutions  
D. SUPPORT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FACILITIES 
(a) Geneva-based topic-specific symposia 1,242 
Capital-based 
delegates TBT Fifth Special Meeting on Procedures for 
Information Exchange for officials responsible for 
notifications and enquiry points Trade and Environment Division (120x3)  360 
Capital-based 
delegates Workshop on Environmental Goods and Services Trade and Environment Division (40x3)  120 
Capital-based 
delegates Workshop on TRIPS and Public Health for IP/trade 
officials Intellectual Property Division,  WIPO, WHO, UNAIDS (25x3)  75 
Capital-based 
delegates Workshop on the GPA Intellectual Property Division (35x3)  105 
Capital-based 
officials Colloquium for Developing Country Teachers of 
Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Division, WIPO (20x10)  200 
Geneva-based 
delegates Symposium on TRIPS Intellectual  Property Division, WIPO  
Capital-based 
delegates Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the IT 
Agreement Market Access Division (36x2)  72 
Capital-based 
delegates Special SPS Meeting on transparency held back-to-
back with an SPS Committee meeting Agriculture and Commodities division (50x5)  250   
Capital-based 
delegates Workshop on Rules for Heads of Active Trade 
Remedy Authorities in Developing Members Rules Division (20x3)  60  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 56  
(b) Introduction days 105 
    12th, 13th and 14th Introduction Days (trilingual) ITTC, WTO Divisions (105x1)  105 
(c) Other forms of Geneva-based support: Geneva Week 300 
  Geneva Week Developmen t Division (30x5)  150   
  Geneva Week Developmen t Division (30x5)  150 
(d) Trainee programmes and internships - 
  Regular internships   N.A. 
  Netherlands Trainee Programme   N.A. 
  Coordinators of regional groups   N.A.   
  Developing country missions   N.A. 
E.  E-LEARNING:  ONLINE COURSES 
(a) eTraining:  online courses 13,710 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to the WTO (English) WTO Divisions (130x8) 1040 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Trade Remedies (English)  WTO Divisions, Rules Division (130x9) 1170 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Agriculture (English) WTO Divisi ons, Agriculture and Commodities Division (130x9) 1170 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Technical Barriers to Trade 
(English) WTO Divisions, Trade and Environment Division (130x7) 910 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to the WTO (Spani sh) WTO Divisions (130x8) 1040 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Trade Remedies (Spanish ) WTO Divisions, Rules Division (80x9) 720   
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Technical Barriers to Trade  
(Spanish) WTO Divisions, Trade and Environment Division (80x7) 560  
   WT/COMTD/W/151
 Page 57Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Agriculture (Spanish) WTO Divisi ons, Agriculture and Commodities Division (80x9) 720 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to the WTO (Frenc h) WTO Divisions (60x8) 480 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Technical Barriers to Trade 
(French) WTO Divisions, Trade and Environment Division (60x7) 420 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Agriculture (French) WTO Divisi ons, Agriculture and Commodities Division (60x9) 540 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to the WTO (English) WTO Divisions (130x8) 1040 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (English) WTO Divisions, Agriculture and Commodities Division (130x7) 910 
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Trade-related Intellectual Property 
Rights (English) WTO Divisions, Intellectual Property Division (130x9) 1170 
Capital-based 
officials  Introduction to Technical Barriers to Trade 
(English) WTO Divisions, Trade and Environment Division (130x7) 910  
Capital-based 
officials Introduction to Agriculture (English) WTO Divisi ons, Agriculture and Commodities Division (130x7) 910 
(b) Self-training modules: com puter-based training modules  
Capital-based 
officials Overview of the WTO (English, French, Spanish) WTO Divisions 2 
Capital-based 
officials Dispute Settlement (English, Fr ench, Spanish) WTO Divisions 4 
Capital-based 
officials Sanitary and Phytosanita ry Measures (English, 
French, Spanish) WTO Divisions 4 
Capital-based 
officials Trade in Services  (English, French, Spanish) WTO Divisions 4   
Capital-based 
officials The WTO : Economic Underpinni ngs (English) WTO Divisions 2 
(c)  Briefings 
  Capital-based 
officials Trade Facilitation (Engl ish) WTO Divisions 2  
  WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 58  
F.  OTHER PROGRAMMES AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES WITH FUNDING REQUIREMENTS 
(a)  Staffing:  L-Posts and other Short-Term Contracts 
  L-Posts    
  eTraining HR requirements     
  Other Short-term contracts   
(b)  Pro Memoria 
  Joint WTO/OECD Trade Capaci ty-building Database for 2007 
  Advisory role on legal issues (Art. 27.2 of DSU)  
  WTO documentation (support to national activities)    
  JITAP activities   
  IF activities     
TOTAL PARTICIPANT/DAYS    46,423  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 59 
 
 
  ANNEX 3 
 
 
JOB(05)/277   15 November 2005 
 
 
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING PLAN 2006 
 
National Activities  
 
 
I. REQUESTS FOR NATIONAL TA ACTIVITIES 
1. Following the adoption of the TA Plan for 2006 (WT/COMTD/W/142 and 
WT/COMTD/W/142/Corr.1) by the Committee on Trade and Development on 5 October 2005, 
Members are invited to submit requests for national technical assistance at th eir earliest convenience. 
Beneficiaries can choose the appropriate moment to make such requests and the Secretariat will make 
every effort to meet the demand in the most appr opriate manner.  Such requests should be addressed 
in writing to the Director of the Institute fo r Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC). They 
should, preferably, be based on a needs identifi cation for technical assistance, prioritizing the 
assistance requirements.  Such need s assessment is to be undertaken by the beneficiary, with the 
support of the Secretariat, if required.  Moreover,  the request should contain precise information on 
the topics/issues to be addressed, so as to best tailor the assistance provided.  Also, Members are 
invited to indicate any support already provided by other agencies and/or donors, so as to make best 
use of the Secretariat financial and human resources. Following the activity, beneficiaries are requested to indicate, specifically, how the assistan ce provided has contributed to building capacity, 
as well as any follow up. 
II. BACKGROUND 
2. The Plan leaves considerable room for flex ibility in matching available resources in 
specialized WTO Divisions with national demands.  The main objective of national activities is to 
address specific issues at the national level that, in  terms of priority needs and depth of treatment, 
cannot be adequately covered in the planned regional seminars and trade policy courses.  The national 
demand would thus mainly be a function of what cannot  be dealt with efficiently in the other training 
and assistance provided, and ipso facto , cannot always be anticipated. 
3. It is the main responsibility of the beneficiary country making a request to ensure that this 
request reflects a national priority.  It is recalle d that guidelines for conducting needs assessment were 
developed, as contained in document JOB(04)/113, 30  August 2004.  Members are encouraged to use 
these guidelines in establishing their priorities for th eir Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) 
needs and the Secretariat stands ready to assist in u ndertaking such needs identif ication, if required.  
Moreover, Members are urged to address their re quests for national activities to the Secretariat 
through the established official channels.  This a pproach will put the Secretariat in a better position to 
adapt the technical assistance to Members' demands as they are identified.  This can only lead to more 
focused and relevant assistance.   
4. Given the limitations in WTO resources, as well as the number of potential beneficiaries, the 
number of demands that can be met for each one will be limited:  on average two national activities 
per developing country and three for least-developed countries are anticipated.  This figure is indicative and should ensure that a disproportionate  allocation of national seminars to the same 
beneficiary does not occur.  The 'first-come firs t-served approach' will not be applicable.   WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 60  
 
  5. All requests will be given serious and equal consideration.  The ITTC will be proactive, and, 
in dialogue with Members, relevant WTO Divisions and possibly donors and other agencies, will consider how the requests can best be met.  In so me instances, other agencies and organizations may 
be better suited to address a specific concern than  the WTO.  Finally, the Secretariat encourages 
Members to provide equal opportunities for men a nd women to participate in WTO's technical 
assistance and training programmes.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 61 
 
 
  ANNEX 4 
 
JOB(04)/113 30 August 2004
  
GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING NEEDS ASSESSMENTS 
FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING 
 
 
BACKGROUND 
 
1. It is generally recognized that WTO's Trad e-Related Technical Assistance and Training 
(TRTA) can more effectively contribute to building lasting capacity if it is planned and designed on 
the basis of a thorough assessment  of the Members' needs.  Following the discussions in the 
Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) and in th e informal consultations process, it was agreed 
that the WTO Secretariat would prepare guidelines that could be used by beneficiaries in conducting 
their own needs assessment for TRTA. 
2. The objective of these guidelines is to assist Me mber countries in the process of identifying 
and prioritizing their needs, bearing in mind that this  task is the prime responsibility of the beneficiary 
country.  The guidelines are meant to provide a flex ible tool, adaptable to each country's specific 
conditions.  The design of these proposed guidelines is based on pilot need s assessments that were 
conducted through desk studies by the Secretariat.   The guidelines are not prescriptive in any way and 
countries are encouraged to adapt th e approach to their own conditions. 
3. Once the needs are identified and prioritized, they could translate into requests, to be reflected 
in the TA Plan and could also be brought to th e attention of donors and other multilateral agencies. 
APPROACH 
 
4. The self assessment to be conducted by the bene ficiary at the country level would essentially 
involve a fact-finding desk study, using a variety of  sources as inputs.  Obviously needs and priorities 
for TRTA are likely to differ for each beneficiary c ountry as they bear a close relation to levels of 
development, knowledge and human and institutional capacities.  The proposed guidelines are flexible 
and general in nature and can eas ily be adapted to any one country's specific requirements.  Also, the 
sources of information available are likely to diffe r among beneficiaries, which must be taken into 
account when conducting a needs assessment. 
5. This document does not seek in any way to su bstitute for the conclusions already drawn in 
existing reports, but rather aims at bringing co mplementary information of potential trade-related 
technical needs, essentially in areas where the WTO is  competent.  Some broader supply-side issues 
have also been addressed. 
6. The framework of desk studies conducted by the Secretariat is attached by way of illustration 
and provides an indication of the main elements that could be included in the assessment plus the 
sources of information that were used.  In order to  follow a logical sequence,  the needs identification 
is preceded by a short description of the global economic policy framework, which is aimed at ensuring that the needs are seen with in a broader policy framework.   WT/COMTD/W/151 
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  SEQUENCE OF STEPS 
 
(a) Introduction 
7. The introduction provides a brief description of the background against which the needs 
assessment is undertaken and refers to the s ources of documentation used for that purpose. 
(b) Policy Framework 
8. The description of the Policy Framework provides a broad picture of the macroeconomic 
environment in which TRTA is provided and covers such elements as a statement of the main 
economic policy objectives, the degree of openness of the country to international trade and the 
importance of regionalism in its trade relations, as we ll as the main constraints with regard to its 
human and institutional capacities.  The policy fra mework also addresses the constraints faced in 
fulfilling WTO commitments.  Finally, it can include aspects of supply-side constraints although this 
is an area where the WTO would have relatively little to offer. 
(c) Needs 
9. The part that lists the country needs essentially  reviews specific WTO-related areas where 
more human and institutional capacity-building is requi red. It first lists the requests that have been 
addressed to the Secretariat, followed by the need s.  In order to identify these requirements, a 
systematic review of all agreements is conduc ted and constraints iden tified with regard to 
understanding and/or implementation of the WTO Ag reements.  This process is conducted in close 
cooperation with WTO Divisions responsible for each specific area and the Secretaries to the WTO 
Committees overseeing the respective agreements.  This  process includes a review of the status of 
notifications received by the Secretariat.  
10. At the country level a similar approach could be followed, mainly through inter-ministerial 
cooperation, with inputs to be provided by all Departments.  This may have the beneficial  
side-effect of strengthening lines of communication and coordination among Depa rtments.  This could 
also enhance understanding of the role of training and technical assistance in a country’s efforts to 
move towards sustainable development. 
11. Moreover, the Secretariat conducts a thor ough review of all TRTA provided to the 
beneficiary in the course of several years, by the WT O, by other organizations and by bilateral donors.  
In doing so, use is made of the WTO Training an d Technical Assistance Data Base, as well as the 
joint OECD/WTO Trade Capacity-Building Data Base.  To the extent that this information is not 
readily available to beneficiaries, it could be provid ed to countries by the WTO Secretariat as an input 
into this exercise.  Also, this information makes it possible to establish a relation between what is 
requested and what has already been done, so as to avoid a repetition of activities and ensure 
sustainable cumulative capacity-building. 
12. In identifying needs, three broad areas can be considered:  
(i) Institution-building and strengthening (pub lic, private, and civil society) in 
order to address WTO-related rules, regulations and procedures, as well as 
coordinating mechanisms to implement existing trade-related legislation and 
enhance infrastructure. 
(ii) Awareness raising and training of pr actitioners:  enhancement of general 
levels of awareness of trade-related rules and legislation and increasing  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 63 
 
 
  professional skills through transfer of  knowledge aimed at various target 
groups.  
(iii) Networking:  exchange of informa tion among professionals working in the 
same sector or at the same level of government.  Given the limited capacity in 
developing and least de veloped countries (LDCs), international as well as 
regional networking is an important means to increase the knowledge base. 
(d) Conclusion 
13. Finally, the concluding part of the needs asse ssment summarizes the needs, thus allowing for 
their prioritization in light of findings and policy objectives.  Establishing priorities would be an 
essential part of the process, as this  would not only strengthen domestic inte r agency coordination on 
trade related issues, but, moreover, it would provide  the basis for targeted trade related technical 
assistance.  In fact, based on the needs assessment, countries would be in a better position to submit a 
multi-year, multi-agency request, thus facilitating cu mulative and sustainable capacity-building.  It 
would be fully up to the country to decide how to dispatch this information to the agencies in order to solicit support in the priority areas identified (e.g . WTO, bilateral donors, OECD-DAC consultations, 
Round Table, etc.)  Moreover, it would facilitate th e task of bi-lateral and multilateral agencies to 
follow-up on the needs identified and assure some agency coordination. 
14. At the same time it is recognized that needs iden tification is not a static process and cannot be 
seen as a one-time exercise;  it is inherently dyna mic.  Flexibility would be the watchword, as policy 
objectives, as well as the macroeconomic environment, may shift and thus require a further adjustment in priorities.  It would again be up to each country to ensure a process of continuous 
updating of the relevant information for the needs id entification to maintain direct policy relevance. WT/COMTD/W/151 
Page 64  
 
  ANNEX 
 
NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR ( Country ) 
 
INTRODUCTION 
15. This needs assessment paper is  designed to assist [Country] in determining the requirements 
of trade-related technical assistance in support of its economic development programme.  It seeks to outline strategic options for effective trade polic y in relation to the Doha Development Agenda 
(DDA) and to identify priority needs. 
16. In order to identify the needs, a desk study was carried out on the basis of several sources of 
information, including: 
(b) the Trade Policy Review (TPR) of [Country]; 
(c) the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTI S) of [Country], conducted in the context 
of the Integrated Framework (IF), (if applicable, i.e for LDCs); 
(d) the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (P RSP) for [Country], conducted by the 
World Bank (WB); 
(e) Article IV of the International Monetary Fund; 
(f) Economist Intelligence Unit and the like;  and, 
(g) UNCTAD World Investment Report. 
 
A. POLICY
 FRAMEWORK  IN [COUNTRY ] 
3. (Description of the macroeconomic and trade po licy framework, based on official documents.  
This can include a discussion of stated national obj ectives, the country's geo-political situation, trade 
patterns and main products as well as  regional and multilateral commitments.)  
B. NEEDS 
4. In an official request sent to the Secretariat on (date) th e Government has identified ... 
national activities1 to be included in the Technical Assistan ce and Training Programme for the year .... 
These activities are:  
 
(a) ................. 
 
(b) .................  (c) .................  
5. The [Country] has benefited from trade-related technical assistance ac tivities provided in the 
past by the WTO and other agencies .  (The list can be provided by the Secretariat.)  
 
                                                     
 
1  Developing countries are entitled to two requests for national activities, while LDCs are entitled to 
three national activities.  WT/COMTD/W/151 
 Page 65 
 
 
  6. [Valid for LDCs]  In addition, some of these activities are included in the Action Matrix of the 
DTIS as part of the IF process.  The Action Matrix , which is a main tool to enhance national policy 
coordination in the field of TRTA, lists a set of policy recommendations and priority technical 
assistance needs identified by [Country] for submission to the donor community and other development partners, such as WTO, for assistance.   
 
7. The needs assessment revealed TA needs in th e following broad and more specific areas,  
inter alia : 
 
(a) Trade Policy Environment 
(i) General Environment 
(ii) Awareness 
(iii) Training 
(b) Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) 
(c) Customs Valuation 
(d) Notifications 
(e) Legislation 
(f) Agriculture 
(g) Services 
(h) Market Access 
(i) Trade-related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) 
(j) WTO Rules:  Anti-dumping and Subsidies 
 
CONCLUSION 
8. (Based on the description and analysis conduct ed, priority actions may be defined. 
However, careful attention would n eed to be given to the support that has been provided or will be 
given under current programmes (e.g. IF), as well as by other organizations and donors, so as to 
avoid duplication and overlap.)  
 
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