Scope for Expanding Exports of Developing Countries in specific Services Sectors through all GATS Modes of Supply, taking into account their Interrelationship, the Role of Information Technology and New Business Practices
Summary: Globalization, liberalization and new information technologies are providing new opportunities for trade in services. These pportunities, however, will only materialize if the constraints facing developing countries in building domestic services capacity and improving the competitiveness of their services exports are dealt with effectively. A more systematic approach to providing an enabling environment for delivering service export products that are high-quality and cost competitive is needed. Adopting a supportive trade and investment regime will be essential for developing countries to maximize the benefits from the increased tradability of services. The key to expansion of services exports of developing countries is fulfilling international quality standards and achieving recognition of the qualifications of their professionals, as well as removal of barriers affecting sectors of export interest to them and movement of natural persons, as envisaged in GATS Article IV. Improving quality involves increasing the competitiveness of labour markets, as well as improving the educational system and facilitating training, particularly in computer skills and modern management techniques. Subregional agreements could serve as a platform for exposing developing countries' firms to increased competition that would allow forging of regional linkages among firms, consolidation, and greater specialization. Given that access to services markets is modulated by regulations, the application of GATS disciplines on domestic regulations and the development of further disciplines under Article VI (Domestic Regulations) and VII (Recognition) are particularly important when devising strategies for expansion of services exports
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International Institute for Trade and Developement : UNCTAD Collection
