Trade in Services
GATS Article XXI negotiations with EC
Negotiations with the European Communities are close to concluding under Article XXI of the GATS. These negotiations (separate from Doha Round market access negotiations) aim to settle on a compensation package for WTO members affected by the modification or withdrawal of GATS commitments resulting from the most recent EU enlargement. At the time of acceding to the EU, new members states had to modify – and in some cases lower – their existing GATS commitments in order to bring their regulatory regimes into line with the EC framework. Seventeen other WTO members negotiated compensation with the EC.
The final agreed compensation package is now subject to certification by affected members. Members have 45 days from 15 September 2006 to certify that the final consolidated schedule of commitments reflect the agreed package.
Key elements in the compensation package include the early binding of EC Doha Round offers in telecommunications, professional, computer, and financial services.
Contact
For further information please contact:
Services Trade and Negotiations Section
Depart of Foreign Affairs and Trade
T: 02 6261 2048
F: 02 6273 1527