WTO and SDT
Special and differential treatment under the GATS
Ensuring the GATS is as inclusive and effective as possible
Authors:
; OECD
Publisher:
OECD Development Centre, 2006
This report sets out the particular approach to special and differential treatment (SDT) in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). In particular, the report explores how the degree of flexibility afforded to all Members under the GATS shapes its approach to SDT. Further, the report analyses the current proposals for improving SDT provisions in the context of the GATS. Finally, some initial empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of SDT provisions in the GATS is presented, both in terms of market access in sectors of export interest to developing countries and services-related technical assistance.
The document concludes that:
- increasing the participation of developing countries in the Doha Round services negotiations is important because so far the GATS Agreement has only delivered relatively limited market opening
- the complexity of liberalising services under the GATS should not be underestimated, particularly in light of the limited administrative and negotiating capacity of many developing countries
- preparing for the negotiations requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving all relevant governmental agencies, negotiators, legislators, regulators, business and civil society
- developed countries, as well as regional and international organisations, can do more to support the complex process of reforming domestic regulations in services sectors to ensure that the liberalisation process contributes positively to development.
