Pre-empting Protectionism in Services : The WTO and Outsourcing
Cross-border trade in services is growing rapidly, with both industrial and developing countries among the most dynamic exporters. Despite the substantial global benefits from such trade, the adjustment pressures created in importing countries could provoke a protectionist backlash-some signs of which are already visible in procurement and regulatory restrictions. The current negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda offer an opportunity to lock in current openness and preempt protectionism. This paper describes how a bold initiative under the General Agreement on Trade in Services can help secure openness.
Summary: | Cross-border trade in services is
growing rapidly, with both industrial and developing
countries among the most dynamic exporters. Despite the
substantial global benefits from such trade, the adjustment
pressures created in importing countries could provoke a
protectionist backlash-some signs of which are already
visible in procurement and regulatory restrictions. The
current negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda offer
an opportunity to lock in current openness and preempt
protectionism. This paper describes how a bold initiative
under the General Agreement on Trade in Services can help
secure openness. |
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