Does GATS ignore Developing countries interests?
No. A great deal of emphasis is being placed on the need for a trade round that provides a balanced outcome, especially with developing countries in mind. The Negotiating Guidelines and Procedures are evidence of this. Services are potentially a significant source of economic growth for developing countries. But, if any developing country did not wish to attract foreign participation in a particular sector, despite the clear evidence that open markets contribute to development, the negotiating process could not force it to do so. Despite remarks to the contrary developing countries broadly support the progressive liberalisation of trade in services as a means of promoting development and economic growth.
