Where do things stand at the present time (i.e., August 2002)?
• The current negotiations began in 2000. • The U.S. proposal to include higher education under GATS in this round of negotiations—i.e., by January 2005—was made in December 2000. • National proposals and comments were due for this round by June 30, 2002. • Three countries in addition to the United States have made proposals: New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. In general, they reiterate the critical role of government control over education policy, assert the importance of reducing trade barriers, and suggest goals for doing that. (The proposals can be found on the WTO web site). • The offers of each member country will be published by the WTO by March 2003. • The current phase of negotiations is to be completed by January 1, 2005. • Recommendations from interested parties to the USTR to make requests of other countries concerning the elimination of barriers should have been sent to the USTR by June 30, 2002, if related to the current round of negotiations, though comments and input wi
