An advanced course on trade in services, organized by the WTO Trade in Services Division and the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, concluded in Geneva. The course saw participation from various countries including Bangladesh, Madagascar, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, Tanzania, The Gambia, Zambia, and Bhutan.
The five-day program aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It covered topics such as the economic importance of services trade, domestic regulation, digital trade impacts, investment facilitation, and environmental services. Participants used analytical tools like the I-TIP database and services trade statistics to formulate effective trade policies.
The curriculum included presentations, practical exercises, and discussions on emerging issues in services trade. Sessions focused on digital trade developments and regulatory challenges. Interactive elements allowed participants to apply their knowledge to real-case scenarios.
Mr. Hugo Ibarra from Chile commented: "In my work at the Undersecretariat of Economic Affairs...I am frequently in contact with the WTO for notifications of trade policies...For these reasons, this type of course plays a very important role in our daily work."
Mr. Kutubo Jarju from The Gambia added: "As a trade professional engaged in multilateral and regional trade negotiations...The course provided me with an enriched understanding of the current issues..."
Ms. Lavita Chan from Hong Kong noted: "I highly recommend the Advanced Trade in Services Course for government officials with services negotiation background...the case studies and examples helped enrich our understanding..."
Participants hailed from diverse nations including Argentina, Bahrain, Cabo Verde, China among others.