Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have agreed to organize informal experience-sharing sessions on good regulatory practices and recognition of professional qualifications. This initiative follows a ministerial mandate from February 2024 aimed at revitalizing work on trade in services and boosting the participation of developing countries in this sector. The discussions will also explore potential sessions on green transition and digitalization.
A recent event, organized by the WTO Secretariat on March 12, examined the connections between services trade and environmental sustainability. Several members emphasized avoiding duplication of efforts already undertaken by the Council's subsidiary bodies while ensuring balanced deliberations.
The WTO LDC group has requested to gather information via a survey hosted on the WTO website, focusing on how their service suppliers engage with consumers and enterprises globally. This request was well-received, pending final technical discussions. Members reiterated their commitment to supporting least-developed countries (LDCs) in services trade, aligning with the "LDC Services Waiver" adopted at the 8th Ministerial Conference in 2011.
Discussions also addressed specific trade concerns related to cybersecurity measures and mobile applications. Japan and the United States, backed by other members, expressed concerns about China's and Viet Nam's cybersecurity measures. China raised issues with certain U.S. service measures and India's mobile application policies.
In financial services trade, members continued deliberations within the Committee on Trade in Financial Services. A new proposal consolidating submissions from China, the Philippines, and India calls for information-sharing sessions on digital payments, interoperability of payment systems, remittance costs, and crisis preparedness as suggested by Pakistan.
During a meeting held on March 11 by the Committee on Specific Commitments, Costa Rica and Switzerland discussed how commitments under the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability aid in defining environmental services. The agreement involves Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland committing to various environmental protection services.
An event titled "Nexus between Trade in Services and Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from Recent Research," highlighted research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD emphasized that services trade plays a significant role in addressing environmental challenges due to its contribution to global output. It advocates for reducing restrictions on service imports to enhance productivity across all development levels.
This event is part of the WTO's "Simply Services" speaker series organized by its Trade in Services and Investment Division.