§ Mr. ChallenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the estimated impact of GATS on(a) the UK economy and (b) developing countries. [91355]
§ Ms HewittThe UK can expect to gain from commitments taken by other WTO Members, as this will provide a more stable and competitive environment for UK companies seeking to expand into new markets. Similarly, for developing countries, GATS commitments should help to attract foreign participation in their markets and bring new investment and technology, while commitments by developed countries should confirm market access for service sectors and modes of supply (notably movement of people) of interest to them.
Liberalisation is always a domestic policy choice. Governments will always weigh the risks and benefits in their assessment of what is in their overall interest. GATS negotiations cannot and will not force countries to make commitments where they choose not to do so.