Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 19 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 June 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the cost to developing countries of implementation of regulations that arise from GATS negotiations. - (Holding answer 25 June 2003).

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the cost to developing countries of implementation of regulations that arise from General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations. [121363] Mr. Mike O'Brien :[holding answer 25 June 2003]: The GATS process is based on a positive list, bottom up approach. Countries decide for themselves in which sectors and to what extent they wish to liberalise. Therefore, it will be for them to assess if potential costs will outweigh potential benefits. However, HMG recognises that developing countries require support in this assessment, and this is why the Department for International Development is co-ordinating with the World bank and UNCTAD to conduct research in this area, which will help inform the position of developing countries in the negotiations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121363; 407 c924W;407 c925W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Developing countries Trade Trade agreements General Agreement on Trade in Services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk