This book demonstrates some of the pitfalls associated with services liberalisation but recommends perseverance and even acceleration of the reforms. Contributors call for orderly and rapid progress towards regional integration of the services sector, based on the gradual removal of the barriers...

Services liberalisation can be an emotive issue where the tertiary sector has been largely dominated by the state and where, consequently, its employees have civil-servant status. This applies as much in Asia as it has done in Europe. Despite this reality, however, it can be shown that services...

What are the major barriers to services trade? To what extent would further liberalization of trade in services result in increased welfare gains and economic growth? It is critically important for governments to understand this if they are to participate effectively in, and maximize the...

The services sector plays a vital infrastructure role in national economies, employs more people than other sectors, and is the most dynamic sector of world trade. New negotiations under the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services, which began in January 2000, offer an important opportunity...

What are the major barriers to services trade? To what extent would further liberalisation of trade in services result in increased welfare gains and economic growth? Empirical evidence is also important to demonstrate the economic effects of market and regulatory changes as an aid to the design...

This report highlights progress being made in modernising the banking, telecommunications, electricity, air freight sectors in the Baltic States. It analyses the impact of the EU Acquis communautaire on their regulatory frameworks and trade liberalisation process. It also provides valuable...