SERVICES: GATS
GATS — Fact and fiction

Since January 2000, over 140 WTO members governments have been engaged in negotiations aimed at further liberalization of the global services market. The booklet below debunks some of the myths and falsehoods about the GATS and the new negotiations.
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Contents:

Introduction

Why is the liberalization of services important?

Six benefits of services liberalization

Structure of the GATS

Misunderstandings and scare stories

• The GATS and investment 
  
  
  
• Market access and national treatment commitments 
  
  
• The GATS and public funding 
  
  
• The WTO is not after your water 
  
  
• The GATS and domestic regulation 
  
  
• The WTO and Internet privacy 
  
  
• Right to regulate 
  
  
• Is dispute settlement a threat to democracy?