Main Building Blocks: Agreement, Annexes, and Schedules

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2.1 Basic Structure of the GATS

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Introduction

Basic Purpose and Concepts

Main Building Blocks: Agreement, Annexes, and Schedules

A Closer Look at Domestic Regulation

How the GATS is Administered

Role and Responsibilities of Member Governments

The Challenges Ahead

Preparing Requests and Offers

Misconceptions about the GATS

B) Schedules of Specific Commitments

Each Member had to submit a schedule detailing the commitments on market access and national treatment as well as any additional commitments it undertakes in individual sectors. Structure and content of schedules will be discussed further in Sections 2.5 and 2.6.

Box B: Individual Provisions of the GATS

Part I (Article I):

Outlines the scope of the Agreement, its sectoral coverage and defines trade in services.

Part II (Articles II to XV):

Sets out Members’ general obligations which apply either conditionally, i.e. contingent on the existence of specific commitments, or unconditionally to all sectors.

Part III (Articles XVI to XVIII):

Specifies the scope of the specific commitments governing market access and national treatment and any additional commitments which Members may undertake in scheduled sectors.

Part IV (Articles XIX to XXI):

Provides a framework for future services rounds, specifies the structure of schedules, and the procedures governing modification or withdrawal of commitments.

Part V (Articles XXII to XXVI):

Clarifies institutional and procedural issues, including the mandate of the GATS Council for Trade in Services, and recourse to dispute settlement.

Part VI (Articles XXVII to XXIX):

Includes final provisions and definitions.

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