SERVICES: COUNCIL

The Services Council, its committees and other subsidiary bodies

The Council for Trade in Services is responsible for facilitating the operation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and for furthering its objectives. It is open to all WTO members, and can establish subsidiary bodies as appropriate. The Council oversees the work of four subsidiary bodies: the Committee on Trade in Financial Services, the Committee on Specific Commitments, the Working Party on Domestic Regulation and the Working Party on GATS Rules. The Council for Trade in Services reports to the General Council. The current chair is .

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Council for Trade in Services 

The Council for Trade in Services takes note of members' notifications regarding GATS provisions. It currently has two standing items on its agenda: the operationalization of the LDC services waiver and the Work Programme on electronic commerce. The Council also debates developments in services trade and regulation that are raised by members.

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COUNCIL MEETINGS 

 

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The Committee on Trade in Financial Services

The Committee on Trade in Financial Services carries out discussions on matters relating to trade in financial services and may formulate proposals or recommendations for consideration by the Council on Trade in Services. It is responsible for the continuous review and surveillance of the application of the General Agreement on Trade in Service (GATS) with respect to this sector, and serves as a forum for technical discussions and examination of regulatory developments affecting financial services trade. The current chair is

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Committee meetings

 

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Committee on Specific Commitments 

The Committee on Specific Commitments, a standing body under the Council for Trade in Services, is mandated to oversee the implementation of WTO members’ services commitments and, in particular, to ensure their technical accuracy and coherence through regular examination of classification and scheduling issues. It is also tasked to oversee the application of the procedures for the modification of schedules pursuant to Article XXI of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

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  • Secretariat background notes and members' submissions (Document code S/CSC/W/* )   > search   > help

 

Committee meetings

 

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The Working Party on Domestic Regulation  

The Working Party on Domestic Regulations is drafting disciplines relating to technical standards, licensing and qualification requirements for all services sectors. The current chair is .

(Until 26 April 1999, this was known as the  Working Party on Professional Services. The Services Council’s decision to make the change is S/L/70.)

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WORKING PARTY 
 MEETINGS

 

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The Working Party on GATS Rules 

The Working Party on GATS Rules continues its work on subsidies, government procurement and safeguards. The current chair is .

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WORKING PARTY 
 MEETINGS