EIRP Proceedings, Vol 3 (2008)

Abstract

The GATS is an inter-governmental agreement to establish a multilateral framework of
principles and rules for trade în services. The principal aim is the expansion of services trade under conditions
of transparency and progressive liberalization and as a means of promoting the economic growth of all trading
partners and the development of developing countries. The GATS covers almost all commercially traded services
în any services sector except those supplied în the exercise of governmental authority. It addresses both services
and service suppliers. Global trade în services has grown în the past few years especially because of reduction
în transport costs and enhancement of technological innovations - telecommunications and information
technology. Services currently represent two thirds of World Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The share of
services value added în GDP tends to rise significantly with the countries' level of income, standing at 69% on
average în high income countries, against 55% and 44% respectively în middle and low income countries.