GATS and educational services: Issues for India's response in WTO negotiations

Abstract

Under the auspices of WTO, negotiations on liberalization of trade in services are expected to begin soon. One agenda at the negotiating table will be trade in educational services. Trade in educational services is too important an issue for India, and, a thorough homework needs to be done before we make any commitments at the negotiating table. In this context, the paper analysis the intricacies of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as applicable to educational sector. The need for trade, and the likely competitiveness of India's educational services is also discussed. Finally, suggestions for trade negotiations and domestic reforms are presented.