As a first step, WDM is campaigning for a halt to these negotiations. Proponents of GATS claim that liberalisation of the services sector is hugely advantageous. These assertions are based on theoretical assumptions. Developing countries asked that data be collected for an assessment in the mid-1980s, way before the agreement came into force in 1995, yet, so far no assessment of the economic impacts of service liberalisation has taken place. GATS will lead to the liberalisation of services like water, energy and even health.
Market mechanisms are unable to ensure that the poorest have adequate access to such services.
Ensuring this access should be one of the basic duties of government. And commitments made by governments under GATS are effectively irreversible, which means that future democratically elected governments are denied the ability to make their own choices about liberalisation. Governments should not agree to binding, unquestioned rules without any knowledge of the impacts. The Government must listen to the growing number of concerned voices. Express your concern that, despite its far-reaching implications, no assessment of the GATS has taken place.