The GATS negotiations are part of the WTO's built-in agenda. These negotiations began in January 2000, in the WTO Council for Trade in Services, in which all WTO Members participate. In July, the United States presented the first comprehensive proposal in the GATS negotiations, setting out in broad terms the United States' objectives and expectations. This proposal was followed by submissions from other countries, both developed and developing. The new U.S. submissions provide greater detail on the restrictions that the United States seeks to address in the negotiations.
Many service industries are subject to government regulation.
The United States' new proposals highlight ways in which regulatory procedures can be obstacles to trade in services. Nevertheless, the proposals also recognize that there are appropriate roles for governments in regulating these services and that all WTO Members must continue to be able to set, maintain, and enforce high levels of protection for consumers, health, safety, and the environment.