Services trade is a centerpiece of U.S. economic growth. This is in large part because of our commitment to services liberalization generally and the GATS in particular. Services trade is a centerpiece of global economic growth.
Services trade is critical to the accelerated growth of trade in goods.
Without an efficient, affordable, and innovative services sector, trade in goods will not be able to continue its remarkable record of unprecedented growth. Expansion of services trade under the aegis of the GATS is therefore necessary for continued economic growth globally. The GATS facilitates this growth. The GATS is a voluntary agreement. The GATS does not require any WTO Member to commit to any trade liberalization measures.