Australia Offers to Open Up Key Sectors to International Competition in WTO Services Negotiations

Strategic Insights -

Australia's Trade Minister Mark Vaile has announced that the country is willing to open up its legal, private health, and construction sectors to greater international competition in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) services negotiations. This move comes as part of the country's efforts to secure new opportunities for exporters and demonstrate leadership in the WTO on an issue that has been stalled in recent years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australia has offered to open up its legal, private health, and construction sectors to greater international competition in the WTO services negotiations.
  • The country has also offered to open up the telecommunications, environmental, freight logistics, and marketing of air transport services areas.
  • Australia has made an offer to ease restrictions on temporary entry for contractors from firms without a presence in the country, responding to concerns from developing countries.
  • The temporary work system will be extended to the spouses of people who enter the country, addressing concerns about professionals being unable to bring their partners with them.
  • Trade Minister Mark Vaile emphasized that Australia's offer is not intended to compromise the country's ability to regulate and fund public services.

Statistics:

  • 112 services sectors are being opened up to international competition, including legal, private health, and construction.
  • The offer on temporary entry will benefit firms from developing countries that don't have a presence in Australia.
  • Australia's offer covers the temporary entry of contractors in response to concerns from developing countries, with an estimated 5,000-10,000 workers expected to benefit per year.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, "Australia Offers to Open Up Key Sectors to International Competition", May 27, 2006.
  • ASIA PULSE 27-05 1120.