UNCTAD-最不发达国家服务出口的有效市场准入（英文）-2020.6-67页_546kb

报告摘要

Summary of "Effective Market Access for Least Developed Countries' Services Exports"

Core Content

This document provides an in-depth analysis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Services Waiver for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), focusing on the market access and preferences offered to LDCs in services trade. It evaluates the implementation progress of the waiver since its adoption in 2011 and highlights the challenges and opportunities for LDCs in expanding their services exports.

Main Findings

The WTO Services Waiver allows importing countries to grant preferential treatment to services and service suppliers from LDCs, enabling them to bypass the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) obligation under GATS Article II.
As of the time of writing, 24 WTO Members have notified preferences under the waiver, with a mix of developed and developing countries.
The preferences offered are generally better than the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) offers from a decade ago, with 46% of the notified preferences going beyond the Collective Request.
However, the breadth and depth of these preferences remain limited, especially in terms of national treatment and regulatory preferences.
Mode 4 (cross-border services) is the most preferred mode, with one-third of the notified preferences covering it, indicating its importance for LDCs.

Key Sectors and Preferences

The document examines eight service sectors across four LDC pilot case studies: Cambodia, Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia. The findings include:

1. Professional Services (and related health services)

Senegal includes services from hospitals, doctors, nurses, and veterinarians.
Zambia covers accounting, architecture, engineering, and mining-related services.
Cambodia focuses on legal services.
Barriers: Lack of visa/work permit access, regulatory hurdles, and high costs.
Preferences: Some WTO Members offer regulatory preferences and visa facilitation.

2. Information Technology and IT-enabled Services

Nepal has a strong IT sector with exports to global markets.
Barriers: High costs, technical barriers, and limited market access.
Preferences: Some exemptions from fees, regulatory simplifications, and improved access for IT service providers.

3. Creative Economy (Entertainment and Audiovisual Services)

Nepal and Cambodia have creative industries contributing to services exports.
Barriers: Lack of recognition, high costs, and limited market access.
Preferences: Few WTO Members have addressed these issues, but some offer preferences in audiovisual and entertainment services.

4. Tourism

Tourism is a key export sector for LDCs, but preferences in this area are limited.
Barriers: Visa restrictions, high entry costs, and regulatory barriers.
Preferences: Only a few WTO Members have offered specific tourism-related preferences.

5. Education Services

Education is a growth area for LDCs, with potential for international delivery.
Barriers: Regulatory restrictions, visa requirements, and lack of market access.
Preferences: Some WTO Members have offered preferences for education services, particularly in Mode 4.

6. Insurance and Re-insurance Services

Zambia has insurance exports to several African countries.
Barriers: Regulatory constraints, limited market access, and high costs.
Preferences: Few WTO Members have addressed these issues, but some offer preferences in insurance and re-insurance.

7. Banking Services

Cambodia has banking services expanding into regional markets.
Barriers: Regulatory barriers, visa requirements, and market access restrictions.
Preferences: Some WTO Members offer preferences for banking services, especially in Mode 4.

8. Construction Services

Construction is an important sector for LDCs, with export potential.
Barriers: Regulatory constraints, visa requirements, and market access issues.
Preferences: Limited in scope, with few WTO Members offering preferences in construction services.

Cross-cutting Issues

Visa and Work Permits: A major barrier for Mode 4 services. Some WTO Members offer visa facilitation, refunds, and expedited procedures.
Fees, Charges, and Taxes: These are significant obstacles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some preferences include exemptions or reductions.
Mode 4 Commitments: Most relevant for LDCs, but regulatory preferences are underdeveloped. Creative responses are needed to improve access and facilitate services trade.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The waiver is a valuable tool, but more needs to be done to improve market access for LDCs.
Preferences should be more comprehensive, covering national treatment and regulatory aspects.
Scope should be expanded to include more sectors and geographical areas.
Institutions and support are essential to facilitate and enhance the dialogue around the waiver.
UNCTAD plays a key role in supporting and enriching the discussion on services trade for LDCs.
Future notifications should focus on specific, targeted requests and user-friendly formats to improve clarity and effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

The waiver has sparked interest and discussion, but actual implementation remains limited. LDCs must continue to identify and advocate for preferences that align with their development goals and export potential. The analysis of four LDCs provides valuable insights into sector-specific and cross-cutting challenges, highlighting the need for more creative and comprehensive approaches to facilitate LDCs' services exports.