Background information: Dynamic factors are shaping policies on services in developing countries, some of them external (increasing international competition for finances; regional integration; multilateral negotiations on services) and some internal (efficiency considerations; economic reform). Trade has also become an important vehicle for growth and development. Governments in developing countries face the challenge of realigning these multidimensional objectives when seeking to maximize development dividends accruing to them from progressive liberalization of the services economy. However, the limited experience in developing countries makes it extremely difficult for policy makers to assess options available to them for creating a coherent policy environment for trade in services that is supportive of development.

Purpose:

• To advance the debate on the impact of the liberalization of trade in services in developing countries in overall terms and on a sector-specific basis.
• To identify the services trade-related policy options that are available to decision makers for creating a policy environment supportive of development.
• To suggest how lessons learned could be reflected in the ongoing negotiating processes and for the positive agenda of developing countries in services.
• To further elaborate methodology and approaches for assessing trade in services in developing countries.
• To facilitate future cooperation on assessment among international organizations, academia and research networks, policy makers, regulators and trade negotiators, and non-governmental organizations, and to ensure a multi-stakeholder approach to assessment.

Expected outcome: The forum is expected to provide insights regarding the possible implications of different services trade policy choices, taking into account the commitment of developing countries to progressive liberalization and their need to ensure socio-economic development and poverty reduction. It is expected that participants will discuss and agree on the elements of methodology for assessment of trade in services in developing countries.