USEFUL LINKS

GATS and other trade agreements:

• Liberalization commitments
  During the Uruguay Round of negotiations (1986-1994), participating countries made market-access commitments and exemptions on a number of services sectors at the same time...
   
• Movement of natural persons
  At the end of the Uruguay Round, it was agreed that negotiations to improve commitments on the Movement of Natural Persons would take place in the six months after the WTO came into force...
   
• Status of ongoing negotiations
  Written into the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a commitment by WTO member governments to progressively liberalize trade in services. Article XIX (paragraph1) commits them to start a new round in 2000...
   
• WTO Services Database
  The WTO Services Database contains the schedules of commitments and lists of Article II (MFN) exemptions of WTO Members. The texts cam be downloaded as database "reports" in MS Excel, pdf and Lotus 123 format. Includes only the commitments of countries which were members of WTO prior to 31 December 2004. ....
   
• The new negociations
  Written into the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a commitment by WTO member governments to progressively liberalize trade in services. Article XIX (paragraph1) commits them to start a new round in 2000.
   

Other trade agreements also contain provisions on services trade:

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  The Group on Services (GOS) was established by the CTI as a subgroup in 1997 to address the TILF tasks in the area of services as mandated in the Osaka Action Agenda and instructed by Leaders, Ministers, SOM and CTI...
   
• Commission of the European Communities – Free Movement Of Services
  Internal Market portal of the Europa, the website of the European Community, provides access to the summaries of legislation on a variety of topics including also free movement of services. Information is available in 20 EU languages.
   
• Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations (CER)
  Communication from Australia, Hong Kong, China, Nicaragua, Switzerland, The Separate Customs Territory of taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu...
   
• Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement
  The bilateral Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on July 5, 1997, provides for duty-free access for 75% of total Canadian exports to Chile. It gives Canadian exporters an advantage over competitors from the U.S., European Union and Asia. The Agreement, which covers trade in goods and services, investment and a dispute settlement mechanism, is complemented by two side agreements on environment and labour.
   
• European Union
  FREE MOVEMENT OF SERVICES
   
• Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)
  Negotiating Group on Serviceson providing extensive information on the FTAA process (ministerial declarations, business facilitation measures, trade-related technical assistance, negotiating themes, tariffs, statistics, etc.). The subsite of the Negotiation Group on Services includes sectoral documents, publications, ministerial instructions, directives relating to the Trade in Services.
   
• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
  Chapter Twelve - Cross-Border Trade in Services

Services Trade Statistics

• International Monetary Fund Balance of Payments Statistics
  IMF search engine publications
   
• UNCTAD Handbook of statistics Online
  A comprehensive collection of statistical data relevant to the analysis of international trade, investment and development, for individual countries and for economic and trade groupings. International merchandise trade; Trade and commodity price indices; Structure of international trade by region; Structure of international trade by product; International trade in services; International finance; Indicators of development; Special studies.
   
• United Nations Trade In services Database
  The pilot version of the UN International Trade in Services database (UN ServiceTrade) is made available to members of the Task Force on Statistics of International Trade in Services (TFSITS) and the UN Regional Commissions for comments. The current scope of UN ServiceTrade is resident to non-resident trade in services and some related data series.
   
• OECD Web Browser
  OECD.Stat is the core element of the new OECD Statistical Information System as it is the central repository and retrieval tool for the Organisation's statistical information resources. OECD.Stat is designed to contain the validated datasets to be shared and/or published, a special dataset for "Reference Series", all the statistical metadata associated with these datasets, and the glossary of statistical terms. A limited amount of free data is available via the Web Browser to the general public on the Internet.
   
• Statistical Database of the United Nations Economic Commission For Europe
  stat@unece is the statistical database maintained by the Statistical Division of the UNECE Secretariat. It provides free INTERNET access to data structured in a way to facilitate retrieval of statistics by end-users. It covers two main subject areas: Economic Statistics and Gender Statistics. Organised by subject or policy areas, multi-dimensional tables present data by country, by various socio-economic classifications related to the context, and by time period. Registered users get extra features, faster access to previously saved tables.
   
• Caribbean Community Secretariat: Statistics
  The CARICOM Secretariat Statistics Sub-Programmee provides access to statistical databases, publications and other resources. Available datasets include: National Accounts, Financial Statistics, Balance of Payments, Trade in Good, Trade in Services, Tourism. The data on the latest three years available are provided.
   
• Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT)
  The ICDT was established to promote and develop trade amongst Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The site features news, business opportunities, trade and investment guides, events calendar, company directories, database of trade statistics and economic indicators, studies and publications, useful links.
   
• NationMaster
  NationMaster provides world statistical data on a wide range of topics and allows users to generate graphs from the data extracted. Statistics are compiled from various sources including the CIA World Factbook, United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, World Resources Institute, UNESCO, UNICEF and OECD. It is possible to choose to compare data between specific countries or within a specific region.
   
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD) Services Trade Statistics
  Statistics Portal
   
• UN Statistical Office
  The Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. We compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities...
   
• WTO's Trade Statistics
  International trade statistics

Coalitions & Best Practices

• Coalition of Service Idustries (CSI)
  Coalition of Service Industries (CSI) is the business organization dedicated to the reduction of barriers to US services exports, and to the development of constructive domestic US policies, including tax policies, that enhance the global competitiveness of its members. The website provides information about the major industry sectors, articles on WTO Negotiaions, Free Trade Agreements, US trade in Services statistics.
   
• Global Services Network
  Global Services Network (GSN) is an informal, private sector-led forum which gathers the global services community of business people, government officials, academics and others who are in services. The website provides access to the services and services liberalization related resources, Internet links to the national statistical services as well as organizations and coalitions involved in the services industries worldwide.
   
• Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries
  The Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries was founded in 1990 by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. It promotes the development and competitiveness of Hong Kong's service industries. The website provides access to the reports, policy papers and publications of the HKCS; features services trade statistics and online newsletter.
   
• Barbados Coalition of Service Industries
  The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) was established in 2002 as a Private Sector initiative. The BCSI formed a part of a larger CARICOM movement to mobilize the regional services sectors in view of the various international trade agreements to which member states are signatory.
   
• Uganda Services Exporters Association
  The Uganda Services Exporters' Association (USEA) is a voluntary non profit Non Governmental Organization.
   
• Canadian Services Coalition (CSC)
  The Canadian Services Coalition (CSC) is a membership based organization. The main objective of the CSC is to liberalize services markets throughout the world and to remove trade and investment barriers for the Canadian services sector as a means of increasing the opportunities available to Canadian companies.
   
• Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry
  NHO is the main organisation for Norwegian employers. Membership consists of more than 16 000 enterprises ranging from small family-owned businesses to large industrial enterprises.
   
• ESF: European Services Forum
  The European Services Forum (ESF) is a network of representatives from the European services sector. We are committed to actively promoting the interests of the European services sector and the liberalisation of services markets throughout the world in connection with the GATS 2000 negotiations.
   
• International Financial Services (UK)
  IFSL's role is to promote the international activities and expertise of UK-based financial services.
   
• Irish Coalition of Service Industries
   
• U.S. Coalition of Service Industries
  CSI is the leading business organization dedicated to the reduction of barriers to US services exports, and to the development of constructive domestic US policies, including tax policies, that enhance the global competitiveness of its members.
   
• Coalicion de Exportadores de Servicios de Chile (CES)
   
• Australian Services Roundtable
  The Australian Services Roundtable is the peak business body for the services industries in Australia. The Roundtable is composed of senior industry representatives from the full range of services firms.
   
• Frontiers in services conference
  the Frontiers in Service Conference is considered by many to be the world's leading annual conference on service research. The conference has a very global nature, and generally draws attendees from 25 countries
   
• California's Gateway for Global Trade
  TradePort is a repository of free information and resources for businesses that seek to conduct international trade to and from California.TradePort is a repository of free information and resources for businesses that seek to conduct international trade to and from California.
   
• ExportSource.ca - Export Your Services
   
• Import & Export Resources: Foreign Trade Online
  Premier B2B Web portal for foreign trade. Worldwide importers, exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders directories, trade leads, statistics, exhibitions, market research, software and more.
   
• chilexportaservicios
  Único sitio Web en Chile que contiene completa información sobre comercio exterior de Servicios 
   
• ISTIA - International Services Trade Information Agency, Geneva, Switzerland
  The International Services Trade Information Agency (ISTIA) agency provides SERVICES TRADE STATISTICS CAPACITY BUILDING to governments of developing countries, least-developed countries (LDCs) and economies in transition, such that they are better able to negotiate in services trade negotiations such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and to otherwise undertake evidence-based policymaking. Services statistics capacity building comprises technical assistance in the collection, creation and usage of statistics detailing international trade in services, foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign affiliate trade statistics (FATS).
   
• Center for Excellence in Service - Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park
  The Center for Excellence in Service (CES) at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, helps companies manage service for profitable relationships and features over a dozen faculty members with research expertise in the various aspects of service research, as well as many successful, ongoing activities, such as the National Technology Readiness Survey, the Netcentric Behavioral Laboratory, the American Marketing Association's Frontiers in Services Conference, and the Journal of Service Research.
   
• www.aduana.cl- Exportación de Servicios
   
• Manual de Exportación de Servicios (pdf Object)
   
• p r o | C H I L E -Servicios al Exportador: Información general
   
• ¿Por qué exportar servicios? - Proexport Colombia
  Los servicios son una industria con gran potencialidad, sus crecimiento es continúo y estable.
   
• www.Legiscomex.com - Glosario
  Portal de acceso general con el que LEGIS S.A. ofrece un servicio en comercio exterior. Incluye bases de datos, herramientas, normas, artículos prácticos, Newsletter semanal y acceso a obras Legis.
   
• Trade - Non-published Papers
   
• South Centre - TDP Services - Publications
  Programme Publications on Trade in Services
   
• :: PRO ARGENTINA ::
  Este directorio contiene información sobre EMPRESAS e INSTITUCIONES prestadoras de SERVICIOS que apoyan la actividad exportadora.
   
• SITrends.org - Service Industries Trends
   
• The EU-LDC Network - Themes - The World Trade Organisation (WTO) - Research
  The EU-LDC Network........expalnation - strapline
   
• WTO | Services - Schedules of commitments and lists of Article II exemptions
  This TRADE TOPICS page will take you to information available on the WTO website, on issues handled by the WTO’s councils and committees, and its trade agreements
   
• Tradebrief-services.pdf (pdf Object)
  Services and Developing Countries
   

Specialized Press

• International journal of service Industry management
  The Journal of Services Marketing provides a specialist source of academic information in the field, providing insights into consumer behaviour, how they react to service encounters and the factors dictating marketing success or failure.
   
• Service Industries Journal
  The Journal of Services Marketing provides a specialist source of academic information in the field, providing insights into consumer behaviour, how they react to service encounters and the factors dictating marketing success or failure. EN Priced.
   
• AIIM E-DOC Magazine
  The Service Industries Journal, an international journal of service management, exists to improve our knowledge of service industries, service businesses and the effective management of services. EN.
   
• Engineering News-record (The Mcgraw-hill Construction Weekly)
  Engineering News-record provides the business and technical news needed by anyone who makes a living in or from the construction industry. Covers major projects, technological achievements, business conditions, markets, finance, costs, legislation, government, management, labor, construction methods, equipment and materials. Weekly news and analysis, covering all sectors of the industry from buildings to highways to hazardous waste cleanups. Searchable database of articles, either free-of-charge or available against a fee.
   
• Franchise Times
  Online journal featuring the news and information for franchising (hard copy by subscription) EN
   
• Global Finance Journal
  Global Finance Journal published by the Global Finace Assocation, publishes scholarly research that integrates theory and practice in global finance, and addresses a readership in both business and academia. EN Priced
   
• International Journal of Financial Services Management (IJFSM)
  The IJFSM is a professional journal publishing literature covering the broad area of financial services (by subscription) EN
   
• International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS): Newsletter
  Includes research updates, book reports, conference reports, news about fellowships and grants, forum articles, calendars of events, internet news, and a special Asian art section. Issues have special focuses such as international law, gender issues and Internet amongst others. Full online access.
   
• Journal of Accountancy Online
  A monthly publication of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that focuses on the latest news and developments related to the field of accounting. The JofA is written for CPAs and other accounting professionals. AICPA members receive the Journal free as a benefit of membership. EN
   
• Journal of Advertising Research
  The Journal of Advertising Research is the Research and Development vehicle for professionals in all areas of marketing including media, research, advertising and communications. Published for The ARF by the World Advertising Research Center. EN Priced
   
• Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation
  The Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation publishes articles which deal with all areas of international accounting including auditing, taxation and management advisory services (by subscription). EN
   
• Outsource
  Outsource magazine is the UK magazine that focuses on all aspects of the global outsourcing industry. Published quarterly, it aimed at outsourcing professionals - examines all the key sector developments and trends. Provides practical advice on best practice, interviews with leading industry figures and the latest news and views from the National Outsourcing Association of the UK. EN
   
• Outsourcing Journal
  Monthly online Outsourcing Journal EN Free Access
   
• Suara Perunding; Journal of the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia
  Suara Perunding is the quarterly journal of the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, with news compiled from the National Office and its Branch Offices in Sabah and Sarawak. It provides authoritative and current information on issues and development in the profession and practice of engineering. It regularly focuses on the construction industry, material, equipment and services therein and government regulations impinging on the industry. Selection of articles available free-of-charge online.
   
• Sustainable Development of Tourism E-Bulletin
  The electronic newsletter of the World Tourism Organization provides updates and technical information on actual events and activities related to the sustainable development of tourism. Free online subscription and access to archives.
   
• Trade and Forfaiting Review
  Trade & Forfaiting Review addresses issues of concern to the changing niche world of trade finance and forfaiting and informs on with new developments, in particular with regard to the advent of electronic commerce and global marketing, plus the lifting of trade barriers. Selection of articles available free-of-charge online to non-subscribers as well as free e-newsletter.
   
• Service Industries Journal
  The Journal of Services Marketing provides a specialist source of academic information in the field, providing insights into consumer behaviour, how they react to service encounters and the factors dictating marketing success or failure. ENGLISH Priced.
   
• Banking with the Poor
  The Banking With The Poor Network (BWTP) is a network of some 20 national policy institutions, commercial banks and NGOs from eight countries in Asia - namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Its objective is to link microfinance with the financial system. The site features information about BWTP's structure and governance, links to members and associates, microfinance country profiles and research papers, publications, and useful links.
   
• World Network of Chambers of Commerce
  The WCN is the official CCI hub for international trade, for trust and verification services, and for other related modern business services. As such, the WCN serves both CCIs as well as their member companies...
   
• World Trade Centres Association
  A World Trade Center brings together businesses and government agencies involved in foreign trade.
   
• Associations Directory
  The Directory of Associations is a comprehensive source of information on professional, business, and trade associations, 501c non-profit organizations, and other charity and community institutions.

Tracking Internationally-funded Projects

• African Development Bank Group (ADB)
  The site provides extensive information about ADB's activities and services (country operations, projects, financial management, operation policies, etc.). It also features information on development topics and procurement opportunities, news and events, publications, and statistics.
   
• Andean Development Corporation (CAF)
  The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) is a multilateral financing corporation, which supports the sustained development of its member countries and regional integration. It aids the public and private sectors supplying products and financial services. The site provides general information about the Corporation, on financial products and services, strategic programmes, information for investors, news and events, as well as an annual report and corporate brochures.
   
• Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
  BADEA was established in order to promote economic, financial and technical cooperation between Arab and African countries. The website provides an overview of its lending and technical assistance activities.
   
li> Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The ADB is a multilateral development finance institution. In order to achieve its goal of economic growth promotion it provides loans and tecnical assistance to governments for specific programs and projects. The website provides extensive information on its activities. EN Free – Registration
 
• Caribbean Development Bank
  The site provides extensive information about the Caribbean Development Bank's activities and services (projects, programmes, information services, etc.). It also features information on development topics, procurement guidelines, opportunities and procedures, news and events, publications, and discussion boards.
   
• European Investment Bank (EIB)
  The European Investment Bank is the financing institution of the European Union. The site provides comprehensive information on its activities, press releases and a list of publications.
   
• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
  The EBRD was established to foster the economic development in the countries of central and eastern Europe. The site offers comprehensive information about its activities. News and publications list are also available.
   
• Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
  The IDB is a regional multilateral development institution established to help accelerate economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The site provides comprehensive information about its activities.
   
• Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
  Part of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the IDB was established to foster economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities worldwide. The site offers comprehensive information about its project financing and technical assistance activities as well as links to the other members of the IDB Group.
   
• World Bank - Projects and Operations
  Official web site of the World Bank’s projects and operations.
   

Gender Related Resources

•  
Business Women's Network (BWN)
Provides access to over 6,500 national or international women’s professional organizations, networks, associations, government agencies, and resources along with leading publications for women including BWN Directory of Women's Associations.
•  Business Women's Network (BWN)
  Provides access to over 6,500 national or international women’s professional organizations, networks, associations, government agencies, and resources along with leading publications for women including BWN Directory of Women's Associations.
•  Organization for Women in International Trade (OWIT)
  The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) provides a forum to its members to exchange their views, ideas and information to keep them informed of trends and developments in the field of international trade; it also features background information about the Association, its activities, membership, and an electronic newsletter.
•  Gender Virtual Library
  The web site maintained by the Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS of the United Nations Development Programme provides access to publications, reports and other material on gender related issues. Gives lists of the UNDP projects executed in the CIS countries. Useful links cover gender related information sources worldwide. Includes the databases and rosters of consultants and experts.
•  Bridge
  Bridge Development Gender offers information on key gender and poverty reduction issues. Users can download copies of BRIDGEpublications that can be found either by theme or by type of publication using the menu bars. Some publications are also available in French and Spanish.
•  APC Women's Networking Support Programme
  This website describes the APC Women's Networking Support Programme (WNSP) - an initiative committed to promoting democratic and equitable access for women to information, communication as a potentially strategic medium. The programme is specifically devoted to initiating and implementing research, training and information support activities in the field of gender and ICTs - promoting them in decision and policy-making circles, raising awareness and building partnerships and networks through these processes.
•  Eldis Gender Resource Guide
  Resource guide on gender and gender-related issues offering quick access to key documents, organizations, research themes, discussions and other key resources.
•  Siyanda
  Siyanda is an online database of gender and development materials from around the world. It is also an interactive space where gender practitioners can share ideas, experiences and resources.
•  International Gender and Trade Network
  The International Gender and Trade Network is a network of gender advocates working to promote equitable, social, and sustainable trade. The Network utilizes research, advocacy and economic literacy to address the specific trade and development issues of its seven regions: Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Pacific. IGTN's economic literacy pages cover GATS issues including healthcare, education and tourism from a gender perspective. The website also has material on the WTO and FTAA.
•  Women Entrepreneurship Portal
  The Women's Entrepreneurship Portal provides links to the websites of women entrepreneurs’ representative organizations, networks, projects and events that relate to the promotion of female entrepreneurship in the European Union. The site also features statistical data on small craft businesses, analysis of support services needed in particular in the area of standardization, small businesses and access to public procurement, and information on the European status for SMEs. Additional resources include publications and studies on best practices, pilot projects and results.
•  Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO)
  Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) is an international organization that advocates for women’s equality in global policy. The organization is focused on four main program areas: Economic and Social Justice Program, Gender and Governance Program, Sustainable Development Program, and U.S. Global Policy Program. The website provides extensive information on all four programme areas. The online library gives access to downloadable reports relating to the programmes including also globalization, poverty reduction and trade.
•  WomenWatch
  WomenWatch is a central gateway to information and resources on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women throughout the United Nations system. It gives direct access to all websites of members of the interagency network. It includes a directory of resources to provide access to specific information on selected topics such as the Critical Areas of Concern from the Platform for Action or other cross-cutting or topical issues, including gender mainstreaming, etc.
• ADB Gender and Development
  Webpages on gender of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) offering news and information on events, ADB policy and activities on gender development, reports on gender equality results in ADB projects, publications and useful links.
   

International Service Industry Associations
 

 A B C d e f g h I j k I M n o p q r s T u v w x y z

• Accounting : 

• The Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants
   
• International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

• Advertising :

• The International Advertising Association

• Banking :

• Institute of International Bankers
   
• International Banking Operations Association

• Commercial Education and Training  :

• American Society for Training and Development
   
• International Council for Open and Distance Education

• Computer Services  :

• Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM)
   
• The World's Computer Society

• Customs Brokers  :

• International Federation of Customs Brokers

• Consulting Engineering  :

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers' (IEEE) Professional Communication Society (PCS)
   
• International Federations of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)
   

• World Federation of Engineering Organisations

• Insurance :

• The International Federation of Risk and Insurance Management Associations (IFRIMA)
   
• The Online Risk Guide to Insurance Organisations

• Management Consulting :

• The International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI)

• Market Research :

• The Market Research Association's Member Websites, Regional Websites and Websites of Other Organisations and Resources

• Telecommunications Services :

• International Institute of Communication
   
• The Society of Telecommunications Consultants (STC)

• Tourism :

• World Tourism Organisation
  The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization in the field of tourism.
   
• World Travel & Tourism Council
  The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for global business leaders comprising the presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies.

Other Useful Links