II/09/10 Trade in Services

Lectures and studies regarding the liberalization of trade in services (GATS). The course involves an in-depth introduction into the scope and contents of the GATS and its key legal principles and obligations with a special focus on the relevant GATS case law and the function and structure of the schedules of specific commitments. Further emphasis will be placed on negotiations and adequate negotiating approaches (bilateral, plurilateral or multilateral, request & offer or formula-based), commitments (schedules, conditions) and specific areas, in particular public services such as health and education. This course also comprises discussions of the developmental implications of services trade, the need and scope for trade remedies in services (safeguards and countervailing duties), as well as the status of the MFN requirement and possible departures under the GATS (including MFN exemptions, preferential trade agreements, recognition measures) and, in this context, the role of bilateral labour market agreements and investment treaties.

We welcome interested individuals as weekly students in this course. As a weekly student you do not need any knowledge of the field to participate. The price of signing up to this course as a weekly student is CHF 2'000.

In order to participate in this course, join our MILE Programme or sign up as a weekly student. Contact us if you require more information and we will gladly be of assistance.