ID :
14046
Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/14046
The shortlink copeid
US, EU hint at easy access for professionals
Yoshita Singh Geneva, July 28 (PTI) The US and the EU have signalled that they are willing to consider liberalising their labour market, a move that augurs well for India which has been seeking greater market and easy movement for itsprofessionals.
The offers were made at the Signalling Conference on Services, convened alongside the WTO Ministerial Meeting here, in which member countries put forth their five "best" offers and demands in opening and seeking access in world servicesmarket.
"There is good movement by the US and the EU. They have offered contractual service supplies and independent professionals," Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath saidhere after the conference.
The US offer is subject to approval of the Congress,"which we understand", Nath said.
Speaking to media persons after the conference, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said, "When it comes to temporary entry of business professionals we have signaled that we are prepared to have the conversation in the context of the Doha Round." India on its part has also put some 'interesting offers' on the services table. It has signalled improvements in sectors such as distribution, courier, telecom, financial,maritime transport energy and environmental services.
"We have made very substantial offers. We have opened up many areas. Obviously, our offer is subject to what we get,"Nath said.
According to sources, India has indicated that it may look at relaxing FDI in telecom from 49 percent to 74 percentand up to 51 percent FDI in certain financial sectors.
The EU too is willing to make commitments on Mode 4 (movement of service persons/professionals). It has offered to replace the Economic Needs Test and labour market test with aquota of 80,000 professionals every year.
India has a stronghold in services, which contributes 55 percent to the country's GDP. Services exports account for 40 percent of India's total exports of goods and services andwere 86 billion dollars in 2007-08.
The country has been seeking better access in health, R&D, engineering, construction and computer maintenance by way of removal of restrictions on short-term visas as well aseasing of domestic regulation.
"Positive outcomes in the area of services, particularly in Mode 4 and Mode 1 (Cross-Border Supply) will be essential for ensuring a balanced result of the Doha negotiations," Nathhas maintained.
So far, only business visitors were allowed free movement. Independent professionals and contractual service professionals could only negotiate services and not supplythem.
On the US offer the trade diplomats said, "They have realised the importance of Mode 4. There are difficulties with the Congress and they will continue to find a way to overcome them." EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson too was happy with India's offers. "I heard some interesting signals from India," Mandelson said adding that strengthening services offers are important for India, Bangaldesh, EU. PTI YAS
The offers were made at the Signalling Conference on Services, convened alongside the WTO Ministerial Meeting here, in which member countries put forth their five "best" offers and demands in opening and seeking access in world servicesmarket.
"There is good movement by the US and the EU. They have offered contractual service supplies and independent professionals," Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath saidhere after the conference.
The US offer is subject to approval of the Congress,"which we understand", Nath said.
Speaking to media persons after the conference, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said, "When it comes to temporary entry of business professionals we have signaled that we are prepared to have the conversation in the context of the Doha Round." India on its part has also put some 'interesting offers' on the services table. It has signalled improvements in sectors such as distribution, courier, telecom, financial,maritime transport energy and environmental services.
"We have made very substantial offers. We have opened up many areas. Obviously, our offer is subject to what we get,"Nath said.
According to sources, India has indicated that it may look at relaxing FDI in telecom from 49 percent to 74 percentand up to 51 percent FDI in certain financial sectors.
The EU too is willing to make commitments on Mode 4 (movement of service persons/professionals). It has offered to replace the Economic Needs Test and labour market test with aquota of 80,000 professionals every year.
India has a stronghold in services, which contributes 55 percent to the country's GDP. Services exports account for 40 percent of India's total exports of goods and services andwere 86 billion dollars in 2007-08.
The country has been seeking better access in health, R&D, engineering, construction and computer maintenance by way of removal of restrictions on short-term visas as well aseasing of domestic regulation.
"Positive outcomes in the area of services, particularly in Mode 4 and Mode 1 (Cross-Border Supply) will be essential for ensuring a balanced result of the Doha negotiations," Nathhas maintained.
So far, only business visitors were allowed free movement. Independent professionals and contractual service professionals could only negotiate services and not supplythem.
On the US offer the trade diplomats said, "They have realised the importance of Mode 4. There are difficulties with the Congress and they will continue to find a way to overcome them." EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson too was happy with India's offers. "I heard some interesting signals from India," Mandelson said adding that strengthening services offers are important for India, Bangaldesh, EU. PTI YAS
