Abstract
This paper is an update of Dr Knight’s first report on GATS, published by the Observatory in March 2002. Following the initial deadlines, which countries have made requests for other nations to remove barriers to trade in education services, and which countries have offered their own education markets to foreign competition? Dr Knight notes that the majority of nations have yet to make any formal statement in the process, on any service sector, and points to education as one of the least committed sectors. Many of the issues raised in the first report still hold today. There remains considerable uncertainty about the coverage and implications of GATS in the education sector, and a wide range of opinion about possible benefits and risks. Dr Knight raises important questions concerning quality assurance, professional mobility and recognition of qualifications, and considers the issues from the perspectives of both the developed and developing world. Included in the paper is a list of prominent organisations and groups that have taken an active interest in GATS
