WHY GATS IS DANGEROUS

What is GATS?

The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is a treaty of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that entered into force in 1995. It is designed to liberalize trade in services by eliminating or reducing tariffs and other barriers to trade. The GATS covers a wide range of services, including financial services, telecommunications, transportation, and tourism.

Why is GATS Dangerous?

The GATS has been criticized by many activists and organizations for a number of reasons.

• It threatens public services.: The GATS requires governments to open up their service sectors to foreign competition. This could lead to the privatization of public services, such as education, healthcare, and water. This could have a negative impact on the quality and accessibility of these services.

• It undermines local economies. The GATS could also lead to the loss of local jobs. When foreign companies are allowed to operate in a country, they may be able to undercut local companies on price. This could lead to the closure of local businesses and the loss of jobs.

• It increases inequality. The GATS is likely to benefit large corporations at the expense of small businesses and workers. Large corporations have the resources to take advantage of the opportunities created by the GATS. This could lead to increased inequality between the rich and the poor.

Specific Examples of the Dangers of GATS

There are a number of specific examples of how the GATS has had a negative impact on countries.

• In the United States, the GATS has led to the privatization of public services. For example, in 1997, the city of Denver privatized its water system. This led to a number of problems, including higher water rates, poorer water quality, and a loss of local control over the water system.

• In India, the GATS has led to the loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector. For example, in the 1990s, the Indian government opened up the textile industry to foreign competition. This led to a flood of cheap imports, which caused many Indian textile companies to close down. This resulted in the loss of millions of jobs.

• In Kenya, the GATS has led to increased inequality. For example, in the 1990s, the Kenyan government opened up the telecommunications industry to foreign competition. This led to a decrease in the cost of telecommunications services. However, it also led to an increase in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few large telecommunications companies.

Conclusion

The GATS is a dangerous agreement that threatens public services, undermines local economies, and increases inequality. The negative impact of the GATS has already been felt in a number of countries. If the GATS is not stopped, it is likely to cause even more damage in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the alternatives to the GATS?
  There are a number of alternatives to the GATS. One alternative is to focus on trade in goods rather than trade in services. Another alternative is to develop a new international agreement on trade in services that is more focused on protecting public services and local economies.

• What can be done to stop the GATS?
  There are a number of things that can be done to stop the GATS. One thing that can be done is to raise awareness of the dangers of the GATS. Another thing that can be done is to put pressure on governments to withdraw from the GATS.

• What is the future of the GATS?
  The future of the GATS is uncertain. The GATS has been criticized by a number of organizations and activists. It is possible that the GATS will be renegotiated or even repealed in the future.

• How can I learn more about the GATS?
  There are a number of resources available that can help you learn more about the GATS. You can find information about the GATS on the websites of the World Trade Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, and the Public Services International.

• What can I do to help stop the GATS?
  There are a number of things that you can do to help stop the GATS. One thing that you can do is to talk to your friends and family about the dangers of the GATS. Another thing that you can do is to contact your elected representatives and tell them that you oppose the GATS.