Session SynopsesPlenary Sessions
The Challenges of Globalization
This session deals with the challenges of a globalized economy. It will examine the role
of services in the globalized economy and address issues such as the effects of
globalization and market access on economic development, its impact on local industries
and SMEs, the challenges to productivity and competitive efficiency, and the implications
for multilateral trade liberalization.
China Service Sectors in the Globalized economy
This session will examine the services sectors of the People's Republic of China,
particularly in the context of the latter's impending entry to the World Trade
Organization. The role of the service industries as a growth and employment engine for
China will be examined, as will the implications of trade liberalization and regional
development. The opportunities and pressure points from specific service sectors of
interest will also be discussed.
The Challenges of the New Economy
This session will discuss the "next stage" of the Internet revolution and
examine how services liberalization can be further taken forward in a globalizing world
where business transactions are being rapidly advanced through modern technology. Some of
the questions that will be addressed include: Does trade policy need to be redefined in
the Internet era? Can e-commerce be regulated?
Reporting Back Session
This will be the reporting-back plenary for the breakout-sessions, which will produce the
Congress' policy recommendations. The chairs of the selected breakout groups will each
give a three-minute summary of the main points from the groups' deliberation, followed by
commentaries and open discussion.
Breakout Sessions
A wide range of topics will be examined during breakout sessions. The topics relate to
one or more of the core themes of the Congress: globalization, China and the new economy.
Some of these breakout groups will produce policy recommendations which the moderators
will present to the Reporting Back Session.
The GATS Negotiating Agenda
To discuss the key topics to be addressed in the negotiations of the General Agreement on
Trade in Services; such as trade and regulatory reform, national treatment, modes of
delivery, etc., now that the preparatory phase of "Services 2000" is over. How
the GATS relates to the other negotiations within the WTO will also be examined.
Servicing the China Market
To share experiences on the opportunities and obstacles arising from the huge and
diversified services market in Mainland China. In China's Tenth Five-Year Plan, the
development of the "tertiary industries" has been given a prominent place, as
has the opening of the vast inland region. These industries would generate great
opportunities and challenges for international businesses.
Current Development in E-Commerce and E-Business
To examine, from a business perspective, the impact of the Internet on the development of
the service industries, including trade and investment in services, especially for
emerging economies like Mainland China. The desirability and feasibility of global
regulation of e-commerce will also be examined.
Travel and Tourism
To share experiences on the prospects and challenges for the growing travel and tourism
markets, particularly in the emerging markets; the interaction between new technology and
old attractions; the barriers to their development and the ways of overcoming these
barriers.
Film and Entertainment Services
To examine the trade prospects of the fast growing film and entertainment industries and
the wide range of related services sectors involved in production, distribution,
infrastructure, programming, content provision, etc., and to discuss their linkage with
other technology and information industries.
Development in Modern Distribution and Logistics
To examine how modernization of distribution, logistics and supply chain management is
changing the way business and commerce is conducted. There will be an emphasis on the
large potential market in Mainland China and the application of "new economy"
methods in the distribution industries.
Financial Services, Insurance and Pension
To consider the business implications and the social and public policy issues arising from
the increasing need for insurance, retirement, pension and related asset management
services, and to share experiences between advanced and emerging economies in this growing
industry.
Strategies for Promoting Services Trade and Investment
To share experiences on the barriers to promotion of investment and trade in services,
given the wide-ranging and less tangible nature of services. The strategies for overcoming
these barriers will also be examined.
Telecommunications
To examine how the global regulatory framework for telecommunications should be further
developed in the face of a rapidly changing industry landscape.
Liberalisation of professional services
To examine the relevance of trade policy for cross-border professional services, the
impact of changing forms of professional service delivery (such as multidisciplinary
practices), and the barriers to free movement of professionals.
Associated Meetings (subject to confirmation)
Global Services Network Meeting (by invitation)
Meeting of the core members of the Global Services Network.
Financial Leaders Group meeting (by invitation)
Meeting of the Financial Leaders Group, a high-level international group of financial
leaders coordinated by the Trans-Atlantic members of the Global Services Network, to
discuss issues such as barriers to trade in financial services, transparency, domestic
regulation, data privacy, and others.
Academic Forums on Services & Development
To provide an opportunity for the exchange of views between the academic and business
communities on pertinent issues related to globalization, China and the "new
economy".
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