LIBERALISATION IN SERVICES SECTOR

1. LIBERALISATION IN SERVICES SECTOR

2. Outline Overview of Malaysia’s Services Industry Modes of Supply Liberalisation of the Services Sector Malaysia’s Position in AFAS, WTO, FTAs Issues pertaining to Services

3. Overview of Malaysia’s Services Industry The Services Sector has been targeted as the new engine of growth under IMP3. Total share of services in Malaysia’s GDP has grown by 9.7 per cent to 53.6 per cent in 2007 (Non-Government 46.7%) from 52.0 per cent in 2006 (Non-Government 45.3 %). IMP3 targets an increase in the GDP contribution from 50.5 per cent in 2005 to 59.7 per cent by 2020 to be achieved through: an annual average investment of RM45.8 billion; and an annual average growth of 7.5 per cent during the period.

4. IMP3 Targets

5. Trade Performance of the Services Sector *Based on DOS and covered 3 categories: travel, transport and others.

6. Modes of Supply of Services In the Trade in Goods, liberalisation is undertaken through: reduction in tariffs; and disbandment of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). In the services sector, liberalisation is undertaken through four modes of supply:

7. 4 Modes of Supply

8. 4 Modes of Supply

9. Liberalisation of Malaysia’s Services Sector Liberalisation in the services sector is currently being undertaken in: ASEAN: through the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services – AFAS (full liberalisation to be undertaken by 2015 and logistics 2013); WTO: through progressive liberalisation (General Agreement on Trade in Services -GATS); bilateral and regional FTAs: through progressive liberalisation and binding of commitments in GATS.

10. Preparation for Liberalisation of Services Sector Strengthen domestic regulations For non-regulated sectors, self-regulation is advised or if required, to advise the Government on regulatory requirements Review regulations that impede services exports Identify issues that impede the growth and development of services sub-sectors. Issues can be addressed in the MSDC for long-term competitiveness

11. Preparation for Liberalisation of Services Sector Propose incentives that can assist the industry to become more competitive. Incentives are currently available through MATRADE and SMIDEC Undertake mergers and acquisitions to strengthen the industry Pursue MRAs with trading countries, in particular within ASEAN and FTA partner countries Build local capacity and identify niche markets in areas where we have comparative advantage Explore market access opportunities abroad through partnerships

12. COMMITMENTS IN AFAS

13. AFAS • Signed in 1995 - to enhance and strengthen cooperationamong service suppliers in ASEAN; and - progressively liberalise trade in services among ASEAN countries through reduction/elimination of restrictions. • AFAS adopts the structure and approach of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) .

14. Progress of Services Liberalisation Under AFAS • Four Rounds of Services Negotiations have been completed: - First Round (1996-1998): 1st Package – 1997; 2nd Package – 1998. - Second Round (1999-2001): 3rd Package. - Third Round (2002-2004): 4th Package. - Fourth Round (2005-2007): 5th Package – 2006; 6th Package – 2007. • 7th Package signed at the end of 2008.

15. Equity Targets and Parameters (Mode 3)

16. SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS IN WTO

17. Services Negotiations in the WTO: • Covered by the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) of the WTO. • Main objectives of GATS: • - increased transparency and predictability of • rules and regulations on trade in services; and • - promote progressive liberalisation in services through successive rounds of negotiations. • Services negotiations undertaken on “request- offer” approach, on bilateral and plurilateral basis. • Liberalisation of commitments of members are • multilateralised (applicable to all Members)

18. Market Access Negotiations • Developed countries seek ambitious market access commitments and want: - Members to bind existing autonomous liberalisation - foreign equity ownership of at least 51% • Developing countries want: - progressive liberalisation of services sectors - market opening in sectors where they have export interest

19. Malaysia’s Position • Prepared to undertake commitments under the principle of progressive liberalisation • Finalising the second revised Offer under Doha Round, encompassing 11 sectors and covering 85 sub-sectors.

20. FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS (FTAs)

21. Approach to Services Negotiations in FTAs • Based on the principle of progressive liberalisation, commensurate with capacity of industry. • WTO plus • Based on domestic consultations – liberalisation to benefit domestic stakeholders • Cooperation elements added where relevant for capacity building and transfer of knowledge/technology

22. FTAs Signed • Bilateral: • Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA) • Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) • ASEAN + Dialogue Partners (where services packages have been concluded): • ASEAN - China (ACFTA) – 1st package • ASEAN - Korea (AKFTA) – Korea yet to ratify

23. ISSUES PERTAINING TO SERVICES

24. A need for all Ministries to prepare a road-map for liberalisation of services under their respective purview • A need for a coordinated approach for the development of the services sector e.g. through Malaysia Services Development Council (MSDC) • To undertake outreach programmes to stakeholders • To assist export-ready companies • To compile comprehensive data on services • To review of existing rules and regulations

25. THANK YOU