WASHINGTON-The Bush administration announced proposals for liberalizing global trade barriers in telecommunications and other service sectors. The U.S. recommendations will form the basis for negotiations this November at a World Trade Organization meeting in Doha, Qatar.
“Liberalizing services has a force multiplier effect, reverberating across an entire economy-every product, idea, or consumer benefits from a more effective and efficient service sector,” said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.
The U.S. wireless industry, hurt by lagging consumer demand and tumbling valuations, are anxious to enter high-growth emerging markets that have inadequate telecom infrastructure.
The White House is pressing the Senate to pass fast-track trade legislation, but Democrats that control the chamber want amendments to assist U.S. workers hurt by global trade.
