Murky Waters: GATS and the provision of water in developing countries

The debate over the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and its impact on the provision of water is highly controversial. Both sides have overstated its impact on the provision of water services in the developing world. GATS will not transform the prospects of those who currently lack access to safe drinking water by facilitating a huge growth in international private sector investment in the water sector. But nor will the withdrawal of water services from GATS negotiations do much by itself to address poor people's lack of access to safe drinking water, particularly in the poorest rural and urban areas.

This report from ippr's high level summit in March 2005 explores the legitimate concerns on this issue and suggests practical ways forward.