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

Article

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

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.

Related items

  1. A wind farm in the hills to the south of Glasgow, Scotland.

    Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero

    Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government. 
  2. A flood warning sign, on a closed country road next to water logged fields in the Avon Valley, Hampshire, England

    Adapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather

    The impacts of extreme weather are already directly affecting people and communities across the UK. We lack ways to deal with this. 
  3. The outside of the BBC building in London with people walking in front of it

    Levelling the playing field: The BBC, Big Tech, and the case for a bold charter

    The upcoming charter renewal is the moment to give the BBC the resources, freedom and mission it needs to engage with technology firms on its own terms.