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. View of Bank of England, Royal Exchange, and Duke of Wellington equestrian statue (1844) with skyscrapers and construction in background.

    Navigating in the fog: Why the OBR should hold its nerve on the productivity forecast

    The fiscal watchdog is under pressure to downgrade its forecast, costing the chancellor billions – but this would be premature.
  2. A busy bus full of people of all ages. An older couple smile at a younger woman with a baby in a pushchair

    Everyday concerns: What people want from transport

    Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government's missions and improving lives. 
  3. An unrecognisable woman playing a slot machine in a social club

    Reforming gambling taxation: How to lift half a million children out of poverty

    A key priority for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should be to remove the two-child limit and scrap the household benefit cap.