EU gives easier access to services from least-developed countries

The European Union on Wednesday said it would start granting easier access to services exported from the world's least developed countries (LDCs), through preferential treatment.

This means that in some 30 important sectors or sub-sectors, preferential treatment will enable LDCs to transfer management trainees to affiliated companies in the EU, and allow them to get up to one year of experience.

Companies from LDCs with a contract to provide services in the EU will be able to send skilled professionals to Europe to provide these services.

"The EU attaches great importance to helping LDCs better integrate into the world trading system," said Cecilia Malmstrom, EU Commissioner for Trade.

"I hope this will encourage all developed and developing WTO members, who have not yet given preferential treatment to these countries, to do so without delay," she added.

Likewise, independent professionals from LDCs will be able to provide services in the EU for up to six months at a time in a wide range of services sectors, including architecture, engineering, research and development, management consulting, and computer services.

The EU joins other WTO members who have responded to the commitments made at the 2013 WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali to the so-called LDCs services waiver.

The LDCs services waiver was adopted in 2011 at the 8th Ministerial Conference and will terminate in 2026. Endit