World Trade
Organization S/CSS/W/53
14 March 2001 (01-1410) Council for Trade in Services
Special Session Original: English/ French

COMMUNICATION FROM CANADA

Initial Negotiating Proposal on Telecommunication Services

The attached communication has been received from the delegation of Canada with the request that it be circulated to Members of the Council for Trade in Services.
This proposal should be read in conjunction with the principles and objectives as outlined in Canada’s initial negotiating proposal, including in areas related to Canada’s ability to achieve its cultural policy objectives.
Canada also has a highly sophisticated telecommunications equipment sector, which has seen its export opportunities increase in liberalized telecommunications services markets as these make the necessary infrastructure investments to introduce or expand service.
Canada urges those Members that have not made commitments in the area of basic telecommunications and valueadded telecommunications, or that have made limited commitments or commitments with long phasein periods, to make commitments and to accelerate liberalization.