Norway supports China’s participation in Trade in Services Agreement talks

“I am pleased that China has today confirmed that it would like to participate in the negotiations on an international Trade in Services Agreement,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

Norway, along with 49 other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is taking part in negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA), which is intended to improve and expand international trade in services. 

“China is a key actor and a major market for trade in services. Norway supports China’s participation in the talks. This is important if we are to achieve the aim of including as many WTO members as possible in the agreement,” said Mr Brende.

Together, the 50 countries currently participating in the TISA talks account for 70 % of global trade in services. If all the countries approve China’s participation in the negotiations, the group of 51 countries will account for around 77 % of global trade in services. If China joins the group, it is also likely that other countries will seek to join.

“China shares our high ambitions for the TISA. The agreement will build on the best aspects of TISA participants’ existing agreements. If China is part of the process, this will increase the chances of achieving a good result,” said Mr Brende.