WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONS/CSS/W/141
22 March 2002
(02-1496)
Council for Trade in Services
Special SessionOriginal:  English
COMMUNICATION FROM INDIA
Negotiating Proposal on Computer and Related Services
The attached communication has been received from the delegation of India with the request
that it be circulated to Members of the Council for Trade in Services.
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I. INTRODUCTION
1. In the recent past, the computer and related services sector has witnessed significant growth.
In India, it is amongst the fastest growing sectors. It is a thrust area for generating employment and
exports. The sector has unique characteristics in that it requires skilled manpower, few raw materials
and is environment-friendly. It is an important sector for developed as well as developing countries.
India hopes that the on-going negotiations would ensure  that the present growth trend in this sector
continues in the future also.
II. ANALYSIS OF COMMITMENTS
2. Our delegation appreciates the fact that this se ctor is comparatively less restricted than the
other sectors. Yet, the presence of limitations scheduled in the horizontal section of the schedule of
specific commitments drastically restrict the otherwise free flow of services.
3. In the level of commitments for sub-services (a-d) as a whole, the proportion of full market
access commitments for commercial presence is high and is between 68 and 77 per cent. But, theproportion of full commitments on market access for presence of  natural persons is very low at 4-7
per cent, This underlines the fact that with regard to the mode of delivery of services of particular
interest to developing countries there exists a serious asymmetry. Sectoral commitments are minimal
and further add to limitations given in horizontal commitments. Restriction with regard to number of
persons is one of the major barriers to the supply of services via mode 4.
III. PROPOSAL
4. The increasing proportion of offshore services and recent technological developments
indicate that full commitment under mode 1 is possible. Members may consider reflecting this
technological reality in their commitments during the current round of negotiations.
5. In order to have clarity with respect to categories of professionals relating to computer
services, it is proposed that ISCO 88 classification of professional categories may be superimposed on
the professional services sectors of Services Sectoral Classification List MTN/GNS/W/120 in the case
of computer and related services professionals as indicated in Annex 'A'.S/CSS/W/141
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6. The horizontal commitments taken under mode 4 have not achieved the desired extent of
liberalisation.  It is proposed that WTO Members make sector  specific commitments.
It is further proposed that the numerical restriction put on the entry of professionals in the foreign
markets for supply of services be removed.  The specific characteristic of this mode is the need for
speed and flexibility in movement of personnel without which any commitment may becomemeaningless. Hence, there is need for short-term visas being given at very short notice and also for
greater provision of mobility for the visa holder. In addition, there is a general need for greater
transparency, simplicity and certainty in the visa regime.
7. We would suggest that the social security levies and charges imposed on professionals from
other countries may be removed as such professional service suppliers will not stand to benefit from
any social security cover in the host country.
8. India hopes that those WTO Members who have not taken commitments in this sector will be
encouraged to take sector-specific commitments.  Members who have taken commitments may
consider improving the same.
9. India reserves the right to amend and change the proposal at any time during the on-going
negotiations.
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ANNEX A
Superimposition of ISCO-88 of ILO relating to cate gory of Professionals on the professional services
sector of Services Sectoral Classification List – MTN/GNS/W/120
W/120 Service Sector Classification Int ernational Standard Classification of
Occupations(ISCO-88)
Computer and Related Services 213 Computing Professionals
2131 Computer Systems Designers and
Analysts
2132 Computer Programmers
2139 Computing Professionals no t
elsewhere classified
312 Computer Associate Professionals
3121 Computer Assistants
3122 Computer Equipment Operators
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