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Barriers to Trade in Education
Developments in the global economy, including an unprecedented demand for higher education, advancements in technology, and the proliferation of trade agreements continue to facilitate the movement of higher education and training, whether delivered electronically or through physically based campuses, across national borders. With services slated to be on the agenda of the next round of WTO trade negotiations (Services 2000), it is vitally important that education and training be recognized as an important element. Education and training play a crucial role in economic development and, despite their impressive performance in the global economy, providers still face many barriers when attempting to deliver their products across national borders. Some examples follow.
National Legislation & Policy |
- Prevents foreign ed. & training providers from obtaining national licenses
- Needs Tests
- Recognize higher education as a product of the state and not a proprietary function
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Exs: Greece , Spain , Singapore & Indonesia , Israel , Turkey
Ex: Japan ( Temple Document ) |
Qualifications Authorities |
Students have difficulties in translating degrees from foreign universities into national equivalents |
Ex: Japan ( Temple Document ) |
Customs Regulations |
Limits the movement of educational materials across borders |
Ex: Medical & health related materials showing naked human body; Russia & Hungary (videos) |
Telecom Laws |
Restricting the use of national satellites and receiving dishes |
Ex: Mexico |
Movement of Persons |
Difficulty in obtaining visas (teachers, students, administrative staff) |
Exs: Greece , Denmark , Singapore |
Foreign Currency Controls |
- 1. Measures limiting foreign direct investment
- 2. Minimum requirements for capital investment by wholly owned foreign firms
- 3. Additional taxes on revenues
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Ex: Ghana $200,000/$10,000
Ex: Korea 25% if not incorporated under Korean law |
Limitations on foreign ownership |
Limits ability of foreign providers to control off-shore activities |
Exs: Mexico & Thailand (49%) |
Disregard for International Agreements |
Concerning intellectual property rights (educational materials) |
Exs: Southeast Asian nations |
If you know of any additional barriers to trade in education please e-mail us at: cqaie@cqaie.org
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