Students benefit from liberalization<\/p>\n
I am writing in regard to an article published in The Jakarta
\nPost on Oct. 27 entitled Govt committed to liberalizing
\neducation sector.<\/p>\n
In the article, Rector Sofian claims that the inclusion of the
\neducation sector in current World Trade Organization
\n(WTO)--General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) talks is a
\nmaneuver by the United States and Australia to obtain greater
\nbusiness opportunities in developing countries.<\/p>\n
Education services are included in the framework according to
\nthe WTO's own definition that \"services\" include any service in
\nany sector (except services supplied in the exercise of
\ngovernmental authority). The coverage of the GATS is extremely
\nwide reflecting that services are the largest and most dynamic
\ncomponent of both developed and developing country economies.<\/p>\n
Education, like all other service sectors, formed part of
\noriginal negotiations back in the early 1990's. Current
\nmultilateral discussions regarding education are simply a
\ncontinuation of this process and not an issue that has been
\n\"included\" or recently \"lobbied for\" by any particular country.<\/p>\n
Sofian also claims that the 2003 survey by Tong University in
\nShanghai ranking the top 500 universities does not include any
\ninstitutions in the region. In fact, the Asia-Pacific region is
\nwell represented with Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea,
\nIndia, New Zealand and Australia each making an appearance.<\/p>\n
Australia, like many other developing and developed countries,
\nbelieves the cross-border provision of education can be of
\nbenefit to all and that it should be based on true partnerships
\nand collaboration between countries. Australia views the
\nliberalization of trade in education services primarily as a
\nmeans of providing individuals in all countries with access to a
\nwide range of educational options.<\/p>\n
Australia also sees the liberalization of trade in education
\nservices as the most effective way of encouraging the
\ninternationalization of education and enhancing flows of students
\nbetween countries. This helps foster knowledge and appreciation
\non other languages, cultures and societies.<\/p>\n
Australia strongly believes that governments must retain their
\nsovereign right to determine their own domestic funding and
\nregulatory policies\/measures. Retaining this right is fully
\nconsistent with the principle and operation of the GATS.<\/p>\n
FIONA BUFFINTON
\nCEO
\nAustralia Education International
\nAustralian Government Department of Education,
\nScience and Training
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/students-benefit-from-liberalization-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}