Students benefit from liberalization
I am writing in regard to an article published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 27 entitled Govt committed to liberalizing education sector.
In the article, Rector Sofian claims that the inclusion of the education sector in current World Trade Organization (WTO)--General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) talks is a maneuver by the United States and Australia to obtain greater business opportunities in developing countries.
Education services are included in the framework according to the WTO's own definition that "services" include any service in any sector (except services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority). The coverage of the GATS is extremely wide reflecting that services are the largest and most dynamic component of both developed and developing country economies.
Education, like all other service sectors, formed part of original negotiations back in the early 1990's. Current multilateral discussions regarding education are simply a continuation of this process and not an issue that has been "included" or recently "lobbied for" by any particular country.
Sofian also claims that the 2003 survey by Tong University in Shanghai ranking the top 500 universities does not include any institutions in the region. In fact, the Asia-Pacific region is well represented with Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia each making an appearance.
Australia, like many other developing and developed countries, believes the cross-border provision of education can be of benefit to all and that it should be based on true partnerships and collaboration between countries. Australia views the liberalization of trade in education services primarily as a means of providing individuals in all countries with access to a wide range of educational options.
Australia also sees the liberalization of trade in education services as the most effective way of encouraging the internationalization of education and enhancing flows of students between countries. This helps foster knowledge and appreciation on other languages, cultures and societies.
Australia strongly believes that governments must retain their sovereign right to determine their own domestic funding and regulatory policies/measures. Retaining this right is fully consistent with the principle and operation of the GATS.
FIONA BUFFINTON CEO Australia Education International Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training Jakarta