by Danielle Venz

Manila (18 November) -- Developing and developed countries are encouraged to undertake various initiatives aimed at enhancing the mobility of consumers and providers of education services amidst the growth in internationally-traded education services.

A business guide to General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) published by the International Trade Centre said that such measures may take the form of student exchange programs underpinned by inter-governmental or inter-institutional arrangements.

Bilateral educational agreements between countries that are mostly aimed at fostering student exchanges along with scientific and technological cooperation are imperative, it said.

It added that international initiatives relating to the recognition of courses, programs, studies, diplomas and degrees in tertiary education are also crucial.

Representatives of the education industry have indicated various indirect barriers that affect the portability of certification, diplomas and scholarships from foreign schools.

"In this regard, the development of agreements concerning standards for professional training, licensing and accreditation might significantly benefit trade, as foreign-earned degrees become more accessible," the ITC paper noted.

The Philippine government has been aggressively promoting its education services abroad as part of efforts to increase its export revenues.

Target markets include China, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and LaMarCa (Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia).