The Global Services Coalition is pleased to invite you to attend a WTO Services Roundtable on the morning of December 15 with services negotiators from key countries including US, EU, Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, Australia, and others that will be in Hong Kong for the WTO Ministerial.

This event will provide a variety of perspectives on the major challenges in the services negotiations, and the issues standing in the way of greater progress. The event is open to businesses, government officials, the press, and others with an interest in services trade liberalization.

Below is the current agenda:

I. Opening remarks and welcome

• Christopher Roberts, Chairman, of the Policy Committee of the European Services Forum ¿ ESF
• Robert Vastine, President, US Coalition of Service Industries

II. The Need for an Ambitious Outcome on Services: Business Perspective

• Max Taylor, Co-Chairman, Financial Leaders Group
• Dr. Vince FitzGerald, President, Australian Services Roundtable

III. The State of Play, and Expectations for Hong Kong: Government Perspectives

• Mr. Fernando De Mateo, Chairman, Special Session of the WTO Services Council, World Trade Organization
• Mr. Ian Pearson, MP , UK Minister for Trade , Investment and Foreign Affairs, European Union Presidency
• Mr R. Gopalan, Joint Secretary in the Indian Ministry of Commerce responsible for services
• Christine Bliss, Acting Assistant USTR for Services and Investment

IV. Question and answer and discussion

V. Concluding remarks