Movement of Natural Persons: Challenges and Opportunities for Egypt

“For Egypt and the Egyptian private sector, the potential benefits of increased labor mobility under Mode 4 are considerable. As with other developing countries, Egypt has faced challenges negotiating at the multilateral level, which have rendered Mode 4 virtually impotent. In view of these challenges, Egypt has looked to bilateral and regional frameworks; the Pan Arab Free Trade Area, COMESA, and the European Partnership Agreement. Bilateral and regional agreements, however, are considered interim and partial solutions. These arrangements can never substitute for a well-functioning multilateral framework. Still with the weaknesses of bilateral and regional frameworks in mind, Egypt must forge ahead to capitalize on the potential of Mode 4. A practical and operational mix of venues that merge additional preferences and capacity building in bilateral and regional frameworks with the inherent fairness and strength of a multilateral framework should be the ideal path for Egypt and other developing countries to take in their quest for Mode 4 liberalization. The GATS framework must always remain as the foundation of any of these agreements.”