The Mexico – Telecoms Case: What Lessons Can Be Drawn for South Asian Countries?

Just as the interpretations of GATT provisions have evolved in response to the several hundred GATT dispute settlement procedures, so the interpretation of GATS provisions will evolve over time. The Mexico – Telecoms case was the first case ever of a WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism on services. This paper analyses the findings made by the Panel and identify the points relevant for South Asian countries that either have already made specific commitments in the Telecommunications sector under the GATS or may do so in the future.