On October 18th it announced an agreement in principle between Canada and the European Union on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). More than a blessing for insomniacs, CETA is a prototype for bigger things to come, especially the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) now under negotiation between the EU and the United States.
It would close gaps in intellectual-property rules and could allow for mutual recognition of some professional certifications, such as those for architects and engineers. The aim is to begin lowering barriers to trade in services just as past agreements removed obstacles to trade in goods: a worthy goal, since services generate about 70% of rich-world GDP.
If Canada and the EU can agree to a deal on, say, drug approvals or professional certifications, it could become a global standard. Yes, that would mean that international norms would be set on terms advantageous to the rich world. But at least it would give emerging countries clear goals to aim for: bring your accountancy qualifications up to scratch, and we can do a deal.
World services agreements would be more than double the size of world trade deals.
If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.