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them to assume commitments in any particular sector.
In turn, this leaves scope to adjust the level and structure
of commitments to country specific objectives and
constraints. Specific commitments
may be undertaken
with regard to any of the four modes of supply covered
by GATS:
cross border supply, consumption abroad,
commercial presence, and
presence of natural persons.
For a given sector and mode, the relevant commitment
may vary between full competition and denial of any
degree of market access and national treatment. In many
cases, members have opted
for an intermediate solution,
subjecting their commitments to particular limitations.
Typical market access limitations, listed in GATS, are
quota-type ceilings on the number of service suppliers,
their operations or employees, and restrictions on the
legal form of establishment or the participation of
foreign capital. Frequently used national treatment
limitations concern the eligibility of foreign suppliers for
subsidies and restrictions on foreign land ownership.
2.12. The assumption of
specific commitments does
not prevent Governments from regulating the service
concerned or the licensing of suppliers for quality
purposes. GATS requires WTO members to ensure that
the relevant standards, requirements and procedures do
not constitute unnecessary barriers to trade and, in
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