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India’s Global Commercial Services Exports Share Doubles to 4.4%: WTO-World Bank Report

India’s remarkable trade performance in the global commercial services sector has been highlighted in a recent report by the World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO). The report reveals that India’s share of global commercial services exports has doubled from 2% in 2005 to 4.4% in 2022. This significant growth can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of the services sector and the implementation of reforms to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in services.

Expanding Role in Global Commercial Services Exports

India, along with China, has achieved impressive progress in global commercial services exports, according to the report. Both countries have doubled their share from 2005 to 2022, with China’s share increasing from 3.0% to 5.4%, and India’s from 2.0% to 4.4%. These figures clearly demonstrate the increasing importance of these economies in international services trade.

Job Creation and Cross-Border Services

The report also emphasizes the positive impact of cross-border services exports on job creation. In India, South Africa, and Türkiye, more than 10% of jobs in the services sector are directly linked to cross-border services exports. This highlights the significant role of the services sector in generating employment opportunities and driving economic growth in these countries.

Upskilling and Reskilling for Future Competitiveness

To maintain competitiveness and move up the value chain, the report advises India and the Philippines to focus on upskilling and reskilling their workforces. The rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates investment in research and development (R&D) and the development of domestic services sectors. This will enable these countries to adapt to emerging trends and remain competitive in the global market.

Medical Travel and Foreign Patients

The report acknowledges India as a preferred destination for medical travel, with approximately 3.5 million foreign patients visiting the country between 2009 and 2019. Patients from developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as developing countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, seek high-quality treatment at more affordable prices in India. This trend contributes significantly to India’s growth in commercial services exports.

Services Value-added and Foreign Manufacturing Value Chains

India’s experience highlights the importance of services value-added, which accounted for over 51% of the country’s total exports in 2018. This underscores the significant contribution of the services sector to India’s economy. Moreover, reforms that facilitate FDI in services have ignited positive growth dynamics by boosting participation in foreign manufacturing value chains.

Digital Transformation and Services Trade

The period from 2005 to 2022 witnessed a significant transformation in the composition of services trade, driven by advances in information and communications technologies (ICT). Global commercial services exports nearly tripled during this time, with digitally delivered services experiencing an almost four-fold increase. This underscores the growing significance of technology in driving services trade.

Relative Performance of Countries in Global Commercial Services Exports

China:

India:

5 million foreign patients between 2009 and 2019.

South Africa and Türkiye:

Digitally Delivered Services:

WTO-World Bank Report – FAQs

Q1: How can India and the Philippines maintain competitiveness in the services sector?

Ans: It is suggested that India and the Philippines concentrate on reskilling and upskilling their workforces in order to stay competitive. To keep up with new trends and technical breakthroughs, they must spend in R&D and expand their domestic service industries.

Q2: What is the role of services value-added and FDI reforms in India’s exports?

Ans: Over 51% of India’s total exports in 2018 had a value-added component related to services, underscoring the sector’s important economic significance. India’s engagement in global value chains for manufacturing has increased as a result of reforms that make FDI in services more accessible.

Q3: How has digital transformation impacted the services trade?

Ans: The information and communications technology (ICT) revolution has significantly changed the way that services are traded. From 2005 to 2022, exports of commercial services nearly quadrupled, with a roughly fourfold rise in services offered digitally.

Author

  • Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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