This handbook aims to provide a better understanding of GATS and the challenges and opportunities of the ongoing negotiations. For users who are familiar with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), similarities and differences are pointed out where relevant. Likewise, for users who are familiar with the balance-of-payments definition of 'trade', departures from the Agreement's coverage are explained. To stimulate further thinking about the core concepts and implications of the Agreement, several text boxes have been included to provide 'food for thought', and at the end of each chapter test questions have been added to recapitulate and ensure understanding of the core content.