International Trade in Services.pdf - DSpace at Khazar University

Accounting Services 273
service market and the predominance of global networks. The crossborder
movement of professionals enables global networks to manage their human
resources and expertise more effectively by authorizing the creation of multinational
teams that work on common projects. The temporary movement of
accountants is an answer to short-term expertise shortages that might occur in
a profession that is largely cyclical. Negotiations on Mode 4 take place in the
WTO, but progress has been limited so far. Here again, pragmatic solutions
exist and could prevail, such as the case of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
of Tunisia (Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie), which negotiated
with the French Consulate and the institute’s members to centralize requests
for short-term visas. Tunisian accountants can now submit their requests
directly to the institute, which then obtains multiple-entry business visas in a
timely manner (usually 24 hours). This procedure has the benefit of offering
the consulate some guarantees with regard to applicants: members of the institute
with a registered business are less likely to remain in France after their
visas expire.
Adopting international accounting standards
With a view to facilitating trade in accounting services, the members of the WTO
adopted the Disciplines on Domestic Regulation in the Accounting Sector in
1998. The disciplines are useful in highlighting policies that influence the trade in
accounting services. They provide useful guidelines for governments seeking to
design and implement reforms. The disciplines focus on transparency, licensing
requirements, licensing procedures, qualification requirements, qualification procedures,
and technical standards (WTO 1998).
The disciplines indicate that governmental and nongovernmental entities
responsible for accounting regulations or the licensing process among professionals
or firms should make rules publicly available, provide a rationale for rules
upon request, and allow public comment on new rules. The disciplines are specific
and represent a useful tool to improve public policy processes that influence trade
in the accounting profession. Careful consideration and implementation of the
disciplines can help policy makers improve the market for accounting services.
The disciplines are also illustrative of the common issues in professional service
markets and, if examined carefully, can help the entities create a robust environment
for professional service firms.
The overwhelming importance of accounting in corporate and institutional
management and relationships has helped countries agree on accounting disciplines.
The accounting profession is now one of the most advanced in terms of