The GATS provides that a Member may maintain a measure inconsistent with the MFN obligation, but such exemptions should terminate on the date provided for in the exemption; should not exceed a period of 10 years in principle; and shall be subject to negotiation in subsequent trade-liberalising rounds. As at October 2016, there were close to 600 exemptions, and nearly all of them were listed without a definite period. HKC firmly believes that MFN exemptions should be limited to exceptional circumstances and be phased out over time. HKC will continue to champion the removal of these exemptions.
