The service sector makes an important contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) in most countries, providing jobs, inputs and public services for the economy. Trade in services can improve economic performance and provide a range of traditional and new export opportunities. However, services liberalisation also carries risks, and appropriate regulation and other complementary policies help to ensure that liberalisation delivers the expected benefits. This working paper reviews the literature on these issues for six service sectors (tourism, financial services, energy services, information and communications technology and Mode IV).