The document summarizes a PhD thesis that examines how trade liberalization and trade in health services impacts developing countries, using South Africa as a case study. It outlines the context, issues, definitions, theoretical perspective, research questions, methodology, and main findings of the thesis. The central findings are that the WTO's GATS agreement provides flexibility for countries to pursue public health priorities; South Africa has been able to benefit from trade while avoiding risks; and South African private hospital groups have made significant international investments and foreign direct investments in health services.