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Introduction    back to top

Since public resources are scarce, the efficiency of the procurement process is a primary consideration of every procurement regime. Open, transparent and non-discriminatory procurement is generally considered to be the best tool to achieve 'value for money' as it optimises competition among suppliers. At the same time, many WTO Members still use their purchasing decisions to achieve domestic policy goals, such as the promotion of specific local industry sectors or social groups.

Government procurement is an important aspect of international trade, given the considerable size of the procurement market (often 10-15 percent of GDP) and the benefits for domestic and foreign stakeholders in terms of increased competition.
  

Three areas of WTO work on government procurement    back to top

There are three main aspects of the WTO's work on government procurement:

• The plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) — signed by some WTO members, and administered by a plurilateral Committee;
    
• Work on transparency in government procurement — carried out by a Working Group comprising all WTO members (this work is currently on hold pursuant to a decision of the WTO General Council adopted on 1 August 2004); and
    
• Multilateral negotiations on services procurement pursuant to Article XIII:2 of GATS — handled by the Working Party on GATS Rules.
   

> General overview of the WTO's work in these three areas

Technical Co-operation    back to top

> Relevant documents
> Events
  

Additional Information    back to top

> Procurement legislation of WTO Members
> Other