Government Procurement Agreement Members: Understanding the Basics
The Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) is a multilateral agreement aimed at enhancing transparency, fairness, and competition in public procurement among its members. This agreement is established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and includes 48 members, including the European Union (EU) and its member states, the United States, Japan, Canada, and many others.
The GPA provides a framework for its members to mutually open their procurement markets to foreign suppliers and to ensure non-discriminatory treatment in the procurement process. The agreement includes provisions for transparency in procurement procedures, equal treatment of domestic and foreign suppliers, and non-discrimination against suppliers based on their country of origin.
GPA members commit to the following principles:
1. Non-Discrimination: All suppliers, regardless of their country of origin, are treated equally in the procurement process.
2. Transparency: Members must provide timely and accurate information about procurement opportunities, tendering procedures, and contract awards.
3. Procedural Fairness: Procedures used in procurement processes must be transparent, objective, and non-discriminatory.
4. Openness: Members must provide access to procurement opportunities to foreign suppliers on an equal basis with domestic suppliers.
The benefits of joining the GPA are numerous. For countries that join, they gain greater access to government procurement markets of other members. For businesses that operate in those countries, they gain access to a wider market and can compete on a level playing field with domestic suppliers.
Additionally, GPA membership helps promote good governance practices and helps increase transparency in government procurement. This results in better use of taxpayer resources, a reduction in corruption, and a fair and competitive procurement process.
In order to join the GPA, countries must meet certain criteria, which includes a commitment to transparency, equal treatment of domestic and foreign suppliers, and adherence to the GPA’s principles.
In conclusion, GPA membership plays a vital role in improving transparency, fairness, and competition in public procurement among its members. It provides a framework for mutual opening of procurement markets to foreign suppliers, ensuring non-discriminatory treatment in the procurement process, and promoting good governance practices. It is an essential tool for countries and businesses looking to expand their market opportunities and promote fair competition.