Talks kick off for Timor-Leste's accession to government procurement pact
Accessions update
Prior to the Committee meeting, Timor-Leste submitted its initial market access offer and a document compiling information about its government procurement system. Timor-Leste, which joined the WTO in 2024, is the first least developed country member to have launched the process to join the GPA 2012.
Addressing the Committee, Timor-Leste's Ambassador, Antonio Da Conceicao, stated: "We see the GPA accession process as an opportunity to strengthen our procurement framework and enhance public sector accountability, promote fair competition and build confidence among domestic and international suppliers."
The Committee also discussed the accession process of Albania, China, Costa Rica and the Kyrgyz Republic. It received an update from Mongolia in connection with its GPA accession commitment.
Regulatory developments
The United States and the European Union raised concerns regarding procurement restrictions introduced by Canada at the federal level and their potential implication for Canada's implementation of the GPA 2012. Other parties that took the floor on this issue were Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei and the United Kingdom.
The United States separately raised concerns with procurement restriction policies implemented by three Canadian provinces that it said appear to discriminate against the United States. Canada said that it is committed to continued engagement with GPA parties regarding these measures and would carefully consider their views as it assessed the implementation and future development of its procurement policies.
The European Union requested an update on the US implementation of the "Build America, Buy America Act" of October 2023 in the context of its obligations under the GPA 2012. Canada and Japan also expressed interest in the matter. The United States responded that it would continue to engage with GPA parties to address concerns and explore the possibility of providing further information where appropriate.
Dialogue with the private sector
On the margins of the meeting, the Committee organized, for the first time, an exchange with private sector representatives on the "WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 in a shifting global trade landscape".
The private sector participants represented services and goods industries, including digital security and technology, industrial, transport and infrastructure solutions and healthcare technology.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for parties to exchange views with business representatives on the significance of the GPA as a market access and good governance instrument and the challenges facing suppliers in benefiting from the Agreement. Participants also discussed how governments can support their suppliers in making the most of the opportunities that the Agreement offers them to take part in government procurement procedures organized by other GPA parties.
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