Agreement on Government Procurement Members

Agreement on Government Procurement Members: Understanding the Basics

The Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) is a multilateral agreement with the main objective of promoting open, fair, and transparent procurement among its members. The agreement was established in 1979 under the auspices of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and has since undergone several revisions, with the latest being the GPA 2012.

Currently, there are 20 members of the GPA, including the European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Switzerland, Norway, and New Zealand, among others. Together, the members account for approximately 47% of global GDP and over 90% of global government procurement activity.

The GPA covers procurement of goods, services, and construction works by government entities and is intended to ensure that procurement is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, without discrimination against foreign suppliers. The agreement requires its members to follow certain procurement practices, including the use of open and competitive bidding processes, requirements for the publication of contract notices, and procedures for review and appeal of procurement decisions.

To become a member of the GPA, a country must first apply and undergo a thorough review of its procurement practices to ensure they meet the agreement`s standards. Once a country is accepted, it must commit to following the GPA`s rules and regulations.

In addition to the GPA, there are also several regional agreements that govern government procurement, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). These agreements are similar in nature to the GPA, but apply only to a specific region.

The benefits of being a member of the GPA are significant. For suppliers, membership provides access to new markets and opportunities to bid on government contracts in member countries. For governments, membership promotes competition and helps ensure that taxpayers get the best value for their money.

However, being a member of the GPA also comes with certain responsibilities and obligations. Members must comply with the agreement`s rules and regulations, and failure to do so can result in sanctions, such as suspension from participating in the agreement`s procurement opportunities.

In conclusion, the Agreement on Government Procurement is an important multilateral agreement that promotes open and fair procurement among its members. With 20 members, the agreement covers a significant portion of global GDP and procurement activity. Membership provides access to new markets for suppliers and promotes competition for governments, but also comes with certain responsibilities and obligations. Overall, the GPA is a vital tool in promoting transparency and fairness in government procurement worldwide.

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