A workshop on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) concluded in Geneva on May 3, 2024. The event, held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the GPA 2012, featured insightful discussions and practical exercises aimed at enhancing understanding and implementation of the agreement.
During the opening session on April 29, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill emphasized the significance of the GPA 2012 in promoting sustainable development and fostering mutual benefits for exporters and governments involved in procurement. Hill highlighted the growth of the agreement over the past decade, with seven WTO members acceding to the GPA 2012, expanding its coverage to 49 WTO members, and attracting 35 WTO member observers in negotiations for accession.
The workshop, conducted in multiple languages, delved into various aspects of the GPA 2012, including its relationship with development issues, market access, flexibilities for developing economies, good governance, sustainable public procurement, and the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in global trade. Participants also explored the benefits of the agreement, the accession procedure, and the synergies with other government procurement international instruments.
Experts from the WTO and other organizations shared their insights during the workshop, which featured practical exercises on utilizing the e-GPA gateway, applying GPA rules to hypothetical scenarios, and simulating GPA accession negotiations. The interactive program aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in navigating the complexities of government procurement agreements.
For those seeking more information on the GPA 2012, additional resources are available on the WTO's official website. The workshop's successful conclusion marked another step forward in promoting transparent and efficient government procurement practices on a global scale.