The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced Ecuador as its 16th partner in the Global Procurement Initiative (GPI). This partnership aims to enhance infrastructure development in Ecuador by providing training and technical assistance to public procurement officials. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Ecuador's National Public Procurement Service (SERCOP).
"USTDA is deepening its commitment to Ecuador. Our collaboration under GPI represents a new chapter in the bilateral economic relationship and an expansion of our existing partnership to develop high-quality infrastructure that supports inclusive economic growth for the Ecuadorian people," stated Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. "We are proud to work with SERCOP, which has shown great commitment toward implementing internationally recognized best practices in public procurement. Our goal is to strengthen the foundation for vital economic sectors such as healthcare, transportation, clean energy, and digital infrastructure."
The White House had previously announced USTDA's invitation for Ecuador to join GPI during President Guillermo Lasso's visit to the United States in December 2022. The membership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed today in Quito, Ecuador. The first phase of the GPI procurement assistance program is scheduled for March 14 in Quito.
This collaboration between USTDA and SERCOP aligns with actions outlined under the bipartisan United States-Ecuador Partnership Act, enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in December 2022.
Since its inception in 2013, USTDA’s GPI has focused on training public officials from emerging economies on establishing procurement practices that incorporate life-cycle cost analysis and best value determination transparently. The initiative assists partner countries in acquiring durable technologies while promoting sustainable infrastructure development at reduced costs for their governments. Additionally, these methods encourage greater international competition by opening markets.