Phl secures observer status in WTO’s gov’t procurement committee

The Philippines has secured observer status in the World Trade Organization (WTO) committee overseeing an agreement which opens government procurement markets among its parties.

In a statement, the WTO said the Philippines and Ecuador have been granted observer status in the body’s Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) committee.

The approval was given by parties of the GPA during their meeting on June 26.

With the approval of the requests of the Philippines and Ecuador, the GPA now has 34 observers.

Following the approval of the requests, the WTO said both the Philippines and Ecuador would have the opportunity to have a better understanding of the GPA.

In addition, both countries will have an opportunity to exchange experiences with GPA parties or observers and learn more about good practices in government procurement.

The WTO said the Philippine government has informed the body of the steps being taken to create a transparent, open and fair procurement system, based on sound legal framework.

It said the Philippines also has initiatives to open procurement to foreign suppliers.

“The Philippines acknowledges the GPA’s objective of fair, transparent and non-discriminatory competition for purchases of goods and services by governments and embraces the broader purpose of promoting good governance, the efficient and effective management of public resources, and the attainment of best value for money in national procurement systems,” the WTO said.

Following the grant of observer status, WTO said many GPA parties are hopeful the Philippines and Ecuador would eventually decide to be part of negotiations to accede to the agreement.

The GPA aims to mutually open government procurement markets among its parties.

So far, GPA parties have opened procurement activities valued at $1.7 trillion annually to international competition to include suppliers from parties of the agreement offering goods, services or construction services.