GPA

Effective August 12, 2015, New Zealand will become the 45th country to join the World Trade Organization’s (“WTO”) Government Procurement Agreement (“GPA”).  As we have previously discussed, this plurilateral agreement promotes open, fair, and transparent competition in the government procurement markets of participating countries.  Importantly, the GPA requires member countries to treat suppliers of goods and services in other member countries no less favorably than they treat domestic suppliers in all procurement transactions covered by the agreement.  In addition, member countries must maintain transparent and fair government procurement laws, regulations, and procedures. The WTO estimates the value of covered government procurements at $1.7 trillion annually.
Continue Reading New Zealand to Join WTO Government Procurement Agreement, Will Become a “Designated Country” Under the TAA