International Public Procurement: The Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and Bilateral Agreements

Project Leader

The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) is organising a seminar on International Public Procurement: The Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and Bilateral Agreements, on 1 July 2010 in Brussels.

Objectives
Government procurement plays an important role in economic activity. At international level, the rules on government procurement are governed mainly by the plurilateral Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, scope and membership of the GPA are limited. The current revision of the GPA has resulted in a draft provisional text and ongoing market access negotiations. Complementary to the GPA, countries are negotiating and concluding a range of bilateral and regional agreements which also cover rules on government procurement and access to procurement markets. This seminar will examine international public procurement issues mainly from a European perspective. Topics to be covered include: the GPA revision, bilateral agreements, market access for European industry to international procurement markets, and GPA accession. This seminar will provide a unique platform to discuss current developments in international procurement.

Method
There will be a series of presentations by officials from the European Commission, experts and a representative from European industry. Presentations will be followed by discussions and participants will be encouraged to interact and exchange views.

Target group
This seminar is addressed to policy makers, officials and diplomats dealing with trade policy and public procurement issues. It should be of interest to industry and service providers and is also relevant to countries acceding to the GPA or those involved in bilateral/regional agreements.

Language
The seminar will be conducted in English.


For background information on public procurement in Europe and EIPA activities related to public procurement, please consult: http://www.eipa.eu/en/topics/show/&tid=30, or contact: Ms Dorina Claessens, Programme Organiser, EIPA - P.O. Box 1229, NL-6201 BE Maastricht - T +31 43 329 63 37 - F +31 43 329 62 96 - E d.claessens@eipa.eu

Programme
The programme will commence on Thursday 1 July at 08.45 hrs and will finish on the same day at 18.00 hrs.

Seminar venue
The seminar will take place at the CEN/CENELEC Meeting Centre, Room Copernicus, Avenue Marnix 17, 1000 Brussels.

Working language
The seminar will be conducted in English.

Fee
The participation fee is €500 and includes documentation, one lunch and beverages. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

10% Special discount for civil servants
EIPA offers its members a discount of 10% off the tuition fee for this seminar. This discount is available to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s member countries.
For more information, please visit EIPA’s website (www.eipa.eu – FAQ – special discounts).

Hotel reservations
If overnight accommodation is required we kindly request that you or your organisation make the necessary hotel arrangements.

Meals
The lunch will be served at CENELEC. Should you require a special menu (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic), please inform the Programme Organiser so this can be arranged.

Registration
Kindly complete the registration form and submit it before 18 June 2010. Your name and address will be part of EIPA’s database for our mailing purpose only. If you do not want to be informed about our Procurement and PPP activities in the future, please tick the box on the registration form.

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation. Please indicate the method of payment on the registration form. In any case, the participant or their administration will receive an invoice for the payment of the registration fee. For cancellations received after the closing date of registration we will have to charge an administration fee of €150 unless a replacement participant is found.

Cancellation policy
EIPA reserves the right to cancel the seminar up to two weeks before the starting date. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, hotel, etc.). For EIPA’s cancellation policy, please visit our website (legal notice).