At a meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement on 14 October 2026, parties to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 welcomed Timor-Leste’s submission of key documents required to kick off its negotiations on acceding to the agreement. The committee also reviewed regulatory developments, heard updates on other members’ accession processes, and, for the first time, held a dialogue with the private sector on the agreement’s significance in a changing trade environment.
Accessions update
Prior to the committee meeting, Timor-Leste submitted its initial market access offer and a document compiling information about its government procurement system. Timor-Leste, which joined the WTO in 2024, is the first least developed country member to launch the GPA 2012 accession process.
Addressing the committee, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador, Antonio Da Conceicao, stated: “We see the GPA accession process as an opportunity to strengthen our procurement framework and enhance public sector accountability, promote fair competition and build confidence among domestic and international suppliers.”
The committee also discussed the accession process of Albania, China, Costa Rica and the Kyrgyz Republic. It received an update from Mongolia in connection with its GPA accession commitment.
Regulatory developments
The United States and the European Union raised concerns regarding procurement restrictions introduced by Canada at the federal level and their potential implication for Canada’s implementation of the GPA 2012. Other parties that took the floor on this issue were Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei and the United Kingdom (UK).
The United States of America (US) separately raised concerns about procurement restriction policies implemented by three Canadian provinces, which it said appear to discriminate against the United States. Canada said it is committed to continued engagement with GPA parties on these measures and would carefully consider their views as it assesses the implementation and future development of its procurement policies.
The European Union (EU) requested an update on the US implementation of the “Build America, Buy America Act” of October 2023 in the context of its obligations under the GPA 2012. Canada and Japan also expressed interest. The United States responded that it would continue to engage with GPA parties to address concerns and, where appropriate, explore providing further information.
Dialogue with the private sector
On the margins of the meeting, the committee organised, for the first time, an exchange with private sector representatives on the “WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 in a shifting global trade landscape”.
The private sector participants represented services and goods industries, including digital security and technology, industrial, transport and infrastructure solutions and healthcare technology.
The dialogue allowed parties to exchange views with business representatives on the GPA’s significance as a market-access and good-governance instrument, and the challenges suppliers face in benefiting from the agreement. Participants also discussed how governments can help their suppliers make the most of the opportunities the agreement offers to take part in government procurement procedures organised by other GPA parties.