PH Submits Request for Observership Status Under WTO Government Procurement Agreement

GENEVA 15 May 2019 — Philippine Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ambassador Manuel A. J. Teehankee formally delivered to WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo the request of the Philippine government to become an observer in the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) under the WTO on 06 May 2019.

The GPA is the main WTO agreement that provides the framework for the conduct of international trade in government procurement among 47 WTO Members that signed the GPA. 

As a non-party to the GPA, the Philippines has applied for observership status in the WTO GPA Committee. If approved, the Philippines will be able to participate in the discussions in the Committee, gain access to relevant information, and become acquainted with the operation and administration of the Agreement, without undertaking any obligations. 

Through its participation as observer in the GPA, the Philippines looks to gain a better understanding of the GPA and further promote the efficient and effective management of public resources and good governance in national procurement systems. END

For more information, visit https://www.wtopm.dfa.gov.ph