Executive Director of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Nadia Morris is set to take part in a high-level international conference at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland this week. The Advanced Global Workshop on the Agreement of Government Procurement (GPA) 2012, which gets under way today, is expected to offer a three-prong benefit to attendees, including building awareness on the GPA 2012 and related recent developments; examining the work of the WTO Committee on Government Procurement; and exploring the synergies and commonalities between GPA 2012, other international instruments and free-trade agreements. Morris is to play a key role on behalf of Jamaica and the region at the conference which will address major policy-related issues arising in government procurement that relate to international trade, good governance and development. She will be a panellist during one of the sessions of the Advanced Global Workshop on the GPA 2012 and will discuss the market-opening strategy and the economic benefits that may be derived from such a strategy. “Among the issues to be explored are sustainable procurement, the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in government procurement markets, the prevention of corrupt practices, domestic review procedures, and e-procurement,” said the PPC executive director. “Of note is the fact that the objectives, content and benefits of the GPA 2012 will be placed under the microscope. Similarly, the potential challenges and benefits of accession to the GPA 2012 will be examined, as well as the flexibilities available to developing countries seeking accession.” Practical group exercises will be given significance throughout the conference, especially with regard to the GPA 2012 rules and their implementation. The WTO deals with the global regulations of trade between nations. Its chief function is to ensure that trade flows smoothly, predictably and as freely as possible. The PPC, which was established in April 2019, examines and gives oversight to Jamaica’s public procurement processes. Its Supplier Registration System registers suppliers seeking to do business with state-owned organisations. Among other topics to be examined at the conference are: · Government Procurement: Trends & challenges for policymakers, with a particular focus on developing countries · The economic rationale for trade liberalization in the area of government procurement: Is government procurement different? · Good governance: Enhancing integrity in the domestic government market- The GPA 2012 as a tool for fighting corruption. Since its establishment in April 2019 under the Public Procurement Act, 2015, the PPC has remained resolute in its mission to enhance public procurement in Jamaica. This includes: · Maintaining a registry of approved suppliers · Reviewing procurement submissions from Government of Jamaica ministries, departments and agencies · Spearheading the Contractor and Consultant Performance Evaluation Programme (CCPEP) · Ensuring compliance with procurement legislation.