Report by the Secretariat: III. Trade policies and practices by measure: (4) Measures affecting production and trade: (v) Government procurement: Para. 219:
According to paragraph 219, India has progressively moved towards a more transparent and competitive procurement framework and its participation since 2010 as an observer in the WTO Committee of public procurement certainely underlines the will of the Indian authorities to bring the procurement regime in line with GPA rules and standards in the future. The information provided in the chapter Governement procurement shows moreover that India has to face many challenges for which the GPA already gives appropriate answers and solutions. Under these circumstances, Switzerland wonders whether it would not be easier for India to join the GPA, so that it could base its internal legislation more easily on transparent and internationnally agreed provisions for core principles, procurement methods, design of legislations challenge procedures, etc.? What are the hurdles India considers represent a challenge with a view of facilitating its final move to the GPA membership? What could the WTO Members do to support India in resolving the main issues to be tackled?
Reply: Issue of India's accession to GPA is under examination. At present, any commitment on this issue is not feasible. However, India will take a decision based on an assessment of actual and effective market access available in the markets of GPA signatories.
