GPA/126  
 
26 November 2014  
(14-6896)  Page: 1/18  
    
 
 REPORT (2014) OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
1  INTRODUCTION 1.1.  This report covers the period since the Committee's previous Annual Report
1, that is 
mid-October 2013 through November 2014. It is issued pursuant to Article XXIV:7(a) of the 1994 
Agreement on Government Procurement (" the 1994 Agreement" or "the GPA 1994") and 
Article XXI:3 of the Agreement as amended by  the Protocol Amending the Agreement on 
Government Procurement, done at Geneva on 30 March 2012 (the "revised Agreement").2 This 
reflects the entry into force of the revised Ag reement on 6 April 2014. The revised Agreement is 
now in force for 12 of the Agreement's 15 Parties.3 
1.2.  Since the date of circulation of its last  Annual Report (24 October 2013), the Committee has 
held five formal meetings in Geneva: on 20 November 2013, on 12 March 2014, on 25 June 2014, 
on 29 October 2014, and on 25 November 2014.4 An additional formal meeting of the Committee 
was held at Ministerial level in Bali, Indonesia,  on 3 December 2013, on the margins of the WTO's 
Ninth Ministerial Conference (MC9).5 The meetings were chaired by Mr Bruce Christie (Canada)6 
and, beginning on 1 August 2014 and continuing th rough the rest of the year, by Mr Krzysztof 
Trepczy ński (Poland).7  
1.3.  The Committee has also held a series of info rmal meetings, also chaired by Mr Christie and, 
subsequently, by Mr Trepczy ński, focusing on the entry into force of the revised Agreement, 
accessions to the Agreement; and other matters, in the weeks beginning 18 November 2013, 10 March 2014, 14 April 2014, 23 June 2014, 28 July 2014, and 27 October 2014, respectively. 
1.4.  The following WTO Members are covered by the Agreement: Armenia; Canada; the European 
Union, including its 28 member States; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Israel; Japan; Korea; Liechtenstein; the Kingdom of the Netherlands with respect to Aruba; Norway; Singapore; 
Switzerland; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu ("Chinese 
Taipei"); and the United States. The Committee is pleased to note that, during the period under review, Montenegro and New Zealand were invited to accede to the Agreement on Government 
                                               
1 GPA/121, dated 24 October 2013. 
2 The 1994 Agreement and the revised Agreement are hereafter referred to together as the "Agreement 
on Government Procur ement" or "GPA". 
3 The Parties that have, to date, submitted their instruments of acceptance and for which the revised 
Agreement has entered into force are Canada; th e European Union with its 28 member States; 
Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Israel; Japan; Liechtenst ein; the Kingdom of the Netherlands with respect to 
Aruba; Norway, Singapore; Chinese Taipei; and the Unit ed States. Armenia, Korea and Switzerland are yet to 
submit their instruments of acceptance. 
4 GPA/M/53, dated 19 December 2013, GPA/M/55, dated 14 May 2014; GPA/M/55/Corr.1, dated 
15 May 2014; GPA/M/55/Corr.2, dated 6 June 2014; GPA/M/56, dated 4 September 2014; GPA/M/57, to be issued; and GPA/M/58, to be issued. 
5 GPA/M/54, dated 27 January 2014. See below for related details. 
6 At its meeting of 27 February 2013, the Committee elected Mr Bruce Christie as Chairman for the first 
half of 2013 (GPA/M/50, dated 6 May 2013, paragraph 1.2.). It subsequently extended his term of office until the end of 2013 (GPA/M/52, dated 16 July 2013, paragraph 1.1.) and re-elected him for a further term until 
the summer break, i.e. 31 July 2014 (GPA/M/55, dated 14 May 2014, paragraph 1.2.). 
7 At its meeting of 12 March 2014, the Committee elected Mr Krzysztof Trepczy ński as Chairman 
(GPA/M/55, dated 14 May 2014, paragraph 1.5.) for the period 1 August 2014 to the end of 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  Procurement. They will become Parties to the Agreement upon submission of instruments of 
accession incorporating the terms that have been agreed.8 
1.5.  Twenty-eight WTO Members have observer status in the Committee on Government 
Procurement: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bahr ain, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Georgia, 
India, Indonesia, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, 
New Zealand, Oman, Panama, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan9, the 
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey , Ukraine and Viet Nam. Four intergovernmental 
organizations, namely the International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Trade Centre (ITC), 
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD), also have observer status. 
1.6.  The observership of Tajikistan was approved, on request by its delegation, during the 
reporting period, and was warmly welcomed by the Committee
10 as a first step toward its hoped-
for eventual accession to the Agreement, pursuant to commitments made in its WTO accession protocol.
11 
1.7.  The remaining sections of this Report deal  with the work done by the Committee during the 
year, with particular reference to: (i) the Committee's Ministerial-level meeting in Bali and the subsequent entry into force of the revised Agreement on Government Procurement; (ii) accessions 
to the Agreement; and (iii) the implementation of the Agreement. 
2  MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE AND ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE 
REVISED AGREEMENT ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
2.1.  As set out in the Committee's 2012 Annual Report, on 15 December 2011, just prior to the 
Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference, the Parties to the GPA reached political agreement on the 
conclusion of the renegotiation of the Agreement that they had conducted over a period of more 
than a decade.
12 The results of the renegotiation comprised:  (i) the revised text of the Agreement; 
(ii) a significant expansion of the Parties' market access commitments under the Agreement, 
valued at USD 80-100 billion annually13; and (iii) a set of agreed Work Programmes relating to the 
administration and possible further evolution of  the Agreement, to be conducted by the WTO 
Committee on Government Procurement following the coming into force of the revised 
Agreement.14 Subsequently, on 30 March 2012, after the completion of a legal review and 
verification process, Parties formally adopted the results of the renegotiation.15 
2.2.  The entry into force of the revised Ag reement, for which the submission of formal 
instruments of acceptance by two thirds of the Pa rties was required, was an important focus of the 
Committee during the reporting period. On 3 December 2013, at their formal meeting in Bali, Indonesia, GPA Ministers confirmed the Parties' sh ared objective of bringing the revised Agreement 
into force, pursuant to paragraph 3 of the Protocol Amending the Agreement, as soon as 
possible.
16 This resolution took account of the seven instruments accepting the Protocol that had 
been submitted at the time, and of assurances that other instruments of acceptance would be 
deposited shortly thereafter. In their statement ad opted at the meeting, Ministers also recognized 
the crucial importance of government procurement as an element of economic activity and world 
trade and development; and the important role of  the Agreement as an instrument of market 
access and good governance (see attachment A). In  a related statement at the same meeting, the 
                                               
8 See, respectively, Decision of the Committee of 29 October 2014 (GPA/125, dated 3 November 2014); 
and Decision of the Committee of 29 October 2014 (GPA/124, dated 3 November 2014). 
9 GPA/W/329, dated 5 June 2014 and GPA/W/329/Corr.1, dated 10 June 2014. 
10 See GPA/M/56, dated 4 September 2014, paragraphs 1.1. et seq. 
11 WT/ACC/TJK/30, dated 6 November 2012, paragraph 244. 
12 The basis for the renegotiation was provided in  Article XXIV:7(b) and (c) of the 1994 Agreement, 
which called for the Parties to undertake negotiations with a view to improving the Agreement and achieving 
the greatest possible extension of its coverage among al l Parties, and eliminating any remaining discriminatory 
measures and practices. 
13 It should be noted that not all of the additional coverage provided is necessarily available to each of 
the Parties, due to country-specif ic derogations that may apply. 
14 See, for additional details, Report (2012) of the Committee on Government Procurement to the 
General Council (GPA/116, dated 6 December 2012), paragraphs 7-10. 
15 GPA/113, dated 2 April 2012. 
16 GPA/122, dated 3 December 2013. GPA/126 
 
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  Director-General of the WTO, Mr Roberto Azevêd o, noted that the GPA is in the process of 
becoming a pillar of the global economy, respondi ng directly to key challenges that WTO Members 
face concerning the maintenance of open market s and the promotion of good governance in the 
aftermath of the global economic crisis. 
2.3.  The revised Agreement entered into force on 6 April 2014, 30 days after the submission of 
formal acceptances of the "Protocol Amending the Agreement on Government Procurement" by 
two thirds of the Parties to the Agreement.17 Subsequently, two additional Parties have submitted 
their respective instruments of acceptance.18 
2.4.  At the Committee's formal meeting on 12 March 2014, the then Chairman, Mr Bruce Christie 
of Canada, said that the timely coming into force of the revised Agreement demonstrated Parties' firm commitment to it and augured well for its future as an increasingly important element of the 
framework for global trade. It clearly fulfilled the call that Parties' Ministers had issued at Bali. At 
the same time, the coming into force of the revised Agreement represented a new beginning 
rather than an end. He reminded Parties, in that  context, that a great deal of important work lay 
ahead, including with respect to the implem entation of the revised Agreement and the 
Committee's agreed new Work Programmes, together  with work on pending and future accessions 
of new Parties which was vital to the future of the Agreement. The WTO's wider membership was 
watching developments in the Committee, and this should not be overlooked.
19 
2.5.  Subsequent to the formal coming into force of the revised Agreement, updated loose-leaf 
schedules were prepared for each of the Parties that have accepted it. The new loose-leaf schedules, which have been/are being certified pursuant to Article XIX of the revised Agreement, 
involved significant work by both the Parties and the Secretariat (see, for relevant details, Part 4 
below). 
2.6.  In the course of the meetings held on 12 March 2014, 25 June 2014, and 29 October 2014, 
Parties sought to advance their work on the dr aft decisions on arbitration procedures and on 
indicative criteria relating to the elimination of government control over listed entities which are 
called for in the revised Agreement. Significant progress was achieved on the draft decision on 
arbitration procedures. With regard to the draft decision on indicative criteria, there seems to be a 
consensus that work on this issue in plurilateral format can be deferred for some time, while bilateral consultations will continue. In line with priorities set by the Committee in 2012, work on 
the Committee's mandate to develop for adoption a draft decision on criteria for compensatory 
adjustment will be taken up at a later stage. 
2.7.  In the course of the Committee's formal meeting on 25 June 2014, the Chairman, on behalf 
of the Committee, noted for the record that the De cisions set out in Appendix 2 of the Committee's 
Decision of 30 March 2012 on the Outcomes of the Negotiations
20 (regarding notification 
requirements under Articles XIX and XXII of the Agreement and the Committee's new Work Programmes) were in effect as of 6 April 2014. He also noted that the Committee's agreed Work 
Programmes relating to the administration and possible further evolution of the Agreement, set 
out in Annexes C, D, E, F and G of Appendix 2 of the decision, had been formally initiated.
21  
2.8.  In the course of the informal meetings held on 25 June 2014, a first, organizational 
discussion took place on the new Work Programmes. On 29 October 2014, a first substantive 
discussion took place. Exchanges were held on a nu mber of aspects, with particular emphasis on 
the Work Programme on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the Work Programme on 
                                               
17 The ten Parties that had deposited their respective instruments of acceptance, in the order in which 
they had deposited them, were: Liechtenstein – WT/Let/883, dated 15 May 2013; Norway – WT/Let/912, dated 18 November 2013; Canada - WT/Let/913, dated 20 November 2013; Chinese Taipei – WT/Let/914, dated 29 November 2013; the United States – WT/Let/915, dated 2 December 2013; Hong Kong, China – WT/Let/916, dated 2 December 2013; the European Union – WT/Let/917, dated 3 December 2013; Iceland – WT/Let/933, dated 28 February 2014; Singapore – WT /Let/934, dated 28 February 2014; and Israel – 
WT/Let/935, dated 7 March 2014. 
18 These were Japan – WT/Let/936, dated 17 March 2014; and the Kingdom of the Netherlands with 
respect to Aruba – WT/Let/945, dated 6 June 2014. Armenia, Korea and Switzerland have still to submit their instruments of acceptance. 
19 GPA/M/55, dated 14 May 2014, paragraphs 2.4. and 2.5. 
20 See GPA/113, dated 2 April 2012, beginning on page 3. 
21 GPA/M/56, dated 4 September 2014, paragraphs 3.1. and 3.2. GPA/126 
 
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  Exclusions and Restrictions in Parties' Annexes. The Work Programmes are expected to be an 
important focus for the Committee in 2015 and subsequently.  
3  ACCESSIONS TO THE AGREEMENT 3.1.  The Committee attaches considerable importance to its work on currently pending and future 
accessions to the Agreement, which it expects to further enhance both the extent of market access 
commitments under, and the systemic relevance of, the Agreement. Significant progress was 
made with respect to related work during the review period. Notable developments included: 
(i) the conclusion of Montenegro's accession negotiations; (ii) the conclusion of New Zealand's 
accession negotiations; (iii) further deliberations on China's accession; and (iv) ongoing discussions on the accessions of Moldova and Ukraine. 
3.2.  Overall, eight WTO Members are in the process of negotiating their accessions to the 
Agreement: Albania, China, Georgia, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Oman and Ukraine. As 
already noted, the accession negotiations of Montenegro and New Zealand were concluded at the Committee's meeting of 29 October 2014. Their status as Parties to the Agreement will become 
effective on the 30
th day following the deposit of their respective instruments of accession, which 
are expected to be submitted to the WTO in the coming months. 
3.3.  A further five WTO Members have provisions regarding accession to the Agreement in their 
respective Protocols of Accession to the WTO: Mongolia22, the Russian Federation23, 
Saudi Arabia24, Tajikistan25 and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.26 The Committee 
notes that some of these commitments have been outstanding for a considerable period, and hopes to see an acceleration of work toward their fulfilment in 2015. 
3.4.  The following provides additional details regarding particular WTO Members whose accessions 
were the subject of substantive discussions or other developments during the year. 
                                               
22 WT/ACC/MNG/9, dated 27 June 1996, paragraph 59: "T he representative of Mongolia confirmed that 
his Government would seek observer status in the Co mmittee for the Agreement on Government Procurement 
at the time of its accession with a view to initiating negotiations for membership thereafter. The Working Party 
took note of this commitment." 
23 WT/ACC/RUS/70, dated 17 November 2011, paragraph 1143: "The representative of the Russian 
Federation confirmed the intention of the Russian Federation to join the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement and to notify the Committee on Government Procurement to this effect at the time of accession of 
the Russian Federation to the WTO and to ensure that from the date of accession, its government agencies would award contracts in a transparent manner accordin g to published laws, regulations and guidelines. He 
also confirmed that the Russian Federation would request observership in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement at the time of its accession to the WTO an d would initiate negotiations for membership in the 
WTO Agreement on Government Procurement by tabling an Appendix 1 offer within four years of accession. He 
confirmed that, if the results of the negotiations were satisfactory to the interests of the Russian Federation and the other Members of the Agreement, the Russian Federation would accede to that Agreement. The Working Party took note of these commitments." 
24 WT/ACC/SAU/61, dated 1 November 2005, paragraph 231: "The representative of Saudi Arabia 
confirmed that, upon accession to the WTO, Saudi Arabia  would initiate negotiations for membership in the 
Agreement on Government Procurement by tabling an entity offer. He also confirmed that, if the results of the negotiations were satisfactory to the interests of Saudi Arabia and the other parties to the Agreement, Saudi Arabia would complete negotiations for membership in the Agreement within a year of accession. The Working 
Party took note of these commitments." 
25 WT/ACC/TJK/30, dated 6 November 2012, paragraph 244: "The representative of Tajikistan 
confirmed Tajikistan's willingness to accede to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. Tajikistan would become an observer to the Agreement upon access ion, and submit an applicat ion for membership with a 
coverage offer within one year af ter accession to the WTO. The Working Party took note of these 
commitments." 
26 WT/ACC/807/27, dated 26 September 2002, paragraph 177: "The representative of FYROM confirmed 
that, upon accession to the WTO, the Government of FYROM would initiate negotiations for membership in the Agreement on Government Procurement by tabling an entity offer. He also confirmed that, if the results of the 
negotiations were satisfactory to the interests of FYROM and the other members of the Agreement, FYROM 
would complete negotiations for membership in the Agreement within two years of accession. The Working Party took note of these commitments." GPA/126 
 
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  3.1  The Accessions of Montenegro and New Zealand 
3.1.1  Montenegro 3.5.  Montenegro submitted its application for acce ssion and its Replies to the Checklist of Issues, 
together with additional documentation on its legislative framework, on 4 October 2013.
27 The first 
discussion of its accession was held at the Committee's meeting on 9 October 2013, in which 
Montenegro made a substantive statement regarding the reforms that have been made to its procurement system and the system's deliberate alig nment with both the EU's relevant directives 
and the GPA.
28 
3.6.  Montenegro circulated its initial Appendix I offer on 4 November 2013. Subsequently, its 
accession was discussed at the Committee's informal meetings on 20 November 2013 and at its Ministerial-level meeting on 3 December 2013. A first revised version of the offer was circulated on 
27 November 2013.
29 In a communication dated 23 January 2014, Montenegro asked for Parties' 
comments on its offer.30 Comments and questions were then submitted by Japan and the 
European Union, and Montenegro circulated its replies on 7 March 2014.31 Further discussions on 
the offer were held at the Committee's informal meetings on 12 March 2014. In the course of the 
discussions, Parties recognized the good quality of Montenegro's offer in terms of the overall 
breadth and scope of market access opportunities proposed. Nevertheless, some Parties signalled 
concerns of a systemic nature regarding the appr oach adopted by Montenegro in order to take 
account of its hoped-for future accession to the European Union. To address the concerns voiced by these Parties, Montenegro circulated its second revised coverage offer on 18 June 2014
32, 
which eliminated the previous "two-stage" approach and approximated, as closely as possible, the 
coverage Montenegro would provide when it joined the European Union. This offer was 
subsequently discussed in the informal meeting on 25 June 2014 and no Parties raised substantive 
outstanding issues. 
3.7.  On 18 July 2014, Montenegro circulated its final offer.33 This final offer re ceived the support 
of all Parties at the Committee's meeting held on 31 July 2014.34 At the same time, the 
European Union indicated that more time would be needed for internal consultations before formal 
assent could be given. With the finalisation of the EU's internal approval, the Committee, at its 
formal meeting on 29 October 2014, adopted a dr aft decision on the terms of Montenegro's 
accession to the Agreement35 and the negotiation was thus concluded. The formal decision was 
circulated on 3 November 2014.36 
3.1.2  New Zealand 
3.8.  New Zealand applied for accession to the Agreement on 28 September 2012.37 Subsequently, 
in 2012 and 2013, discussions on New Zealand's accession took place in the Committee on 
multiple occasions based on: (i) its initial offer circulated on 1 October 201238; (ii) its replies to the 
checklist of issues circulated on 4 October 201239; and (iii) its first revised offer circulated on 
24 September 2013.40 
                                               
27 GPA/120, dated 4 October 2013; and GPA/ACC/MNE/1, dated 7 October 2013. 
28 See Report (2013) of the Committee on Government  Procurement to the General Council (GPA/121, 
dated 24 October 2013, paragraph 3.14.) 
29 GPA/ACC/MNE/2, dated 4 November 2013; and GPA/ACC/MNE/3, dated 27 November 2013. 
30 GPA/ACC/MNE/4, dated 27 January 2014. 
31 GPA/ACC/MNE/5, dated 17 February 2014; GPA/ACC/MNE/6, dated 28 February 2014; and 
GPA/ACC/MNE/7, dated 7 March 2014. 
32 GPA/ACC/MNE/8, dated 18 June 2014. 
33 GPA/ACC/MNE/9, dated 18 July 2014. 
34 See also GPA/ACC/MNE/10, dated 24 July 2014 - Stat ement by Canada; Hong Kong, China; Israel; 
Norway; and Singapore on the final Appendix I mark et access offers of Montenegro and New Zealand. 
35 GPA/ACC/MNE/11, dated 16 October 2014. 
36 GPA/124, dated 3 November 2014. 
37 GPA/115, dated 1 October 2012. 
38 GPA/ACC/NZL/1, dated 1 October 2012. 
39 GPA/ACC/NZL/2, dated 4 October 2012. 
40 GPA/ACC/NZL/7, dated 24 September 2013. See also Report (2012) of the Committee on 
Government Procurement to the General Council (G PA/116, dated 6 December 2012, paragraph 24); and GPA/126 
 
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  3.9.  Dedicated discussions on New Zealand's accession were held at the Committee's 
Ministerial-level meeting at Bali on 3 December 2013 and at the Committee's informal meetings on 20 November 2013, as well as on 12 March 2014 and 25 June 2014. In the course of the discussions, Parties recognized the overall high qu ality of the second revised offer in commercial 
terms. At the same time, several delegations expressed systemic concerns regarding 
New Zealand's proposed coverage of sub-central government entities and "other" entities in Annexes 2 and 3 of its offer. 
3.10.  In addressing these concerns, New Zealand emphasized what it believed to be an important 
distinguishing feature of its procurement system  as compared to those of other Parties and 
accession candidates, namely the exceptional concentration of New Zealand's procurement activities at the central government level. It, nonetheless, outlined, at the informal meeting of 
25 June 2014, a number of additional improvements that it was prepared to make to its proposed 
coverage offer to address the concerns that had b een articulated. On this basis, the majority of 
Parties indicated at that meeting that they were ready, or close to being ready, to settle with 
New Zealand.
41 The Chairman encouraged Parties with remaining concerns to work intersessionally 
with New Zealand to settle the remaining issues.  
3.11.  On 21 July 2014, New Zealand circulated its final offer.42 Subsequently, at the Committee's 
meeting on 31 July 2014, the majority of Parties confirmed their readiness to conclude New 
Zealand's accession on the basis of this final offer. The EU indicated that additional time would be needed both to clarify, in discussions with New Ze aland, related terms to be applied by the EU and 
to carry out its relevant internal procedures. Swit zerland also signalled a need for time for further 
reflection. Subsequently, the EU reached agreemen t with New Zealand on its own final terms vis-
à-vis the latter's accession and completed the relevant internal procedures. Switzerland indicated that it could agree to New Zealand's accession on th e basis of the terms proposed in its final offer, 
without related reservations. 
3.12.  Subsequently, at the Committee's meeting of 29 October 2014, the Committee adopted a 
draft decision on the terms of New Zealand's accession to the Agreement
43 and the negotiation 
was thus concluded. The Committee's formal decision was circulated on 3 November 2014.44 
3.1.3  Significance of the two accessions 3.13.  At the Committee's meeting of 29 October 2014, WTO Deputy Director-General Yi 
congratulated both Montenegro and New Zealand, saying that the two accessions that had been 
gavelled that day highlighted both the growing intere st in the GPA on the part of a diverse set of 
WTO Members, and the increasing importance of the Agreement as an underpinning of global 
trade and development.
45 The Chairman, Mr Trepczy ński, also congratulated Montenegro and 
New Zealand, saying that each had shown courag e, persistence and skill throughout the process. 
He predicted that other accessions to the Agreement will follow, noting that the GPA is increasingly at the centre of efforts to promote trade, value for money and fair competition in markets for the 
procurement of goods and services worldwide. 
3.2  China 3.14.  China applied for accession to the GPA on 28 December 2007 and its initial offer was 
circulated to Parties on 7 January 2008.
46 Discussions dedicated to China's accession have taken 
place on multiple occasions since then.47 
                                                                                                                                               
Report (2013) of the Committee on Government Pr ocurement to the General Council (GPA/121, dated 
24 October 2013, paragraphs 3.5.-3.8.). 
41 See also GPA/ACC/NZL/11, dated 24 July 2014 - Statement by Canada; Hong Kong, China; Israel; 
Norway; and Singapore on the final Appendix I mark et access offers of Montenegro and New Zealand. 
42 GPA/ACC/NZL/10, dated 21 July 2014. 
43 GPA/ACC/NZL/12, dated 16 October 2014. 
44 GPA/125, dated 3 November 2014. 
45 GPA/M/57, to be issued. 
46 GPA/93, dated 14 January 2008; and GPA/ACC/CHN/1, dated 7 January 2008. 
47 See Report (2008) of the Committee on Government  Procurement to the Ge neral Council (GPA/95, 
dated 9 December 2008, paragraph 13); Report (2009) of the Committee on Government Procurement to the General Council (GPA/103, dated 12 November 2009, paragraphs 15-17); Report (2010) of the Committee on GPA/126 
 
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  3.15.  With regard to developments during the reporting period, China's fourth revised coverage 
offer was circulated to Parties on 6 January 2014.48 Substantive discussions on this offer were held 
on 12 March 2014, on 25 June 2014 and on 29 October 2014. In the course of discussions, Parties, while recognising the improvements contained in the new offer, also expressed disappointment 
that their previous requests had not been fully reflected in the offer and indicated that their 
outstanding requests remain on the table.
49 
3.16.  Further to the above, in their various statements the representatives of the United States, 
the European Union, Japan, Canada, Korea and Sw itzerland requested China to provide additional 
coverage of central and sub-central government entities; more coverage of services; and full coverage of construction services. They also asked China to include coverage of state-owned enterprises; to lower its proposed thresholds; an d to simplify or eliminate a good number of its 
general notes. In addition, they urged China to ma ke use of the momentum of its domestic reform 
to accelerate the accession process, and vice versa. A number of Parties also emphasized the necessity for China to pursue work, in parallel with improving the market access offer, on the 
alignment of China's domestic legislation with the GPA's rules. 
3.17.  In the Committee's meeting held on 12 March 2014, China informed the Committee of its 
commitment, undertaken in the context of the 24th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and 
Trade in December 2013, to circulate a further revised offer later in 2014, which would provide 
coverage commensurate, on the whole, with that of  existing GPA Parties. China reconfirmed this at 
the Committee's meetings on 25 June 2014 and on 29 October 2014. Parties requested that China submit its further revised offer as early as possible and certainly before the end of 2014, in order 
to enable the Committee to give appropriate consideration to it at the Committee's meeting 
scheduled for February 2015. 
3.18.  As noted also in its 2013 Annual Report, the Committee considers that China's GPA 
accession, on the appropriate terms, is a matter of  great significance for the Agreement, for the 
WTO, and for the world economy; and a very im portant signal for other emerging economies. 
Essentially, to conclude the accession it is looking for terms of participation on China's part that 
are comparable to those of the existing Parties. The alignment of China's relevant legislation with 
GPA norms is also vital to conclude the accession. The Committee hopes for significant progress toward a conclusion of China's accession in the remainder of 2014 and in 2015. 
3.3  Moldova, Republic of 
3.19.  Moldova applied for accession to the GPA on 7 January 2002.
50 Its initial replies to the 
Checklist of Issues were circulated on 9 January 2002.51 Questions and comments by Parties and 
updated documentation by Moldova were circulated in 2002/2003; in 2008; and in 2010.52 
Moldova's second revised replies to the checklis t of issues and revised coverage offer were 
circulated on 13 September 2012.53 Subsequently, comments and requests for improvement were 
circulated by various Parties.54 During the reporting period, Moldova's accession was further 
addressed by the Committee on several occasions. 
                                                                                                                                               
Government Procurement to the General Council (GPA/106, dated 9 December 2010, paragraphs 21-25); 
Report (2011) of the Committee on Government Pr ocurement to the General Council (GPA/110, dated 
16 November 2011, paragraphs 10-13); Report (2012) of the Committee on Government Procurement to the General Council (GPA/116, dated 6 December 2012, paragraphs 16-19); and Report (2013) of the Committee on Government Procurement to the General Council (GPA/121, dated 24 October 2013, paragraphs 3.9.-3.13.). 
48 GPA/ACC/CHN/44, dated 6 January 2014. 
49 Switzerland - GPA/ACC/CHN/31, dated 22 June 2012; the United States - GPA/ACC/CHN/32, dated 
3 July 2012; Japan - GPA/ACC/CHN/33, dated 9 July  2012 and GPA/ACC/CHN/39, dated 14 August 2012; 
Korea - GPA/ACC/CHN/34 and GPA/ACC/CHN/35, both dated 12 July 2012; Singapore - GPA/ACC/CHN/36, 
dated 12 July 2012; Norway - GPA/ACC/CHN/37, dated 13  July 2012; the European Union - GPA/ACC/CHN/38, 
dated 17 July 2012; and Canada - GPA/ACC/CHN/40, dated 25 September 2012. 
50 GPA/63, dated 8 January 2002. 
51 GPA/W/177, dated 9 January 2002. 
52 See relevant Annual Reports of the Committee. 
53 GPA/ACC/MDA/5 and GPA/ACC/MDA/6, dated 13 September 2012. 
54 Chinese Taipei - GPA/ACC/MDA/7, dated 11 December 2012; the United States - GPA/ACC/MDA/8, 
dated 20 December 2012; Canada - GPA/ACC/MDA/9 an d GPA/ACC/MDA/10, dated 24 January 2013; Japan - 
GPA/ACC/MDA/11, dated 28 January 2013; Switzerlan d - GPA/ACC/MDA/12, dated 30 January 2013; and 
Singapore - GPA/ACC/MDA/13, dated 30 November 2013. GPA/126 
 
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  3.20.  Moldova's second revised offer was circulated to the Committee on 16 January 2014.55 This 
offer received positive appraisals from a number of Parties at the Committee's meeting on 12 March 2014. On 24 June 2014, Moldova circulated a third revised offer which was the subject of discussions on 25 June 2014 and on 29 October 2014.
56 In the course of the discussions, most 
Parties indicated that they were pleased with the overall level of ambition reflected in the offer, 
notwithstanding that additional adjustments would likely still be needed before Moldova could be 
invited to accede to the GPA. Written comments conc erning the offer were circulated by Japan, the 
European Union and the United States.57 
3.21.  With regard to its relevant legislation, Moldova circulated, on 17 March 2014, its draft 
amendment to its Law on Public Procurement which is intended to bring the law into line with the revised GPA.
58 Subsequently, questions from the United States regarding Moldova's draft law were 
circulated on 23 April 2014.59 Moldova's replies to those questions were circulated on 
24 June 2014.60 At the meeting on 29 October 2014, Parties commented positively on the draft 
legislation. Parties were asked to send follow-up questions to Moldova before the end of the year. 
3.22.  On the basis of these developments, in the Committee's informal sessions on 
29 October 2014, several Parties suggested that Moldova could well be the next WTO Member to complete its accession to the GPA, followin g Montenegro and New Zealand. The Chairman 
proposed that the Committee make every effort to bring this possibility to fruition in the first half 
of 2015. 
3.4  Ukraine 3.23.  Ukraine submitted its application for GPA accession on 8 February 2011.
61 Its Replies to the 
Checklist of Issues and initial offer were circulated on 2 August 2011 and 13 December 2012, 
respectively.62 In the discussions held in 2013, Parties expressed their appreciation to Ukraine for 
its initial offer, which they considered as a good basis for further negotiations, while also 
identifying a number of issues that would require discussion and clarification.  
3.24.  Ukraine circulated its first revised offer on 7 March 2014.63 The revised offer was discussed 
at the Committee's meetings on 12 March 2014 and on 25 June 2014. While recognizing the 
improvements contained in the revised offer and appreciating the initiative taken, Parties 
expressed concerns about the thresholds, the General Notes and some other aspects of the offer. Related comments on the offer were circulated by the United States and Chinese Taipei on 
12 June 2014, and by Japan on 21 July 2014.
64 
3.25.  On 28 October 2014, Ukraine circulated its second revised offer.65 I n  t h e  c o u r s e  o f  t h e  
discussions that took place the following day, while making clear that more time would be needed to assess the new offer and that follow-up questions/requests should be expected, some Parties 
also shared very positive first impressions regarding the offer. The Chairman asked Parties to 
submit any related comments or requests before the end of 2014. 
3.26.  Concerning its relevant legislation, Ukraine informed the Committee at its meeting on 
25 June 2014 that it has brought into force a new public procurement law which takes into account 
the rules of relevant EU directives and the GPA requirements. The new legislation will, Ukraine expects, enable it to lower its proposed thresholds and to eliminate some of its general notes. At the discussions on 29 October 2014, Ukraine was asked to provide, as soon as possible, an English 
translation of its relevant legislation and, if possible, updated responses to the Checklist of Issues. 
                                               
55 GPA/ACC/MDA/14, dated 16 January 2014. 
56 GPA/ACC/MDA/17, dated 24 June 2014. 
57 Japan - GPA/ACC/MDA/19, dated 20 August 2014; the European Union - GPA/ACC/MDA/20, dated 
10 October 2014; and the United States – GPA/ACC/MDA/21, dated 21 October 2014. 
58 GPA/ACC/MDA/15, dated 17 March 2014. 
59 GPA/ACC/MDA/16, dated 23 April 2014. 
60 GPA/ACC/MDA/18, dated 25 June 2014. 
61 GPA/ACC/UKR/1 and GPA/107, both dated 9 February 2011. 
62 GPA/ACC/UKR/2, dated 2 August 2011; and GPA/ACC/UKR/3, dated 13 December 2012. 
63 GPA/ACC/UKR/9, dated 7 March 2014. 
64 The United States - GPA/ACC/UK R/10, dated 12 June 2014; Chinese Taipei - GPA/ACC/UKR/11, dated 
12 June 2014; and Japan - GPA/ACC/UKR/12, dated 21 July 2014. 
65 GPA/ACC/UKR/13, dated 28 October 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  3.27.  The Committee notes that the accession of Ukraine to the GPA would represent a significant 
addition to the market access commitments under the Agreement. Furthermore, it considers that the GPA's principles and requirements can play a significant role in strengthening relevant institutions in Ukraine. On this basis, and subject to further discussions, it is hoped that Ukraine's 
accession can be concluded in the first half of 2015. 
3.5  Other pending accessions 3.28.  During the reporting period, the Committee also kept under review the situation regarding 
other pending GPA accessions and accession commitments. In June 2014, the Chairman wrote to a 
number of observers with outstanding accession commitments, to inform them that the revised GPA had entered into force on 6 April 2014 and to encourage them to take up/make renewed 
efforts to carry forward their respective accessions.
66 In responding, Oman indicated its interest in 
obtaining technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat regarding the revised GPA and its 
accession process. Saudi Arabia reported, at the Committee's meeting on 29 October 2014, that it was in the process of translating relevant documents into Arabic and completing other preparatory 
steps, which would enable it to carry forward discussions with relevant Ministries. 
3.6  Secretariat technical assistance and ot her activities relevant to GPA accessions 
3.29.  Pursuant to a standing request by the Committee
67, the Secretariat, in the course of the 
meetings held in March, June and October 2014, provided brief reports on its relevant technical 
assistance activities during the review period . These comprised regional workshops, national 
seminars and related activities. The regional workshops delivered since the Committee's last report comprised three 3-day activities respectively fo r the benefit of: (i) Central and Eastern Europe, 
Central Asia and the Caucasus countries, held in October 2013 in Vienna, in cooperation with the 
Joint Vienna Institute; (ii) Latin American countries, held in July 2014 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in cooperation with the Inter-American Developm ent Bank (IADB); and (iii) the Arab and Middle 
East countries, held in Abu Dhabi, in September 2014, in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund 
(AMF). As regards national seminars, these comprised: one in December 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, at the request and for the benefit of Malaysia; and three activities in 2014, respectively at the 
request and for the benefit of Armenia, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. These latter activities 
were organised in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and, in the case of Armenia, also with the Commercial Law Development Program (CDLP) of the United States' Department of Commerce. 
3.30.  Beyond the foregoing activities organized or co-organized by the Secretariat, Secretariat 
representatives also participated, by invitation, in a number of relevant activities organised by 
other international organisations. These included: (i) an APEC Procurement Seminar in Ho Chi Minh 
City, Viet Nam in January 2014; (ii) a national seminar organised by the EBRD in Tunis, Tunisia in 
May 2014; and (iii) a workshop organized by th e EBRD in Vienna, for the benefit of the 
Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, in September 2014. 
3.31.  As foreseen in the Committee's last Annual Report
68, in early 2014, the Secretariat and the 
EBRD completed an exchange of  letters between their respective heads for the purpose of 
facilitating their cooperation. Subsequently, the EBRD established a "GPA Technical Cooperation Facility", with an overall budget (requested fo r 2014-2017) of EUR 1,250,000, to finance technical 
assistance related to GPA accession and/or ratification of the revised GPA to the extent required by 
relevant countries in the EBRD's catchment area. Drawing on this facility, the first Joint EBRD/WTO Capacity Building Session for Observers from Eastern Europe/Central Asia to the GPA was 
organised for Georgia, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Montenegro, Tajikistan, Turkey and Ukraine in 
Geneva, Switzerland, back-to-back with the Committee's meeting in June 2014. The programme allowed participants to have direct exposure to the Committee's proceedings at the time. 
                                               
66 Specifically, letters were sent by the Chairman to the following delegations: Georgia, Jordan, the 
Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The letters sent were complemented by oral contacts with some other delegations. 
67 At the request of the Chairman, the Secretariat pr epared a report on technical cooperation to the 
Committee in 2009 (GPA/W/308, dated 6 October 2009; GPA/103, dated 12 November 2009, paragraph 23). Subsequently, in 2010, the Committee requested the Secretariat to provide it with a report, on a continuing 
basis, on its technical co-operation activities in light of their potential relevance to future accessions (GPA/106, 
dated 9 December 2010, paragraph 30). 
68 GPA/121, dated 24 October 2013, paragraph 3.23. GPA/126 
 
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  3.32.  Meanwhile, as also reported in the Committee's 2013 Annual Report69, the Secretariat 
pursued its ongoing background discussions aimed at fostering greater cooperation and synergies with the World Bank on government procurement issues. Furthermore, the Secretariat participated in a multi-agency public procurement seminar in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2014.
70 Hosted by the 
Turkish Public Procurement Authority, the seminar focused on measuring and improving 
procurement performance. In its contribution, th e Secretariat highlighted the potential relevance 
of GPA principles and disciplines to realising the noted objectives. 
3.33.  In a further development, the Secretariat in early October organised a session in the 2014 
WTO Public Forum focusing on issues concerning government procurement, international trade disciplines and developing countries. The session was well attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations and relevant WTO Members. 
3.34.  The Committee welcomes these developments and considers that the Secretariat's technical 
assistance activities are important to promot e a better understanding of the GPA among WTO 
Members that are not yet Parties to it, and thereby to realize the vision that Parties' Ministers set 
out at Bali. The enhanced cooperation between the Secretariat and other organisations active in 
the area of government procurement further enhances the impact and cost-effectiveness of the technical assistance provided. Recognizing this, and in light of the entry into force of the revised 
Agreement earlier this year and consistent with the mandate provided by Ministers in related 
ministerial sessions
71, the Committee encourages the Secretariat to continue and intensify such 
work to the full extent possible. 
4  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT AND NOTIFICATIONS 
4.1.  This part of the report considers issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on 
Government Procurement, including: (i) the thresholds; (ii) the notification and review of national implementing legislation; (iii) statistical reporting; (iv) consultations and dispute settlement; and 
(v) modifications to the Appendices to the Agreement. A final sub-section deals with the "e-GPA 
project" which has been initiated to create an integrated market access information tool regarding Parties' government procurement markets, for the use of businesses and governments. 
4.1  Thresholds 
4.2.  In accordance with the Decision on Moda lities for Notifying Threshold Figures in National 
Currencies
72, since the last annual report, Hong Kong, China; the United States; Switzerland; 
Canada; Singapore; the European Union; Japan; Israel; Norway; Iceland and Chinese Taipei have 
provided information on their respective threshold figures expressed in national currencies for the 
relevant periods.73 
4.2  Notification and review of national implementing legislation 
4.3.  Pursuant to Article XXIV:5(b) of the 1994 Agreement, notifications were received from 
Japan.74 
4.4.  In the course of the review period, on two occasions in the Committee's formal meetings, 
Canada made detailed statements regarding the use of "Buy American" or similar clauses in 
                                               
69 GPA/121, dated 24 October 2013, paragraph 3.23. 
70 The 10th Public Procurement Knowledge Exchange Plat form, co-sponsored by the Asian Development 
Bank (ADB), EBRD, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and World Bank, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and SIGMA. 
71 GPA/112, dated 16 December 2011, paragraph 8; GPA/122, dated 3 December 2013, paragraph 5. 
72 GPA/1, dated 5 March 1996, Annex 3. 
73 Hong Kong, China - GPA/W/325, dated 9 December 2013; the United States - GPA/W/325/Add.1, 
dated 16 December 2013; Switzerland - GPA/W/325/Add.2, dated 19 December 2013; Canada - GPA/W/325/Add.3, dated 20 December 2013; Si ngapore - GPA/W/325/Add.4, dated 7 January 2014; 
the European Union - GPA/W/325/Add.5, dated 7 January 2014; Japan - GPA/W/325/Add.6, dated 5 February 2014 and GPA/W/328, dated 22 April 2014; Is rael - GPA/W/325/Add.7, dated 6 February 2014; 
Norway - GPA/W/325/Add.8, dated 14 July 2014; Icel and - GPA/W/325/Add.9, dated 22 July 2014; and 
Chinese Taipei - GPA/W/325/Add.10, dated 21 November 2014. 
74 GPA/37/Add.11, dated 15 April 2014; and GPA/99/Add.4, dated 15 April 2014. The revised 
Agreement entered into force for Japan on 16 April 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  procurement-related legislation and legisl ative proposals in the United States.75 I n  a d d i t i o n  t o  
other comments, the point was made that a perceived lack of clarity regarding the scope and application of such measures inherently favoured domestic suppliers at the expense of suppliers from other GPA Parties. Canada also inquired as to what steps the United States had taken, in 
regard to the referenced measures, to fulfil its commitment in Article XXII:6 of the revised 
Agreement, requiring that "Each Party shall seek to avoid introducing or continuing discriminatory measures that distort open procurement". Relate d points were made/concerns expressed by the 
European Union; Hong Kong, China; Israel; Japan; Norway; Singapore; Switzerland and 
Chinese Taipei.
76 
4.5.  In response, the United States emphasized th at it takes its international obligations seriously 
and ensures its covered procurements are in compliance with its international obligations. The 
United States further pointed out that its buy America requirements are transparent and provide 
for implementation in a manner consistent with international obligations. 
4.3  Statistical reporting 
4.6.  Article XIX:5 of the 1994 Agreement requires  Parties to collect and provide, on an annual 
basis, statistics on their procurements covered by the Agreement.77 During the period under 
review, Liechtenstein provided its reports for 2012 and 201378; Hong Kong, China provided its 
reports for 2012 and 201379; the European Union provided its reports for 2009, 2010 and 201180; 
Norway provided its reports for 2010, 2011 and 201281; and Chinese Taipei provided its report for 
2013.82 
4.4  Consultations and dispute settlement 
4.7.  No matters were raised during the reporting period under Article XXII of the 1994 Agreement 
on Government Procurement or under Article XX of the revised Agreement (Consultations and Dispute Settlement). 
                                               
75 See, for relevant details, GPA/M/56 of 4 September 2014, paragraphs 2.2. to 2.8.; and GPA/M/57, to 
be issued. 
76 See, for relevant details, GPA/M/56 of 4 Septembe r 2014, paragraphs 2.10. to 2.17.; and GPA/M/57, 
to be issued. 
77 Under the revised Agreement, statistics will be provided pursuant to Article XVI:4-6. 
78 GPA/119/Add.1, dated 15 November 2013 - Statisti cs for 2012 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 
1994 GPA; and GPA/123/Add.1, dated 9 October 2014 - Statistics for 2013 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 GPA. 
79 GPA/119/Add.2, dated 26 November 2013 - Statisti cs for 2012 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 
1994 GPA; and GPA/123/Add.2, dated 13 October 2014 - Statistics for 2013 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 GPA. 
80 GPA/104/Add.7, dated 24 April 2014 - Statistics for 2009 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 
GPA; GPA/108/Add.7, dated 22 October 2014 - Statistics for 2010 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 
GPA; and GPA/114/Add.5, dated 22 October 2014 - Statis tics for 2011 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 
1994 GPA. 
81 GPA/108/Add.6, dated 14 July 2014 - Statistics for 2010 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 
GPA; GPA/114/Add.4, dated 14 July 2014 - Statistics for 2011 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 GPA; 
and GPA/119/Add.3, dated 14 July 2014 - Statistics fo r 2012 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 GPA. 
82 GPA/123, dated 28 July 2014 - Statistics for 2013 reported under Article XIX:5 of the 1994 GPA. GPA/126 
 
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  4.5  Notifications relating to the Appendices to the Agreement83 
4.5.1  Modifications to Appendix I that have been certified since the Committee's 
meeting of 10 October 2013 
4.8.  During the reporting period, the following proposed modifications have been certified: 
a. Modifications by the United States: 
 GPA/MOD/USA/1484, effective as of 8 January 201485, given that no objections were 
made within 30 days. 
 GPA/MOD/USA/1586, effective as of 7 June 201487, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days (the period of objections specified in the revised Agreement). 
b. Modifications by Japan: 
 GPA/MOD/JPN/7088, effective as of 16 March 201489, given that no objections were 
made within 30 days. 
 GPA/MOD/JPN/7190, effective as of 12 June 201491, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
 GPA/MOD/JPN/7292, effective as of 25 June 201493, given that no objections were 
made within 30 days. 
 GPA/MOD/JPN/7394, effective as of 4 August 201495, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
 GPA/W/144, GPA/W/145 and GPA/W/14696, effective as of 28 October 201497, given 
that the European Union withdrew its objection to these modifications.98 In the 
formal meeting held on 29 October 2014, the representatives of the European Union 
and Japan noted that this would also fulfil the purpose set out in Note 5 to 
Appendix I, Annex 3 of Japan under the revised Agreement. The Committee took 
                                               
83 See also GPA/W/326, dated 19 March 2014 - Committee on Government Procurement - Approval and 
issuance of updated loose-leaf schedules to the revised Agreement on Government Procurement - Note from the Secretariat; and GPA/W/327, dated 11 April 2014 - Co mmittee on Government Procurement - Certification 
of updated loose-leaf sche dules to the revised Agreement on Government Procurement - Appendices II-IV - 
Note from the Secretariat. 
84 Proposed modification of Appendix I of the Unit ed States under Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA, 
dated 9 December 2013. 
85 WT/Let/919, dated 16 January 2014. 
86 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the United  States pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised 
GPA (modifications to create the United States loos e-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 
23 April 2014. 
87 WT/Let/950, dated 20 June 2014. 
88 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan pu rsuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA, dated 
14 February 2014. 
89 WT/Let/939, dated 21 March 2014. 
90 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japa n pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Japan's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 28 April 2014. 
91 WT/Let/952, dated 20 June 2014. 
92 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan pu rsuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA, dated 
26 May 2014. 
93 WT/Let/962, dated 11 July 2014. 
94 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan pu rsuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA, dated 
20 June 2014. 
95 WT/Let/981, dated 1 September 2014. 
96 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan pu rsuant to Article XXIV:6(b) of the 1994 GPA, all 
dated 29 August 2001. See also GPA/W/152, dated 20 September 2001 and GPA/W/152/Corr. 1, dated 
10 October 2001 for further information provided by Japan regarding these requests for modifications. 
97 WT/Let/1000, dated 13 November 2014. 
98 GPA/MOD/JPN/74, dated 28 October 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  note of this as an important development which had been outstanding for an 
extended period. 
c. Modifications by Hong Kong, China: 
 GPA/MOD/HKG/599, effective as of 23 March 2014100, given that no objections were 
made within 30 days. 
 GPA/MOD/HKG/6101, effective as of 26 May 2014102, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
d. Modifications by Liechtenstein: 
 GPA/MOD/LIE/1103, effective as of 26 May 2014104, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
e. Modifications by Israel: 
 GPA/MOD/ISR/12105, effective as of 11 May 2014106, given that no objections were 
made within 30 days. 
 GPA/MOD/ISR/13107, effective as of 26 May 2014108, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
f. Modifications by Singapore: 
 GPA/MOD/SGP/3109, effective as of 9 June 2014110, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
g. Modifications by Canada: 
 GPA/MOD/CAN/13111, effective as of 23 June 2014112, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
h. Modifications by the European Union: 
 GPA/MOD/EEC/26113, effective as of 7 July 2014114, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
                                               
99 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Hong Ko ng, China pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 
GPA, dated 21 February 2014. 
100 WT/Let/940, dated 27 March 2014. 
101 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Hong Ko ng, China pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised 
GPA (modifications to create Hong Kong, China's loos e-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 
11 April 2014. 
102 WT/Let/946, dated 18 June 2014. 
103 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Liechten stein pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Liechtenstein's loose-le af schedules under the re vised Agreement), dated 
11 April 2014. 
104 WT/Let/948, dated 18 June 2014. 
105 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Israel pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA, dated 
11 April 2014. 
106 WT/Let/942, dated 14 May 2014. 
107 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Israel  pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Israel's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 11 April 2014. 
108 WT/Let/947, dated 18 June 2014. 
109 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Singap ore pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Singapore's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 25 April 2014. 
110 WT/Let/951, dated 20 June 2014. 
111 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Canada  pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Canada's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 9 May 2014. 
112 WT/Let/954, dated 30 June 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  i. Modifications by Chinese Taipei: 
 GPA/MOD/TPKM/2115, effective as of 10 July 2014116, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
j. Modifications by the Kingdom of the Netherlands with respect to Aruba: 
 GPA/MOD/ABW/1117, effective as of 21 August 2014118, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
k. Modifications by Iceland: 
 GPA/MOD/ISL/1119, effective as of 28 August 2014120, given that no objections were 
made within 45 days. 
4.5.2  Proposed modifications to A ppendix I that remain outstanding 
4.9.  As to outstanding proposed modifications, the following are the developments, if any, that 
have taken place during the reporting period: 
a. Notification by Canada121: 
 There were no developments during the reporting period.122 
b. Notifications by the European Union concerning proposed modifications relating to the 
Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Ir eland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Spain 
and Sweden: 
 In April and July 2010, the EU submitted communications123 containing proposed 
modifications to its Schedules with regard to Spain and Ireland pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the Agreement. Canada objected to both of these proposed modifications.
124 There have been no new developments during this reporting period; 
 In November 2010, the EU submitted communications125 containing proposed 
modifications to its Schedules with regard  to the Czech Republic, Finland, France, 
                                                                                                                                               
113 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the Europe an Union pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised 
GPA (modifications to create the European Union's l oose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 
23 May 2014. 
114 WT/Let/977, dated 18 July 2014. 
115 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Chinese Ta ipei pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Chinese Taipei's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 26 May 2014. 
116 WT/Let/978, dated 18 July 2014. 
117 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the Ki ngdom of the Netherlands with respect to Aruba 
pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA (modifications to create the Kingdom of the Netherlands with respect to Aruba's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 7 July 2014. 
118 WT/Let/982, dated 2 September 2014. 
119 Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Icelan d pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA 
(modifications to create Iceland's loose-leaf schedules under the revised Agreement), dated 14 July 2014. 
120 WT/Let/985, dated 5 September 2014. 
121 Originally submitted in December 2006 (GPA/MOD/CAN/1, dated 19 December 2006). 
122 For the last reported update regarding this proposed modification, see GPA/103, dated 
12 November 2009, paragraph 11(i). 
123 Spain - GPA/MOD/EEC/3, dated 29 April 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the 
European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of  the 1994 GPA; and Ireland - GPA/MOD/EEC/5, dated 
8 July 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of th e European Union pursuant to  Article XXIV:6(a) of the 
1994 GPA. 
124 Spain - GPA/MOD/EEC/4, dated 27 May 2010 – Communication from Canada concerning the 
European Union's proposed modifications to its Appendix I; and Ireland - GPA/MOD/EEC/6, dated 
2 August 2010 - Communication from Cana da concerning the European Union's proposed modifications to its 
Appendix I. 
125 Sweden - GPA/MOD/EEC/10, dated 24 November 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the 
European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA; France - GPA/MOD/EEC/11, dated GPA/126 
 
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  Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 
Agreement on Government Procurement. Canada objected to the proposed modifications to Sweden, France, Poland, Romania and Finland
126; and the 
United States objected to each of these proposed modifications.127 There have been 
no new developments during this reporting period; and 
 In March 2011, the EU submitted a communication128 containing proposed 
modifications to its Schedules with regard to Hungary pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) 
of the Agreement on Government Procurement. The United States objected to these 
proposed modifications.129 There have been no new developments during this 
reporting period. 
c. Notifications by Japan concerning proposed modifications relating to: 
 Railway Construction Public Corporation and Corporation for Advanced Transport and 
Technology130: 
No developments during the reporting period.131 
 National Aerospace Laboratory132: 
No developments during the reporting period.133 
 Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation, Japan Regional Development 
Corporation, Urban Development Corporation134: 
No developments during the reporting period.135 
                                                                                                                                               
7 December 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) 
of the 1994 GPA; Poland – GPA/MOD/EEC/12, dated 7 December 2010, and GPA/MOD/EEC/12/Corr.1, dated 10 December 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA; the Czech Republic – GPA/MOD/EEC/13, dated 7 December 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to  Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA; Romania – 
GPA/MOD/EEC/14, dated 9 December 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA; Fi nland – GPA/MOD/EEC/15, dated 10 December 2010 - 
Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA; 
and Lithuania – GPA/MOD/EEC/16, dated 10 December 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
126 Sweden - GPA/MOD/EEC/18, dated 6 January 2011 - Communication from Canada concerning the 
European Union's proposed modifications to its Appendix I; France - GPA/MOD/EEC/19, dated 6 January 2011 - Communication from Canada concerning  the European Union's proposed mo difications to its Appendix I; 
Poland - GPA/MOD/EEC/20, dated 6 January 2011 - Communication from Canada concerning the European Union's proposed modifications to it s Appendix I; Romania - GPA/MOD/EEC/21, dated 
10 January 2011 - Communication from Canada concerning the European Union's proposed modifications to its Appendix I; and Finland - GPA/MOD/EEC/22, dated 10 January 2011 - Communication from Canada concerning the European Union's proposed mo difications to its Appendix I. 
127 GPA/MOD/EEC/17, dated 20 December 2010. 
128 Hungary - GPA/MOD/EEC/23, dated 24 March 2011 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the 
European Union pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
129 GPA/MOD/EEC/24, dated 5 April 2011. 
130 GPA/W/272 and GPA/W/272/Rev.1, dated 23 September and 8 October 2003, respectively - 
Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan purs uant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. A revised 
notification was distributed in document s GPA/MOD/JPN/55, dated 7 September 2010 and 
GPA/MOD/JPN/55/Corr.1, dated 19 November 2010 – Revision of Japan's proposed modifications to Appendix I. 
131 For the last reported updates rega rding this proposed modification, see GPA/106, dated 
9 December 2010, paragraph 14(iii); and GPA/110, dated 16 November 2011, paragraph 29(iii). 
132 GPA/W/275, dated 23 September 2003. 
133 For the last reported update rega rding this proposed modification, see GPA/106, dated 
9 December 2010, paragraph 14(iii). 
134 GPA/MOD/JPN/7, dated 26 July 2004 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Japan pursuant to 
Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
135 For the last reported update regarding this proposed modification, see GPA/95, dated 
9 December 2008, paragraph 11(ii). GPA/126 
 
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  d. Notifications by Norway: 
 In November 2014, Norway submitted proposed modifications to its Appendix I 
pursuant to Article XIX:1(b) under the revised Agreement on Government Procurement.
136 The end of the objection period will be on 18 December 2014. 
 In January 2011, Norway sent a communicati on with proposed modifications to its 
Annex 1 of Appendix I pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the Agreement on Government Procurement.
137 Canada and the United States submitted objections to 
these proposed modifications.138 In February 2013, Canada withdrew its objection.139 
No developments during the reporting period.140 
e. Notifications by the United States: 
 In September 2001, the US notified proposed modifications to reflect changes in the 
administrative structure of the Federal Government141, as regards the Uranium 
Enrichment Corporation. 
No developments during the reporting period.142 
 In November 2010, the US notified proposed modifications to Annex 2 of 
Appendix I.143 The EU and Canada submitted objections to these proposed 
modifications.144 In February 2013, Canada withdrew its objection.145 
No developments during the reporting period.146 
4.5.3  Notifications of Appendices II to IV of the Agreement 4.10.  During the reporting period, Liechtenstein
147; Norway148; Hong Kong, China149; Canada150; 
the United States151; Chinese Taipei152; the European Union153; Israel154; Singapore155; and 
                                               
136 GPA/MOD/NOR/5, dated 3 November 2014 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Norway 
pursuant to Article XIX:1 of the revised GPA. 
137 GPA/MOD/NOR/1, dated 6 January 2011 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of Norway pursuant 
to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
138 GPA/MOD/NOR/3, dated 4 February 2011 – Objections of the United States to Norway's proposed 
modifications to Appendix I of the GPA; and GPA/MOD/NOR/2, dated 13 January 2011 - Objections of Canada 
to Norway's proposed modifications to Appendix I of the GPA. 
139 GPA/MOD/NOR/4, dated 26 February 2013. 
140 For the last reported update rega rding this proposed modification, see GPA/121, dated 
24 October 2013, paragraph 4.7.d. 
141 GPA/W/153, dated 25 September 2001 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the United States 
pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
142 For the last reported update regarding this proposed modification, see GPA/89, dated 
11 December 2006, paragraph 13(ii). 
143 GPA/MOD/USA/9, dated 22 November 2010 - Proposed modifications to Appendix I of the 
United States pursuant to Article XXIV:6(a) of the 1994 GPA. 
144 GPA/MOD/USA/10, dated 30 November 2010 - Commu nication from the European Union concerning 
the United States' proposed modifications to its Appendix I; and GPA/MOD/USA/11, dated 20 December 2010 - Communication from Canada concerning  the United States' proposed mo difications to its Appendix I. 
145 GPA/MOD/USA/13, dated 26 February 2013 - Communication from Canada concerning the United 
States' proposed modifications to its Appendix I. 
146 For the last reported update rega rding this proposed modification, see GPA/121, dated 
24 October 2013, paragraph 4.7.e. 
147 GPA/W/324, dated 21 October 2013. 
148 GPA/W/324/Add.1, dated 21 October 2013. 
149 GPA/W/324/Add.2, dated 1 December 2013. 
150 GPA/W/324/Add.3, dated 23 January 2014. 
151 GPA/W/324/Add.4, dated 28 January 2014. 
152 GPA/W/324/Add.5, dated 10 February 2014. 
153 GPA/W/324/Add.6, dated 26 February 2014. 
154 GPA/W/324/Add.8, dated 21 March 2014. 
155 GPA/W/324/Add.9, dated 25 March 2014. GPA/126 
 
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  Iceland156 notified their Appendices II to IV. These were certified on 29 April 2014 and are 
effective as of 18 April 2014.157 
4.11.  Japan notified its Appendices II to IV on 14 March 2014158 and submitted a revised 
notification on 15 May 2014.159 These were certified on 4 June 2014 and are effective as of 
15 May 2014.160 
4.6  The "e-GPA project" 4.12.  During the reporting period, significant prog ress occurred with respect to the project that is 
being carried out by the Secretariat, with the support of the Committee, to create a more 
integrated and interactive GPA website of the Part ies' coverage commitments than presently exists 
(the so-called e-GPA project). The e-GPA project aims to create an integrated database comprising information on the GPA Parties' market access schedules under the revised Agreement, the 
statistical reports of the Parties and links to the GPA Parties' own relevant websites, to serve as a 
market access information tool for governments, businesses and other interested parties. 
4.13.  This project, which is being implemen ted with the support and collaboration of the 
Secretariat's Information Technology Solutions Division (ITSD), is consistent with and builds upon 
key thrusts of the revised GPA, as well as with an overall drive in the Secretariat to make better use of electronic tools in making information available in formats that are helpful both to Member 
governments and, where feasible, their suppliers. The importance of the project is also referenced 
in the Ministerial Declaration issued by the Committee, at its meeting at Bali in 2013.
161 
4.14.  In the course of the meetings held in March and June 2014, the Secretariat updated the 
Committee on the progress achieved and demonstrated a working model of the e-GPA. As 
foreshadowed in these meetings, on 7 July 2014, an initial version of the e-GPA portal was 
released for trial and feedback by the Parties. A public version of the Portal, incorporating further enhancements, was released on 17 November 2014. This version of the e-GPA is fully integrated 
into the traditional GPA website and is also accessible via the WTO's Integrated Trade Intelligence 
Portal (i-TIP).
162 This version, nonetheless, represents only Phase I of the project. It is a work in 
progress and many additional features are expected to be added over time. 
                                               
156 GPA/W/324/Add.10, dated 28 March 2014. 
157 WT/Let/941, dated 29 April 2014. 
158 GPA/W/324/Add.7, dated 18 March 2014. 
159 GPA/W/324/Add.7/Rev.1, dated 26 May 2014. 
160 WT/Let/944, dated 4 June 2014. 
161 GPA/122, dated 3 December 2013, paragraph 6. 
162 The e-GPA portal is accessible through any of the following links: " https://e-
gpa.wto.org/en/Help/QuickAccess "; http://www.wto.org/english/tratop _e/gproc_e/gpa_database_e.htm ; and 
http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/itip_e.htm . GPA/126 
 
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  ATTACHMENT A 
MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
(3 DECEMBER 2013, AT BALI, INDONESIA) 
DECLARATION 
1.  We, the Parties to the WTO Agreement on  Government Procurement ("the Agreement"), 
meeting at Ministerial level at Bali, note with satisfaction that already seven instruments of acceptance have been deposited regarding the Protocol Amending the Agreement on Government 
Procurement ("the Protocol"), adopted at Geneva  on 30 March 2012. On the basis of these and 
other instruments of acceptance that are expected to be deposited in the near future, we declare our shared objective of bringing the revised Agreem ent into force, pursuant to paragraph 3 of the 
Protocol, as soon as possible, and in any event not later than 31 March 2014. We undertake to do 
our utmost to facilitate this outcome, bearing in mind the requirements of our respective domestic 
processes. 
2.  The entry into force of the revised Agreement recognizes the crucial importance of government 
procurement as a dimension of economic activity, and its significance for world trade, prosperity and development. It effectively modernizes the Agreement; expands access to government 
procurement markets by an estimated USD 80-100 billion annually; promotes good governance 
and deters corruption; and facilitates the effective management of public resources. 
3.  We acknowledge the efforts that some WTO Members are making to accede to the Agreement 
on mutually satisfactory terms, in particular  New Zealand, Montenegro and China, and shall 
continue to work with them to this end. 
4.  We invite and encourage all WTO Members that are not yet Parties to the Agreement to 
consider the possibility of accession, noting that developing and least developed Members can, subject to negotiations, benefit from the improv ed transitional measures incorporated in the 
revised Agreement. We particularly ask the delegations whose accession negotiations have 
remained inactive for an extended period of time  to renew their efforts to complete the accession 
process. Equally, we invite all interested WTO Members to become Observers to the Committee on 
Government Procurement ("the Committee"), in order to gain familiarity with the opportunities 
that accession to the Agreement can provide. 
5.  We recognize and support the efforts of the WTO Secretariat, with the support of GPA Parties 
where appropriate, to provide technical assistance, upon request, in particular for developing and 
least developed WTO Members considering joining the revised Agreement. 
6.  We, equally, recognize and support the ongoing work, to be completed by the Secretariat in 
consultation with the Committee, to create an integrated web portal on government procurement based on Parties' market access schedules, notifications and other information, as a market access 
information tool for governments and businesses. 
7.  We commit ourselves to the early finalization of  the ongoing work by Parties on decisions to be 
adopted by the Committee pursuant to Article XIX:8 of the revised Agreement with respect to 
modifications and rectifications to coverage, in a way that is satisfactory to all Parties. 
8.  We call for the prompt initiation of work, following the coming into force of the revised 
Agreement, on the Committee's Future Work Progra mmes set out in Appendix 2 of the Decision on 
the Outcomes of the Negotiations under Article XXIV:7 of the Agreement that was adopted on 30 March 2012 (GPA/113), noting that the Work Programmes are important to facilitate mutual 
understanding of Parties' approaches to the im plementation of the revised Agreement, and to 
improve its administration over time. 
 
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