APPLICATION FOR ACCESSION TO THE AGREEMENT ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT

COMMUNICATION FROM AUSTRALIA

The following communication, dated 2 June 2015, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of Australia.

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Dear Mr Newham,

I am delighted to advise you that the Australian Government has decided to seek accession to the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). The Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon Mr Robb AO MP, has publicly announced Australia's accession bid.

Australia enjoys a world-class government procurement system based on the principles of value of money, non-discrimination and is open to competition from foreign suppliers.

I am confident that Australia will make a strong contribution to the GPA and development of future international government trade rules.

I expect to provide an initial market access offer and the GPA checklist (GPA/35) in coming months.

The Commonwealth Government has undertaken extensive negotiations with all the States and Territories prior to making this announcement. I wish to assure you and all GPA members that all Australian Governments at both the central and sub-central level are committed to working towards timely GPA accession.

Please do not hesitate to bring to my attention or that of my staff (andrew.sainsbury@dfat.gov.au) at the Australian mission any issues you or GPA members wish to raise outside the formal meeting structure. We are available to take forward this important initiative as a priority.

Yours sincerely,

Hamish McCormick

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO

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