World trade experts hail China's procurement offer

Senior experts from World Trade Organization welcomed China's improved offer to join the WTO government procurement agreement (GPO) and said it was a significant step that would improve the nation's global image. The improved plan includes significant changes over the previous proposal.  WTO experts from China have also welcomed the revised offer. Although details about the new offer are still unclear, "the revised offer indicates that China is more positive and flexible on the GPA issue", said Tong Zhiguang, former vice-minister of commerce and chief WTO negotiator.

The Ministry of Commerce declined to elaborate on the new proposal and said it was still under negotiation. "Joining the GPA was only a question of time for China, and the current moves are appreciated as it shows the urgency on the GPA issue and the commitment to implement WTO pledges," said Zhou Shijian, executive director of the China Society for WTO Studies.

But "what concerns me most is whether and when the other GPA members like the US strictly follow the commitments made under the agreement," Zhou said. The US said it is analyzing the revised proposal to ensure that the terms of accession are comprehensive and comparable. The US had in the past said China was discriminating against foreign firms and blocking exports from America. It also wanted China to follow through on its commitments.

But the US also invoked criticism when it decided to launch a "Buy American" plan last year to protect local manufacturers. Experts want the US to honor its WTO commitments while implementing the plan. "The US should set a good example as a GPA member before it seeks high requirements from other nations like China," Zhou said. So far, 41 out of the WTO's 153 members have joined the GPA.

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